Healing Power of Tai Chi Has Profound Health Benefits

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Healing Power of Tai Chi Has Profound Health Benefits

by Bob Wassom

http://www.disaboom.com

" Open the door…gather into yourself…feel the air, the energy, the

wind…become rooted, embrace the moon. "

It sounds like a philosophy of living (which it is), yet what these

phrases represent are the first week's movements in my beginning Tai

Chi class. I'm an incomplete (C6) quadriplegic—able to walk, but

severely lacking in strength, balance and agility. I became

interested in Tai Chi as a way to help increase my balance and

overall flexibility. What I encountered was a way of living that can

have benefits that go way beyond what I had envisioned.

Initially developed centuries ago by Chinese martial arts experts in

order to advance their self defense skills, Tai Chi is most commonly

practiced today for its amazing health benefits. Tai Chi forms

involve a series of choreographed martial arts poses that flow

together like a slow motion dance. They are done in a precise order

to help facilitate energy flow, fitness, relaxation, and mental

concentration. Slow, graceful movements heal the physical, mental,

emotional, and spiritual body. It is performed with a completely

focused yet relaxed attitude.

Based on the ancient Chinese philosophy of Taoism, this " moving

meditation " as it is called, can have far reaching and profound

positive health benefits, such as boosting the immune system, slowing

the aging process, helping to ensure full range of mobility, and

enhancing the body's natural healing powers. I quickly learned that

my six-week introduction course was barely dipping my toe into the

waters of this potentially life-changing philosophy.

How does Tai Chi work? Chi, also spelled " qi " , is the Chinese word

for the invisible life force of the universe. According to Chinese

medicine, Chi is the animating power that flows through all things.

It is the essence of our existence. Chi flows through the body along

Chi rivers called meridians. When the Chi becomes obstructed, the

body becomes ill. The slow and gentle movements of Tai Chi open up

these energy channels, and the rhythmic movements of the muscles,

joints, and spine pump energy through the body, thereby flushing out

the stagnated Chi, replacing it with fresh, oxygenated, " smooth " Chi.

This ancient Chinese practice of healing through movement is known as

Chi Kung. Kung (pronounced Gong) means " work. " Thus Chi Kung means

working with the life energy, learning how to control the flow and

distribution of Chi in order to improve health and harmony of mind

and body.

As a form of healing exercise, Tai Chi/Chi Kung is perfect for those

of us with disabilities. Research has shown that Tai Chi provides all

the benefits of a rigorous workout but, because it is not strenuous,

it carries no potentially harmful side effects. I found it to be

challenging, yet gentle, and felt no pain or stress on joints. And

Tai Chi can be performed in a sitting position, making it suitable

for those in wheelchairs.

To find out more about Tai Chi for people with disabilities, check

out this article from Action Online, about Tai Chi in a chair.

There are many practitioners of Tai Chi/Chi Kung across the country.

To find a class in your area, visit www.taoist.org.