It’s one thing to hear about Tai Chi, but it’s another to answer the question of what it is. Tai Chi comes in many forms and today, we’re focusing on Taoist Tai Chi and what it offers to individuals.
Master Moy Lin-shin introduced Western Society to Taoist Tao Chi in 1970. This from of tai chi is fundamentally designed to restore and promote health. With more than 500 locations in 25 different countries, Taoist Tai Chi distinguishes itself with slow, graceful movements that increase flexibility, strength, balance and circulation. Emphasizing stretching and turning in each motion in order to gain greater benefits from this style.
Taoist Tai Chi focuses on internal and external goals. Described as meditation in motion, the movements require deep concentration that releases stress and worries. The style also emphasizes the mental exercise of being kind, generous and helpful to others. The principles of Taoist Tai Chi’s movements are reflected in the following key words:
· Relaxation
· Balance
· Lining up the body
· Correcting angles
· ‘Square’ the hips
· Control the step and the transfer of weight
· Turn constantly in spirals
· Open/Close
· Center the Trunk
· Stretch and Relax the Spine
Health Benefits
Because this form of Tai Chi is performed in a relaxed state of mind, it adopts a spiritual aspect through generosity and the elimination of self-centeredness. There are no movements in Taoist Tai Chi that do not benefit health. What further distinguishes Taoist Tai Chi from other forms is that the performance of the external motion is not meant to be perfect. There are no achievement curves for self-defense skills or achieving some predetermined visual aesthetic.
This is a holistic form of exercise that helps individuals achieve inner harmony that is then reflected through to their physical fitness. Make no mistake, this is not a form of tai chi that is “easy” or “simple.” You will work out. You will sweat. You will develop better flexibility and personal core strength. But more than that, you will develop internal and emotional core strength, balance and reduce stress.
Taoist Tai Chi emphasizes living well in all aspects of your life as well as experiencing a higher state of being. The form recognizes that each person has his or her own individual strengths and weaknesses. The training is adapted individually and this means external form may have great differences. Progress is measured on an individual basis using concepts of Western physiology.