When we think of Tai Chi Chuan, commonly referred to as Tai Chi, what comes to mind is often an image of people gracefully carrying out its flowing forms in parks and outdoor areas. In fact, Tai Chi Chuan’s origins are in the martial arts. The Chinese characters we read as Tai Chi Chuan translate as “supreme ultimate fist.” But, although many still practice it as a martial art, in the last century more and more individuals have turned to Tai Chi to help reduce stress and the effects of aging and illness.

Stories about the origins of Tai Chi recount that it was derived from the Wudang boxing skills of Shaolin temple monks, Taoist energy work involving the concept of Chi, and the Chinese principle of yin and yang. According to Chinese legend, the origins of Tai Chi’s actual movements were based upon Chang San Feng’s observations of the way in which a snake and crane, engaged in combat, interacted.

As in other traditional East Asian medical arts like acupuncture or acupressure, Tai Chi proponents believe that Chi is the vital force that circulates through a series of energy pathways in the body called meridians. This Chi is not the same term as that used in the name Tai Chi. Practicing Tai Chi is believed to facilitate the flow of Chi within the body, promoting good health and vitality in the individual. Yin and Yang, the complementary dualities that are part of all life, must remain in balance for proper health and the flow of the Chi. The movements of Tai Chi correspond to these Yin Yang opposites — softness to strength, forwards to backwards, action to calm.

Tai Chi is part of a larger form of exercises that work with Chi known as Qigong or energy work. Practitioners of Tai Chi believe that with study and practice, the flow of energy within the body can actually be felt or observed by the individual, enabling them to uncover and address areas of obstruction and excess. For the skilled practitioner the result is conscious control of Chi. Complete physical relaxation and stillness are fundamental to Tai Chi’s practice. It is from this stillness and intent that correct movement flows. The movements are ultimately circular, starting from a point and moving through a series of motions called a form that eventually return to the place of origin.

Benefits of Tai Chi are mental, spiritual and physical. The mental discipline of focusing on the precise execution of the movements improves balance, coordination and alignment as well as mental clarity. The meditative state that results from this focusing also promotes a state of tranquility which is why Tai Chi is advocated for stress reduction. Other physical benefits can include lowering blood pressure, improving heart function, and increasing lung capacity and function. The National Institute on Aging recommends Tai Chi as part of a program to prevent disability in the aging because studies have shown it can reduce the risk of falls.

Content last modified on Mar 27, 2003