Listen u p, alternative medicine fans—if you love the healing benefits that come from a regular yoga practice, you may want to check out Tai Chi. Tai Chi is translated to mean “Supreme Absolute Fist”, but it’s actually a lot more calming than it sounds.
Based on Chinese and Taoist philosophy, the practice originated in China over 1,000 years ago. Tai Chi is centered on the principles of Yin and Yang—which are two opposite energies. When you practice Tai Chi, you use calm, flowing movements that appear to be a trance-like dance. It looks like a type of moving meditation because its ultimate goal is to connect the mind and body through gentle motion.
In essence, Tai Chi is a non-competitive, self-paced practice of gentle stretching and movement. The main difference between yoga and Tai Chi is that the yoga is more focused on the postures, while the latter emphasizes movement. Unlike certain types of yoga, which sometimes involve savasana in between fast-paced postures, you are constantly moving in Tai Chi because one posture flows directly into the next without a pause.
However, like yoga, ANYONE can practice Tai Chi, regardless of age or physical ability. Older people may find Tai Chi particularly appealing because it is low-impact and puts minimal stress on the joints and muscles. Lots of people practice Tai Chi to:
• Improve flexibility
• Reduce stress
• Improve muscle tone and strength
• Increase their energy levels
Because Tai Chi emphasizes proper alignment and really feeling the postures, it is practiced very slowly and gently. Although your body remains in a state of total relaxation, you are in complete control over your movements. During a typical Tai Chi session, you shift your weight continuously to attain balance in the body.
No two forms of Tai Chi are alike! There are over 100 possible movements and poses, but you don’t have to do all of them in one day. You can find a few that you really enjoy practicing and stick with those, or explore the full range of movements. While some forms of Tai Chi are a little more intense than others, they all have rhythmic and manageable poses in common.
Wondering how to start a Tai Chi practice? The best part about Tai Chi is that you don’t need any special equipment or clothing to do it. Many people even practice Tai Chi in the park, or wherever they feel the greatest sense of relaxation. So, if you’re looking to supplement your yoga practice, or just try something new, check out some Tai Chi classes in your local gym or community center.
