A Primer on Tai Chi
Steve Amoia
September 22, 2008
Tai Chi Chuan, which means "The Supreme Ultimate Fist," is a historical Chinese martial art. It traces its roots to 12th century China. A Taoist monk of the Wu Tang monastery, Zhang Sanfeng, is believed to have developed this art. In comparison to other martial arts, such as Aikido, Kenpo, and Kung Fu, Tai Chi Chuan, or "Tai Chi" as it is known outside of China, is considered a gentler approach. This is derived by the slower muscular movements compared to the traditional harder disciplines that I have referenced.
Purpose
The purpose of this art is to teach the student an awareness of their mental and physical balance, along with factors that affect this state. Tai Chi focuses on change, and how to respond to it. Students learn theories of physics as they apply to human motions. The flowing movements of Tai Chi relax our muscles, and utilize leverage among the joint systems for defensive or aggressive postures. There are three main components of this system: health, meditation, and as a pure martial art.
Styles of Tai Chi
There are several branches, or forms of study, such as Sun, Chen, Yang, or Wu Tai Chi. I will focus on the two most popular. The solo form highlights slower sets of movements with relaxing breaths, fluid motions, along with an aligned spinal column to promote proper posture. The second form concentrates upon methods of "pushing hands and stickiness." This is done with a training partner where one learns how to attune to reflexes and coordinated movements. Some styles incorporate weapons, such as the sword, saber, and spear. As Lao Tzu, the author of the ancient literary classic, "Tao Te Ching," wrote, "The soft and the pliable will defeat the hard and the strong."
A Form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Research has indicated that Tai Chi has many health benefits. Flexibility, increased balance, and cardiovascular fitness are the most prevalent. Some studies have indicated that this discipline may assist those who suffer from arthritis and other joint maladies. TCM focuses on the treatment of blocked Chi, which is the life energy force. Tai Chi promotes a healthy flow of this energy throughout our bodies. In the Chinese medical perspective, freely moving Chi maintains good health, and prevents many illnesses.
Expert Opinion: Dr. Sen Huang, Certified and Licensed Acupuncturist
Dr. Sen Huang is a Chinese medical doctor (C.M.D) who studied at Nantong Medical College, and also earned a Ph.D from the prestigious Shanghai Brain Institute. Dr. Huang used to teach Human Anatomy at the George Washington University in Washington, D.C. He now focuses on his growing TCM practice, Huang's Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Clinic, but also acts as a consultant to GWU´s alternative health program at their medical school. Dr. Huang studied and has taught Tai Chi Chuan, and implements medical Qigong in his practice. I asked Dr. Huang to provide some of his insights and expertise for us.
Dr. Huang, how does Tai Chi help us both physically and mentally?
"The slow, but graceful movements of Tai Chi not only help muscles, joints, and the cardiovascular system, but also help people's memory, focus and concentration. It is the art of creating energy and is also called ´moving meditation.´ People can benefit mentally and physically from practicing it."
Distance Learning Programs
Dr. Paul Lam of Tai Chi Productions, which is based in Sydney, Australia, offers a series of books, DVDs, and videos that target specific areas of concern. For example, Tai Chi for Arthritis, Back Pain, Diabetes, and Osteoporosis. Dr. Lam is a Family Physician, and also a lecturer at the University of New South Wales.
"In 1974 Dr Paul Lam took up tai chi to combat his arthritis. It has been, and still is, a life-changing experience for him. Dr Lam has enjoyed and benefited so much from tai chi that he wants to share it with as many people as possible. He founded East Acton Video and Tai Chi Productions in 1996 to produce useful instructional material to improve people's health and to facilitate learning. We have now produced many best selling titles worldwide. By 2007 there were approximately one million people around the world who had learned and benefited from Dr Lam's Tai Chi for Health programs."
Source: Tai Chi Productions.
Dr. Lam's site also contains many articles about Tai Chi, health-related topics, along with informative newsletters. To learn more, please visit Tai Chi Productions.
Purpose
The purpose of this art is to teach the student an awareness of their mental and physical balance, along with factors that affect this state. Tai Chi focuses on change, and how to respond to it. Students learn theories of physics as they apply to human motions. The flowing movements of Tai Chi relax our muscles, and utilize leverage among the joint systems for defensive or aggressive postures. There are three main components of this system: health, meditation, and as a pure martial art.
Styles of Tai Chi
There are several branches, or forms of study, such as Sun, Chen, Yang, or Wu Tai Chi. I will focus on the two most popular. The solo form highlights slower sets of movements with relaxing breaths, fluid motions, along with an aligned spinal column to promote proper posture. The second form concentrates upon methods of "pushing hands and stickiness." This is done with a training partner where one learns how to attune to reflexes and coordinated movements. Some styles incorporate weapons, such as the sword, saber, and spear. As Lao Tzu, the author of the ancient literary classic, "Tao Te Ching," wrote, "The soft and the pliable will defeat the hard and the strong."
A Form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Research has indicated that Tai Chi has many health benefits. Flexibility, increased balance, and cardiovascular fitness are the most prevalent. Some studies have indicated that this discipline may assist those who suffer from arthritis and other joint maladies. TCM focuses on the treatment of blocked Chi, which is the life energy force. Tai Chi promotes a healthy flow of this energy throughout our bodies. In the Chinese medical perspective, freely moving Chi maintains good health, and prevents many illnesses.
Expert Opinion: Dr. Sen Huang, Certified and Licensed Acupuncturist
Dr. Sen Huang is a Chinese medical doctor (C.M.D) who studied at Nantong Medical College, and also earned a Ph.D from the prestigious Shanghai Brain Institute. Dr. Huang used to teach Human Anatomy at the George Washington University in Washington, D.C. He now focuses on his growing TCM practice, Huang's Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Clinic, but also acts as a consultant to GWU´s alternative health program at their medical school. Dr. Huang studied and has taught Tai Chi Chuan, and implements medical Qigong in his practice. I asked Dr. Huang to provide some of his insights and expertise for us.
Dr. Huang, how does Tai Chi help us both physically and mentally?
"The slow, but graceful movements of Tai Chi not only help muscles, joints, and the cardiovascular system, but also help people's memory, focus and concentration. It is the art of creating energy and is also called ´moving meditation.´ People can benefit mentally and physically from practicing it."
Distance Learning Programs
Dr. Paul Lam of Tai Chi Productions, which is based in Sydney, Australia, offers a series of books, DVDs, and videos that target specific areas of concern. For example, Tai Chi for Arthritis, Back Pain, Diabetes, and Osteoporosis. Dr. Lam is a Family Physician, and also a lecturer at the University of New South Wales.
"In 1974 Dr Paul Lam took up tai chi to combat his arthritis. It has been, and still is, a life-changing experience for him. Dr Lam has enjoyed and benefited so much from tai chi that he wants to share it with as many people as possible. He founded East Acton Video and Tai Chi Productions in 1996 to produce useful instructional material to improve people's health and to facilitate learning. We have now produced many best selling titles worldwide. By 2007 there were approximately one million people around the world who had learned and benefited from Dr Lam's Tai Chi for Health programs."
Source: Tai Chi Productions.
Dr. Lam's site also contains many articles about Tai Chi, health-related topics, along with informative newsletters. To learn more, please visit Tai Chi Productions.
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