Many people have the assumption that Tai Chi is best practiced when wrinkles and grey hair make their first appearance. This can’t be further from the truth. It is sad that this stigma prevents youths from trying out Tai Chi because they associate Tai Chi practice with getting old.
In fact, Tai Chi practice will stretch one’s physical limits as a different set of muscles is being worked on. The abdomen, back, pelvic and thigh muscles are required to be strong to enable a Tai Chi practitioner to perform the Tai Chi routine gracefully. Don’t let the fluid, elegant movements of Tai Chi fool you into thinking that it is easily achieved. A stable core, a solid sense of balance and years of regular practice are the secrets to the seemingly effortless outlook of an impressive Tai Chi demonstration.
Beginners to Tai Chi would find it extremely challenging to slow down. A Tai Chi routine performed in 20 minutes is completed in half that time by a beginner. The beginner’s mind is tense because it is constantly occupied with remembering the next step of the routine. This hinders the body’s ability to relax fully resulting in a hurried pace.
The magic of Tai Chi can only occur when the mind and body is relaxed. Once that happens, the circulation of the internal energy (qi) is complete and the body’s innate ability to heal is activated. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), diseases arise when the body’s internal energy is blocked so regular Tai Chi practice brings one’s body back into balance. Tai Chi practitioners are proven to have a stronger immune system, a more positive outlook on life and better memory.
Everyone can benefit from Tai Chi because stress is an inevitable part of life. Highly stressed individuals usually experience a significant decrease in stress-related symptoms after Tai Chi practice. Stress-related symptoms can include insomnia, tightness in shoulders, back pain, migraines, shortness of breath, gastric problems, and others.
Tai Chi is a mind-body exercise because the mind is engaged throughout the Tai Chi routine. If the practitioner allows his mind to wander, he will lose focus and forget the routine. Tai Chi is also known as meditation in motion. After Tai Chi practice, the practitioner will be in a relaxed state at least for the next few hours. With a clear relaxed mind, daily tasks get accomplished faster and with greater precision.
It is never too early to start Tai Chi. Give yourself a chance to experience the magic of Tai Chi by keeping an open mind and heart. Come for a trial class and try it out!
We offer Tai Chi and Wushu classes in Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Contact us at 012-2211430 or email us at huayingwushu@gmail.com for more details.
