Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that has been practiced for over 2,000 years. While initially developed as a form of self-defence, it’s is now widely used as a type of gentle meditation and exercise. Tai chi can be practiced at home, and this article will go about exploring exactly how to do so.
Who Is Tai Chi Suitable For?
Tai chi is suitable for most people, even those with limited mobility, regardless of age or fitness level. The calm, slow nature of the art means that those with a disability can adapt the movements to best suit them and their activity level. For those seeking to slowly increase their level of physical activity, tai chi could be perfect.
Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions should speak with their doctor before beginning to practice tai chi, as is advisable when starting any new exercise regime.
What Are the Benefits of Practicing Tai Chi?
There are lots of potential health benefits that come with regularly practicing tai chi. Lower levels of stress, improved mood, enhanced physical fitness, boosted cognitive function and the alleviation of anxiety and depression are all connected with the practice. Research suggests that tai chi may also help young adults to sleep better and could be useful in the management of fibromyalgia.
Understanding the Philosophy
To get the most from tai chi, it’s important to understand the philosophy that underpins this martial art. To this end, it is recommended to find out more about Chinese culture and the spiritual tradition of Taoism as part of getting started with tai chi. Take a look at the embedded PDF for more information.
Practicing Tai Chi at Home
Longtime practitioners of the art such as Isis Monteverde know that tai chi can be practiced at home or in the garden. Begin by trying a simple move, such as the single whip. The idea is that every part of the upper torso and arms are part of a whip, ready to explode with force at any moment. Keep one hand in the ‘beak’ position, with the four fingers lightly touching the thumb and the palm facing downwards, and the other with the fingers touching and pointing upwards. The arms should be spread like loose wings at shoulder height.
Other tai chi moves for beginners to try at home include the ‘white crane spreads wings’ and the ‘snake creeps down’ moves.