Tai Chi – a mind, body activity to help you relax

tai chi

Just Relax. How many times have you been told to ‘just relax’. Much easier said than done. For example your body may feel tense but your mind is relaxed. On the other hand your mind maybe tense but your body is relaxed. Tai Chi is a mind-body activity, it trains both your mind and your body to relax at the same time.

Relaxing your mind is achieved by putting focused attention on your body. Relaxing your body is achieved when your focused attention instructs your body to relax, soften and ‘let go’.

This is the basic state in which you practice Tai Chi. Then, with certain indicators to keep your posture naturally upright - you begin moving. Movement that is smooth and continuous. Never stop start. This type of movement relaxes a tense body and quietens a busy mind. With hundreds of years of development and success, surely there must be something in Tai Chi for all of us? Also, Tai Chi now has a significant body of scientific literature supporting its beneficial health claims. Harvard Medical School being one of the leaders in the field. In addition, its use is on the increase within the NHS. The British Journal of sports medicine concluded that Tai Chi is a moderate intensity exercise that is beneficial to cardio respiratory function, immune capacity, mental control, flexibility, and balance control; it improves muscle strength and reduces the risk of falls in the elderly.

Tai Chi looks at the body as an interconnected system, not as a collection of individual parts.

As a result, when practicing Tai Chi, you won’t do one exercise for your biceps and another for your glutes. Instead, Tai Chi integrates the upper body with the lower body, the right side with the left side, and the extremities with the core. Not only does this integration improve your ability to move without pain, but it also affects your mental health. A growing body of carefully conducted research is building a compelling case for Tai Chi as an adjunct to standard medical treatment for the prevention and rehabilitation of many conditions commonly associated with age.

The results of practicing Tai Chi can be profound. Clinical and medical tests carried out confirm it’s effectiveness in many different areas. With time, powerful effects are noted with increased mental concentration, the ability to focus attention and clarity of mind. Regular practice helps reduce high blood pressure and aids proper digestion. Tests have shown that Tai Chi increases T-cells in the body’s immune system by 40% (this helps prevent sickness and ill-health). Other noted effects are strengthening the nervous system, generating a balanced attitude and producing calmness and peace of mind.

There are a number of reputable Tai Chi schools and Associations throughout England. Though few governing bodies. The BCCMA The British Council for Chinese Martial Arts being an exception. The widely recognised Tai Chi Union for Great Britain is the unifying Body for the different styles of Tai Chi in the UK.

I have been learning and practicing Tai Chi for over 30 years and teaching for nearly 25 years. I have had the privilege of being taught by some of the top Tai Chi masters in the world, which include Master John Ding, Master Dong Zen Chen and his son Alex Dong, Doctor Shen Hongxun and Master James Holland. I’ve been told that I’m able to explain difficult Tai Chi concepts in an easy to understand way.