Qigong and Taichi
Why Taichi?
Today, if anything has increased in our lives, it is stress. Be it a professional, a school or college going student, a senior, worker or homemaker, everyone is more stressed.
The last two- three years have only added to the anxiety. What can we do to stay healthy, happy, and calm? One sure way is Taichi. Across all ages, it is one of the best ways to stay fit, increase flexibility and balance. It is also a proven stress buster.
As any Taichi student will tell you with a wink, "The answer is Taichi, now what is your question again?"
Originally developed for self-defense, Taichi today has evolved into a graceful, easy flowing form of exercise that could aptly be described as poetry in motion.
It is meditative and is also used to improve balance, lower blood pressure, mend disturbed sleep patterns, boost energy levels, increase stamina and enhance cardiac and pulmonary fitness.
Taichi originated as an ancient Chinese tradition that, today, is practiced as a series of fluid movements performed in a slow, focused manner, accompanied by deep breathing.
So, what's Qigong?
Very often, Taichi is preceded by Qigong. Qi (pronounce Chee) is a series of coordinated body-posture and movements, breathing, and meditation used to promote health, spirituality, and prepare the body for Taichi.
Qigong is essentially the practice to cultivate and balance Qi or the "life energy" in our body.
How is Taichi safe for me?
Taichi puts minimal stress on muscles and joints making it safe for all ages and fitness levels. If you can walk, you can Taichi! Having said that, people with special conditions should consult a health care specialist and the Taichi instructor before starting any exercise.
Taichi needs no special equipment and once trained by a competent instructor, it can be practiced anywhere alone or in a group.
Taichi, also called Taichi chuan, is non-competitive. The slow-paced system of physical exercise and stretching flows gently from one posture to the next without pause, ensuring that your body is in constant motion.
Today, if anything has increased in our lives, it is stress. Be it a professional, a school or college going student, a senior, worker or homemaker, everyone is more stressed.
The last two- three years have only added to the anxiety. What can we do to stay healthy, happy, and calm? One sure way is Taichi. Across all ages, it is one of the best ways to stay fit, increase flexibility and balance. It is also a proven stress buster.
As any Taichi student will tell you with a wink, "The answer is Taichi, now what is your question again?"
Originally developed for self-defense, Taichi today has evolved into a graceful, easy flowing form of exercise that could aptly be described as poetry in motion.
It is meditative and is also used to improve balance, lower blood pressure, mend disturbed sleep patterns, boost energy levels, increase stamina and enhance cardiac and pulmonary fitness.
Taichi originated as an ancient Chinese tradition that, today, is practiced as a series of fluid movements performed in a slow, focused manner, accompanied by deep breathing.
So, what's Qigong?
Very often, Taichi is preceded by Qigong. Qi (pronounce Chee) is a series of coordinated body-posture and movements, breathing, and meditation used to promote health, spirituality, and prepare the body for Taichi.
Qigong is essentially the practice to cultivate and balance Qi or the "life energy" in our body.
How is Taichi safe for me?
Taichi puts minimal stress on muscles and joints making it safe for all ages and fitness levels. If you can walk, you can Taichi! Having said that, people with special conditions should consult a health care specialist and the Taichi instructor before starting any exercise.
Taichi needs no special equipment and once trained by a competent instructor, it can be practiced anywhere alone or in a group.
Taichi, also called Taichi chuan, is non-competitive. The slow-paced system of physical exercise and stretching flows gently from one posture to the next without pause, ensuring that your body is in constant motion.