Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese exercise for health. Originated in the 11th century by Chang San-feng, a Taoist sage, the exercise consists of graceful and slow movements that relax and strengthen both body and mind.
What can Tai Chi do for you?
The practice of Tai Chi reinforces a natural rejuvenation
Tai Chi exercise allows the body to rejuvenate itself naturally.
During Tai Chi practice, the muscles and tendons are alternately stretching and relaxing. That makes them flexible and the joints become looser.
During the stretching and relaxing, the blood in the artery flows easier and fuller. With good circulation, the body will heal and rejuvenate itself naturally. More than blood circulation is improved: the lymphatic, nervous and digestive systems run better as well.
One of the reasons that people feel so good when they are doing Tai Chi is that the movements are relaxing, even at the beginner level. This is because the nature of the movements tends to naturally stretch the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in a gentle manner.
Beginners will quickly benefit from the form in a short period of time. No specific uniform is part of Tai Chi. Modern day practitioners usually wear comfortable, loose T-shirts and trousers made from breathable natural fabrics, that allow for free movement.
108 moves Tai Chi Set
The Taoist form of Tai Chi that I learned in Brussels in 1995 was first introduced to North America by Master Moy Lin-Shin, a Taoist master who studied the Taoist arts of health and longevity. By combining the theory and practice of the Taoist internal arts of health, Taoist meditation, and traditional Chinese medicine, Master Moy developed a form of Tai Chi that gives special emphasis to restoring and maintaining a state of natural health and well-being. Tai Chi can assist in integrating the mind and body, leading toward harmony between ourselves and the universe
I often compare the learning of the 108 moves of Tai Chi to the learning of a new language or a musical instrument: In order to be fluent, it first takes commitment and repetitions to memorize the new moves, like new vocabulary or a new melody. Once you have learned the basics, it takes patience and humility to refine the form and get deeper into the practice.
The good news about this set is that many moves are repeated many times! The form combines three sections. Although the first section only consists of 17 moves, it is the one that takes the longest to learn because the student’s mind and body have to learn a new way of moving. The 17 moves also create a base for the other moves from which they all derive. It takes a few months for those 17 moves to sink into you. Once you have prepared “the soil”, the other moves come faster to you, they are easier to grasp, as it becomes more natural and instinctive.
Consider learning the long form of Tai Chi as a new hobby in your life. It is very gratifying on all levels: for your physical and mental health, as well as your connection to other practitioners, and a more flowing approach to life in general.
Tai Chi EasyTM
It’s a new approach that makes Tai Chi easier to learn and practice, with 5 to 8 moves infused with Qigong.
They are easy to learn and, like Qigong, can be performed sitting, standing, or walking, and can also be adapted for physical limitations. No previous Tai Chi experience is necessary.
After even one practice of Tai Chi Easy, you will experience better sleep, a reduced stress level, and lower blood pressure. With regular practice, will your balance and your overall health improve.
2006 Brussels: practicing Tai Chi with my 2 year old daughter Zoe!