What is Tai Chi Chuan?

Tai Chi Chuan is a martial art, a form of boxing, and a qigong for health and fitness. It represents the culmination of internal martial arts in China, and its theory is primarily derived from the culture of the Book of Changes, Laozi’s philosophy, and the health theories of the Yellow Emperor’s Internal Classic.

Traditionally, Tai Chi Chuan did not have any specific schools, but gradually developed into several schools after the beginning of the Republic of China. According to the style characteristics of each school, several representative schools were named, including the five major schools and the nine smaller schools of Wudang, Zhao Bao, etc.

In the mid-17th century, Chen Wangting, from Chen Village in Wen County, built upon the family martial arts passed down and absorbed the strengths of various martial arts. He combined the theories of the Book of Changes and Chinese medicine and created a new martial art that integrated the concepts of yin and yang, balance between hardness and softness, and cultivation of both internal and external aspects. This new martial art was named Tai Chi Chuan.

Since there are many different forms of Tai Chi Chuan, it is recommended to watch videos of various Tai Chi Chuan schools before starting to practice. Choose a style that suits your personal conditions and preferences. Do not blindly practice in a park, as different parks may have different teachers teaching different forms of Tai Chi Chuan.

Benefits of Tai Chi

The benefits of practicing Tai Chi are numerous. Harvard Medical School has confirmed that practicing Tai Chi can improve balance and alleviate back pain. In a study of 208 patients with high blood pressure, it was found that after three months of Tai Chi practice, not only did their blood pressure significantly decrease, but they also experienced weight control, slower heart rate, improved metabolism and other benefits.

Regular Tai Chi practice helps relax muscles and emotions, leading to better sleep. The breathing during Tai Chi is unconscious and natural, with your focus on guiding your mind rather than breathing. Static postures such as sitting, lying down, meditating, and standing upright can also use breathing to guide energy to meridian points in the body.

If you are not feeling well and cannot find the cause, why not try Tai Chi, which is even recommended by Harvard Medical School!