| The practice of Tai Chi combines flowing | | | | properly throughout the body, thus maintaining |
| movement and breathing techniques with mental | | | | health, vitality, and energy. |
| and spiritual awareness to bring about a workout | | | | This graceful form of exercise has been known |
| that benefits the mind, body, and soul. If you are | | | | to help people regain strength, posture and |
| experiencing a lot of stress in your life, then you | | | | balance. It can improve circulation while also |
| may benefit from joining a Tai Chi class in your | | | | bringing on a meditative state that assists in |
| local area, or even getting a book or video from | | | | relaxation. |
| the library and learning the movements on your | | | | A study in the Archives of Internal Medicine |
| own at home. | | | | (3-8-04) examined 47 previous studies on the |
| Tai Chi originated in China, where it is said that a | | | | health effects of Tai Chi, and found that Tai Chi |
| Taoist monk by the name of Chang San-Feng | | | | showed positive effects on:o Respiratory and |
| witnessed a struggle between a crane and a | | | | cardiovascular functioningo Blood pressureo |
| snake. The crane attacked the snake with hard | | | | Balanceo Arthritis, flexibility and strengtho |
| jabs of its beak, while the snake's soft and | | | | Depression or moodo Immunity |
| flowing maneuvers won the battle. The snake's | | | | If you are interested in finding a Tai Chi class in |
| movements were the inspiration for Tai Chi, | | | | your area, you may want to check out your local |
| which is now practiced not only in China, but all | | | | Dojo or even a YMCA. This is a wonderful |
| over the world. | | | | exercise for people of all ages, from the very old |
| In practicing Tai Chi movements on a daily basis, | | | | to the very young. It takes practice and |
| it is thought that Chi (or the life-energy that flows | | | | concentration, and some people perform it |
| through you body) is enhanced. If Chi cannot flow | | | | consistently throughout their entire lives. Tai Chi |
| to certain organs of the body, they become | | | | can be a great addition to your workout regimen |
| "malnourished," resulting in illness. Tai Chi exercises | | | | not only for the physical and mental benefits, but |
| supposedly open up the channels for Chi to flow | | | | also for your spirit. |