Taijiquan
Taijiquan, or better known in the Western world as Tai chi chuan or simply Tai Chi, is a martial arts style that is practiced mainly for it's health benefits. It is one of the many components of Chinese medicine. Taijiquan primarily involves the learning and practice of solitary forms, and the combination of these forms into a flowing movement. Although the slow form of Tai Chi is the one most commonly seen in America, three schools of Tai Chi also practice the forms at a much faster pace.
Taijiquan is considered a soft martial art, as it focuses on the internal movement of power, rather than the external application of it. While it can be used as training for combat, it is more often used as a form of meditation and exercise in modern times. While performing the various forms, the participant must be completely focused on the muscles they are using and how their body feels. This leads to a very calm, meditative state. Tai Chi is considered by some to be the best form of moving meditation.
There are many health benefits attributed to regular Taijiquan practice, and most of them have been proven by traditional scientific testing. First, the slow and steady movements are accomplished by coordinating and balancing the movements and relaxing muscles, not tensing them. This allows for damaged or weak muscles to be strengthened without damaging them. It also increases mobility and flexibility in the joints.
Many of the forms also emphasize proper posture, which can help relieve back and neck pain. Tai Chi can also work to lower blood pressure, by reaching a calm meditative state and breathing properly, and increase blood circulation. Many Chinese medicine practitioners integrate Tai Chi practices into their treatments. They know the health benefits that can be gained by practicing it regularly. If they do not teach it themselves, most Chinese medicine practitioners can recommend a Taijiquan teacher.
