Each movement in Tai Chi emphasizes the integrity and coordination of the human body. It is not only a martial art for combat but also a health-promoting exercise that nurtures the spirit and strengthens the body. The following six characteristics of Tai Chi make it a beloved health exercise worldwide.
1 Tai Chi is a “whole-body” health exercise. The movements of Tai Chi are comprehensive, with the upper and lower body moving in harmony, and the entire body is engaged in the exercise. Long-term practice can enhance joint flexibility and muscle strength. It is not limited by age, gender, physical condition, location, time, equipment, or other material conditions.2 Tai Chi is a “balance” health exercise. The movements of Tai Chi are smooth and continuous, with a special emphasis on the transition between emptiness and fullness. Regular practice of Tai Chi helps improve overall coordination and balance. Recent studies by research institutions both domestically and internationally have confirmed that Tai Chi can enhance balance and reduce the incidence of falls in the elderly.
3 Tai Chi is a “leisurely” health exercise. Practicing Tai Chi requires stillness, slowness, smoothness, softness, relaxation, stability, unity, continuity, roundness, and lightness. It demands concentration and full attention, allowing the body to relax while seeking stillness in movement, calming the mind, nurturing the spirit, and providing rest for the brain. The movements are gentle and soft, promoting emotional stability and optimism, harmonizing life and cultivating character; externally, it strengthens bones, joints, and muscles, while internally, it nurtures the five organs and six bowels, making it an ideal “relaxation health exercise.”4 Tai Chi is a “mind-regulating” health exercise. When practicing Tai Chi, one must focus entirely, using intention rather than force, guiding movements with awareness, and integrating consciousness with action. Therefore, practicing Tai Chi can train attention, liberating the mind from impatience, restlessness, and distraction, transforming it into patience, focus, and concentration, which has a positive effect on preventing and treating modern civilization diseases.
5 Tai Chi is a “breath-regulating” health exercise. Tai Chi, also known as internal martial arts, integrates health science, traditional Chinese medicine, health qigong, and biomimicry. It employs breathing techniques and guiding methods, using intention to direct breath and breath to move the body, harmonizing breath and movement to achieve the organic integration of “regulating the body, breath, and mind,” thus realizing the goals of disease prevention, health promotion, and longevity.6 Tai Chi is an “aerobic” health exercise. The characteristics of Tai Chi include low intensity, rhythmic movements, non-competitive nature, strong controllability, and prolonged duration. During the exercise, there is no risk of hypoxia or damage to internal organs, making it suitable for weight loss. It is easy to practice, safe, and sustainable. The gentle and slow movements have been shown to be equivalent to a walking intensity of 6 kilometers per hour, making it particularly suitable for health exercise among middle-aged and elderly individuals.
Tai Chi combines brain exercise, physical training, and breath regulation, making it a suitable health exercise for all age groups.
Editor: Xiao Qi
Source: Internet, reposted for sharing purposes. For copyright issues, please contact us.。
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