Learn all about tai chi and its numerous health benefits

Tai Chi is a martial art that originated in China and has many therapeutic properties. It is a meditation in motion with exercises that involve continuous, relaxed, gentle, circular movements that lead to a feeling of physical well-being, mental clarity and relaxation.

It is based on channelling inner energy through the meridians of the body, in order to boost vitality and improve health.

What are the health benefits of Tai Chi?

• It calms the mind. Slow movements, deep breathing and body posture encourage positive thinking and help to achieve a state of meditation.
• It reduces blood pressure. It improves the circulation because it combines aerobic exercise with correct tissue oxygenation.
• It relieves aches and pains, improving posture and strengthening the muscles.
• It prevents insomnia, because it releases endorphins to help you to fall asleep.
• It increases muscle mass in the arms and legs and improves strength and resistance.
• It prevents the appearance of bone and joint diseases such as arthritis, improving the flexibility of tendons, ligaments and muscle tone.
• It improves posture, bone strength and muscle tone to reduce the risk of falls and encourage coordinated movement.
• It improves memory and attention span.
• A source of energy. Tai Chi, with its rhythmic movements and deep, slow breathing, improves energy flow.

Lean some basic Tai Chi movements

1. Horse stance

Stand with your shoulders slightly forward, feet aligned, arms along the body and palms down. Knees slightly bent and hips forward. Raise your arms so that your palms face your body. Elbows loose. Shoulders down. Breathe in, opening the rib cage, hold and then exhale, channelling the tension toward the ground.

2. Single whip.

Stand with your feet together. Take one leg to one side. Bend the knees and raise the arms to shoulder height. Palms down. Turn the body to one side following the movement with the arms and draw the foot back. Return to the starting position and repeat on the other side. 

3. White crane spread wings

Stand with your legs together. Arms alongside your body. Bend one knee while raising the arms with elbows bent. Make a horizontal, circular motion with the arms, crossing one hand over the other. Return to the starting position and repeat with the other leg. 

The movements are always harmonious and are performed continuously in a sequence.

Tai Chi is suitable for all ages, and can be done alone or in a group, but you do need a monitor to teach you how to coordinate the movements and how to adopt the correct stances. Go ahead and try it!

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