About Tai Chi

Tai Chi, sometimes called Tai Chi Chuan, is a non-competitive, self-paced system of gentle physical exercise and stretching. During a Tai Chi class, participants perform a series of postures or movements in a slow, graceful manner. Each posture flows into the next without pausing.

Anyone, regardless of age or physical ability, can practice Tai Chi. It does not take physical prowess. Tai chi emphasises technique over strength.

Tai Chi is used to reduce stress, increase flexibility, improve muscle strength and definition, increase energy, stamina and agility and increase feelings of well-being.

Tai Chi has more than 100 possible movements and positions. You can find several that you like and stick with those, or explore the full range. Most forms of Tai Chi are gentle and suitable for everyone. And they all include rhythmic patterns of movement that are coordinated with breathing.

Stress Reduction and other benefits of Tai Chi

Like other practices that bring mind and body together, Tai Chi can reduce stress. During a class, you focus on movement and breathing. This combination creates a state of relaxation and calm. Stress, anxiety and tension should melt away as you focus on the present, and the effects may last well after you stop your Tai Chi session.

Tai Chi may also help your overall health, although it's not a substitute for traditional medical care. Tai Chi is generally safe for people of all ages and levels of fitness. Older adults may especially find Tai Chi appealing because the movements are low impact and put minimal stress on muscles and joints. Tai Chi may also be helpful if you have arthritis or are recovering from an injury.

Despite its ancient history, Tai Chi has been studied scientifically only in recent years. Research suggests  that Tai Chi may offer numerous other benefits beyond stress reduction, including reducing anxiety and depression, improving balance, improving sleep quality, such as staying asleep longer at night and feeling more alert during the day, slowing bone loss in women after menopause, lowering blood pressure, improving cardiovascular fitness, relieving chronic pain and improving everyday physical functioning.