Tai Chi to reconnect with your mind, body and spirit

This edition will look at another traditional Chinese holistic health lifestyle practice, known as Tai Chi, which incorporates martial art arm poses and movement but at a slow speed that co-ordinates balance, movement, breathwork and meditation to calm own mind, body and spirit. The full practice is like watching a beautiful dance. There are different forms of Tai Chi and each one was developed by different practitioners who may have chosen to focus primarily on flexibility (Yang), balance (Wu), controlled advanced qi energy (Hao), co-ordinated foot and arm martial art movements (Sun).

Tai Chi benefits the mind, body and spirit. It benefits the mind using breathwork and meditation techniques so the mind is present in the moment and the tai chi slow movement. Through practice, the body is strengthened because balance and mobility are improved. The slow movement regulates the heart rate and lowers high blood pressure. The circular, slow movements bring a calmness to the soul as well as an energy of patience. It relaxes the muscles and joints in the body to improve flexibility. This practice is recommended as a lifestyle choice to improve or maintain own health and wellbeing.

This practice is also used as part of rehabilitation, especially for those with mobility issues to reconnect with inner self and body movements. It humbles those who practice Tai Chi to understand how a calmer mind stimulates more balance in the body and mind. It’s a great way to assess the flexibility or any issues in the body.

Common Tai Chi movements include breathwork, learning the postures, stretches and movements individually to understand the impact and benefits. This is not a practice to be forced or rushed in any sense. It is one that is about making time for self as well as developing a sense of patience because the movements are in slow motion.

For beginners, before learning the actual Tai Chi moves its important to do warm up stretches to prepare own body and mind to focus on this wellbeing practice.

It is more motivating to understand the practice and moves by connecting with a Tai Chi practitioner who will support our needs so you join a face-to-face or virtual session to practice this form. It is important to understand your own physical needs to benefit your body as much as possible.