Tai Chi, the ancient martial art from China, may be widely known as a self-defense art, but has abundant health benefits that can help cure ordinary ailments to life threatening diseases, says Tai Chi guru Carlton Hill.
What is Tai Chi? How is it different from other martial arts?
Tai Chi Chuan or Taijiquan is a five thousand year old martial art practised in China. Though, in present times, it is mostly practised for its health benefits. Tai Chi Chuan is unique because one can harness energy (Qigong) and cultivate it (Nei Gong). The moves can be used for healing and self-defense purposes alike.
Is Tai Chi Chuan a form of Qigong?
Tai Chi (‘Tai Chi is a form of Qigong, or, Qigong is Tai Chi’s parents’) is an internal martial art. However, the majority of Tai Chi practioners just treat it as a slow dance. Without a solid Qigong foundation, it is just a slow and gentle exercise. At best, you just feel a more relaxed and flexible by practicing it that way. Proper breathing and meditative techniques as well as the use of ‘qi’ are the keys to maximize the health benefits of Tai Chi.
What is Qigong (Chi Kung)?
Qi or Chi means energy, and in yoga, it is called ‘Prana’. Gong or Kung means work. Therefore, Qigong means the exercise of your internal energy. It is an ancient Chinese healthcare modality that has endured the test of time and is making a tremendous resurgence at the threshold of the 21st century. The benefits of Qigong are increasingly recognised for enhancing fitness in mind and body, developing vitality for sports and sex, relieving stress, and helping to heal degenerative and chronic diseases. Literally, millions practice Qigong in China and around the world each day to successfully manage diseases ranging from hypertension to cancer.
Tai Chi art is practiced for both its defence training and its health benefits. What are the health benefits of tai chi?
Practicing Tai Chi does not cure any illness. It allows the body to heal itself naturally by opening the blockages in the body’s circulation systems. Blockages are caused by stress, physical as well as mental, and by tightening of muscles. Prolonged poor circulation of blood, lymphatic, respiratory and nervous system as well as ‘chi meridians’ of the body will cause illnesses. Practicing tai chi in a slow, balanced, relaxed and meditative way will improve these circulations. With good circulation and with time the body will recover naturally.
Tai Chi is a unique Chinese Martial and Spiritual Art Form. It specializes in getting your physical energies and mental energies to balance with one another in true harmony with Mother Nature. It comprises of a unique blend of soft intrinsic exercises built upon the foundation of ancient oriental philosophies of Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism. These exercises are so designed to activate all parts of the body, mind, and soul – one by one in the order designed by Mother Nature.
Health benefits range from curing a common cold to life threatening diseases when done under a qualified teacher.
For what health disorders is Tai Chi best advocated?
Research in many countries has proven that Tai Chi works well on the skeletal, muscular and nervous systems with equal amount of benefits. Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi is designed to improve the general health and wellbeing of the practioner. The gentle rocking motions and stretching movements improve circulation and digestion. The chest exercises and controlled breathing are good for lung conditions and asthma. And the overall effect of the exercise is to reduce mental stress and physical tension carried in the muscles of the body.
In summary, Tai Chi
- Improves health
- Increases energy, agility and flexibility.
- Loosens and strengthens joints and muscles
- Controls weight
- Rejuvenates body, mind and spirit
- Reduces stress
- Improves concentration and intuitive abilities
- Controls emotions
Read: Tai Chi For Knee Pain and Overall Well Being
For what age group is Tai Chi recommended? Is it suitable for senior citizens?
Tai Chi is suitable for all age groups. The uniqueness of the organization lies in bringing about healing, health and stress-free living through Clinical Taiji Qigong. We have also taken up the challenge to reach out to senior citizens organizations such as Dignity Foundation, Harmony for Silver Citizens, etc. and achieving outstanding results.
Does practising Tai Chi give you a longer and healthier life?
Research in Tai Chi Chuan has proved that dedicated practitioners of Tai Chi have a healthier and longer life.
Would it be possible to narrate an experience of one of your students who benefitted by training for Tai Chi?
The latest that comes to my mind is a 60 year old student who joined Tai Chi with complaints of breathlessness, cold sweat and angina, with an angiography report of blocked arteries. Two months of Tai Chi practise and a second angiography showed reduced blockages and the previous symptoms had disappeared.
Read: Qi Gong To Control Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain
How popular is Tai Chi in India?
Popularity of Tai Chi in India is increasing but it has to spread till it has reached every home in the nation.
Carlton Hill’s Tao Taiji Qigong was established by Carlton Hill, in the year 1996 with a strong drive to spread health, happiness and enlightenment through the ancient art ancient Chinese exercises of Tao Taiji and Qigong. Elevating one’s health and spiritual levels to greater heights with simplified and minimalistic movements is an attribute that is unique to Carlton Hill’s Tao Taiji Qigong.
