What is Tai Chi?
Pushing hands (tui shou), the partner exercise of tai chi. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
What is Tai Chi? You must be wondering the moment you came across this term, it very well known as one of the ancient Chinese martial art and exercise. This practice originated in the region of China, and now it is practiced extensively all around the globe particularly where Asian communities are living.
In the Chinese culture, working out happens to be an extremely imperative part of one’s daily living. People living in the regions of Taiwan, China and various other parts normally get up early morning so that they can work out. Tai Chi is a renowned exercise that most of the Chinese practice. However, in the western regions, the antediluvian Chinese workout is still unknown and various people have doubts about it.
The Different Theories
There are some unusual origin theories. Zhang San Feng happens to be one of the renowned origin theories. Zhang San Fen has been considered as a Taoist monk from Wu Dang Mountain and he was someone considered as an expert in the field of intimate martial arts. He once had a dream and in the dream he saw a crane and snake fight.
Every single time when the crane grasped on top of the snake, but it relaxed and fully escaped through the cranes grip. As the snake is soft and delicate, it was capable to trounce the crane with ease. Later on Zhang San Feng considered this principle that was opted by the snake, and came up with thirteen different postures. With the passage of time, these postures became the fundamentals of the Tai Chi.
Original Postures
Out of these thirteen basic postures, various different styles emerged. All of these styles were originally developed from different families and later on were also named after them. The primary ones are Sun, Wu/Hao, Wu, Yang, and Chen.
Although all of these styles are different but they do have likely movements, they do have some exclusive moves as well which are useful in differentiating every style from another. It does not matter which particular style you prefer practicing, the ideology is pretty similar or same.
The Differences
Some people keep wondering about the differences between Qi Gong and Tai Chi? However, Qi Gong appears to be a much broader term. It has many different kinds which mainly include sitting Qi Gong, moving Qi Gong, and standing Qi Gong. On the other hand, Tai Chi happens to be just another structure of the moving Qi Gong. These can turn out to be exceeding useful in improvising an individual’s internal energy as well as enhancing the internal organs functioning. Contrasting the Qi Gong, the technique of Tai Chi even can be utilized for the purpose of self defense. Every single move if learned appropriate can be extremely beneficial for self-protection.
Health Benefits
Tai Chi offers numerous health benefits as well. The primary ones include cardiovascular, flexibility, balance, stress reduction, self defense and strengthening the internal system. According to modern research, there have been a lot more and it has proven to be extremely effective for an individual’s balance as well as the body system.
Conclusion
Tai Chi happens to be a low impact, gentle and soft working out technique that can be useful in enhancing an individual’s overall wellness and health. It has also being recommended by various Chinese medicine practitioners to patients so that they can prevent themselves from getting more illnesses. This particular technique can be adapted easily at all levels and by all ages. Tai Chi is for all!
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