Dissecting the components of Tai Chi we can recognise the way that Taoist Yin/Yang theory enables us to understand this way of creating balance in ourselves – coupled with Buddist meditation which helps us to clear our minds and live in the moment.
Chi Kung – it has been said that all Tai Chi is Chi Kung but not all Chi Kung is Tai Chi. We use internal energy work ( literal translation of Chi Kung ) to dissipate tensions and promote corrections in structure and movement. Then we can identify the model of energy meridians – a concept which helps us to understand the relationships within our bodies.
The practice of Tai Chi is a totally holistic process – using its foundations in Taoism and Buddhism which offer entirely practical ways to develop all aspects of ourselves. For example we use physical exercise and work with training partners to reduce our sensitivity to confrontation or daily lower stress levels.
We develop a personal understanding of how Yin and Yang work and how we can foster awareness through meditation.
It is certainly to be hoped that students in their early years should not require much work in loosening the body – we hope that a teen or twenties body has not accumulated too much internal tension – where this is an issue it should be dealt with. Regular work can therefore focus on building structure and relaxed resilient strength – using tendons and fascia rather than major muscle groups ( these can come later) martial practice is usually indicated – eg low stances, long forms, partner work and weapons forms.
Tai Chi Class cancellations
Shefford – Sunday
April 9
Shefford – Monday
April 10
Biggleswade – Wednesday
Flitwick – Monday
10th April
1st, 8th and 29th May
28th August
25th December
1st January
When we find Tai Chi in our middle years eg 30+ then we may well be looking to put a good amount of effort into our practice and perhaps to explore the martial aspects. Fortunately the training at this time is the same as for other espects but with the emphasis on loosening, improving structure and building resilient strength.
There is ample opportunity to explore the literature, the videos and the courses available, and you are likely to have the resources which enable you to invest in your practice.
The issue of Tai Chi for people in later years eg over 50 really exemplifies popular interest in the subject, since if we come to Tai Chi in our later years it is generally for health reasons with a view to extending a good quality of life, to address our vulnerability to falls and hopefully extend our lifespan. This requires a regular low energy level of activity with the focus on loosening and rebuilding a resilient structure.
It is my experience that Tai Chi movement promotes a healthy lifestyle on the principle of a healthy body for a healthy mind. Regular comfortable movement while paying careful attention at all times encourages integration and improved respiration. Soft movement allows joints to open so reducing the load on moving surfaces and stresses on soft tissues.
In practicing Tai Chi we learn to manage our movement by becoming aware of the inner workings of our bodies – then in the process of living we can learn to deal with stresses, accidents, illnesses etc by working with our bodies to aid resilience and healing.
I am often contacted by people looking to deal with a medical issue – things like a bad back, arthritis, Parkinsons or other conditions – they may have read that Tai Chi is good for it on the internet or even been recommended by their doctor. Please be aware that in my view Tai Chi does not “cure” anything – but it can be a very useful way of creating space and learning skills for the person to heal themselves.
We can work on good posture for example to relieve stresses in the structure and so enable the person to find a way of moving/living that is comfortable. We may be able to work on patterns of movement that require less reliance on tension for fine motor control thus reducing reliance on specific neuro-muscular controls.
As I try to explain to all my students – please learn to look after yourself – Tai Chi practice can offer the tools for you to learn about embodied movement – it is up to the individual to learn those skills.
Development of Tai Chi movement involves regular practice of simple exercise patterns working with gravity to encourage light, smooth body use. These exercises are derived from the work of many teachers over the last 400 years and are often associated with the form/s practiced by the teacher passing on these exercises. Tai Chi principles of relaxation, movement from the centre, and connectedness, should be considered at all times, unless one has a particular purpose such as in stretching, or for energy work (Chi Kung) or to develop body awareness through breathing.
It is worth noting that Chen style Tai Chi is often referred to as “hard / soft” and especially encourages the development of softness according to the Taoist Yin/Yang model. A half relaxed “sung” body state is referred to.
