Page 19 - Simplifying T'ai Chi Rev3 2017

Chapter 2 The Healthy Side 11

CHAPTER 2

THE HEALTHY SIDE

T'ai Chi for Health

The majority of those who practise T'ai Chi today do so mainly for the benefits it
gives as an exercise. In comparison, few learn it only for its martial aspects. As an
exercise, if taught correctly, T'ai Chi is suitable for people of all ages and ability.
By applying the concepts and principles of the original martial art, T'ai Chi practice
will stimulate blood circulation, improve breathing and loosen and gently exercise
joints, while simultaneously promoting relaxation, relieving stress and encouraging
an active mind. Using T'ai Chi to improve the body's metabolism and its general
well-being, encourages the often untapped powers of self-healing. T'ai Chi
practised diligently, will certainly help to manage and alleviate many medical
conditions.

The purpose of T'ai Chi is to condition the mind by exercising the body and
to exercise the body under motivation of the mind - to train the body without
strain and cultivate the mind without tension. It is not intended to build big
muscles, but to harmonise the mind and body for integration of total health.
...You may practise either the whole of T'ai chi Chuan or any part of it
according to your convenience and endurance, but in order to achieve lasting
benefits you must make it a daily task throughout your life......

Master Liu Yao-Ting (1890 - 1984)
Always view things in correct perspective though.
T'ai Chi is not a universal panacea, but it will produce rewards that reflect
tenfold the effort put into its practice.
But don't be too cynical either. More and more clinical studies are being carried out
and modified T'ai Chi programs such as those by Dr Paul Lam are becoming
universally accepted by the western medical profession.

What's special about T'ai Chi Movement?

It is said that the basic movement concepts of the soft martial arts such as T'ai Chi
were created by observation of animal movements, hence the names that are used
to describe some of the individual postures and movement sequences.
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