| Most people associate Chinese health practices | | | | potential enemies and attackers effectively |
| with highly energetic, even aggressive forms of | | | | without observers even being able to see how |
| martial arts that involve kicking in the air, | | | | the offender landed on the floor! |
| delivering punches at the speed of lightning, | | | | Features of Tai Chi |
| breaking down solid brick walls with a straight hit | | | | The main feature of Tai Chi is that all bodily |
| with the side of the palm or similar fantasy stuff. | | | | movements are based on the correct use of |
| This is usually promoted by Hollywood | | | | internal energies, which the uninitiated may find |
| interpretations of Chinese fitness forms. | | | | easy to miss out on since these are very subtle |
| However, they would be surprised to know Tai | | | | movements at times, best summarized in the |
| Chi, an ancient Chinese health secret requires | | | | adage - "four ounces can deflect a thousand |
| followers to do none of these extraordinary | | | | pounds." It requires a very superior skill set to |
| actions or be a movie star to enjoy optimum | | | | deliver such a powerful blow that enables the |
| body, mind and soul well being. Read on to find | | | | defender to only channelize such little energy and |
| out more about this ancient Chinese health secret | | | | successfully neutralize much greater external |
| and how you can use various forms of it | | | | forces, such as those of an attacker. |
| effectively to enjoy a holistic and happy life, filled | | | | Many spectators are naturally puzzled to see the |
| with contentment and self discipline. It is both a | | | | powerful and controlled effects of an outward |
| martial art and healing art form that benefits our | | | | action that looks seemingly composed and |
| mind, body and spirit. | | | | intended to enhance relaxation, but martial Tai Chi |
| Historical relevance of Tai Chi | | | | is a different aspect of the meditative body, |
| Qigong, an old time Chinese discipline rooted in | | | | mind, soul balancing philosophy that now charms |
| traditional eastern medicine is at the root of Tai | | | | global audiences and dedicated followers, including |
| Chi, which was used as a form of martial art | | | | Americans and Europeans. |
| nearly 2500 years ago. But, it evolved into a | | | | Benefits of Tai Chi |
| more rhythmic, slow and almost meditative style | | | | Today, many people in the Western world have |
| of bodily movements in recent decades, where | | | | taken to this traditional Chinese medicine form |
| inner peace, relaxation and finding balance in a | | | | that is essentially based on Qi Gong where body |
| crazy world were increasingly concerns that were | | | | mechanics are respected and inner energies |
| capably addressed by Tai Chi. In fact, even today, | | | | channelize to help followers develop, enhance and |
| it is not uncommon to find a large number of | | | | even recover lost muscle control, such as after |
| people still following the modern form of Tai Chi in | | | | cancer surgery in order to experience sure health |
| various public parks and select school rooms | | | | benefits that are long term. |
| besides specialty holistic healing studios. | | | | For other followers of Tai Chi, benefits include |
| Though it was initially conceptualized as a | | | | something as basic as being able to improve their |
| self-defense form the original design did cover | | | | stamina during walking and have a better, happier |
| elements of promoting inner peace and improving | | | | and calmer attitude to leading their lives in a more |
| the sense of calm in the persons following it and | | | | fulfilling way. |
| the masters were even known to fend off | | | | |