The Yang Style Short Form is an upright, dance-like, moving meditation that nurtures the Body, Mind, and Spirit. Tai Chi promotes self-awareness, improves balance and circulation, deepens the breath, and relaxes the body. The slow, dance- like movements are combined with deep abdominal breathing, which has a beneficial effect on the circulation of the blood and on the energy of the body called “chi”. This exercise has a calming effect enabling the practitioner to deal with stress and pressure more easily in their everyday life. It is suitable for people of all ages. The general course of study starts with the most basic exercise and gradually increases in complexity and effectiveness. Tai Chi is a very mindful exercise, helping the practitioner to better understand how one moves and breathes with their Body, Mind, and Spirit. Tai Chi combines stretching and muscle toning, breathing and relaxation.

As a physical exercise, the slow movement and deep stances stretch and strengthen the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The emphasis on shifting the weight completely and maintaining the weight on one foot at a time greatly improves balance, lowering the risk of injury due to falling in elderly people. The deep abdominal breathing combined with the subtle turning and twisting massages the internal organs, improving digestion and metabolism of food, the movement of blood in the body and the elimination processes. The shifting of weight from leg to leg increases blood flow throughout the body with the legs acting almost like a second heart.

Although Tai Chi appears effortless when done correctly it is advisable to take your time in learning the exercises. You may well be using your muscles in ways you are not accustomed to. The deep stances are harder than they look at first. You may also find that the attention to erect posture exercises the muscles in your back in a new way.

Stress ~ Relaxation

Tai Chi is well known as an antidote to stress. Relaxation is a key element. The complete relaxation combined with deep, slow abdominal breathing and slow, fluid movement help to smooth away the tensions that build every day in our busy lives. In Chinese medical theory it is the uninterrupted flow of energy throughout the body that is the key to good health. Illnesses arise when the chi is blocked at a particular point in the body.

With Tai Chi we gradually build the energy and learn to move it smoothly throughout the body. This combination of slow movement, deep breathing, relaxation, and mental concentration make Tai Chi a meditation in motion. We can take the relaxation and focus learned in Tai Chi into the workplace and into any regular activity. Being more aware of our state of relaxation, our breathing, and our posture throughout the day can keep tension from building and help us maintain a positive and productive frame of mind.



Benefits of Tai Chi