Tai Chi

Origins and historical development :

Forms, sequences of pre-determined fighting patterns performed slowly while meditating, originated in China. Although myth surrounds the exact nature as to the evolution of T’ai Chi Ch’uan, literally translated as ‘great ultimate fist’, it is likely that there were a number of influencing factors which combined to aid its development. What is clear is that China has a history of conflict where fighting, fitness and exercise were a way of life. It therefore seems unsurprising that a system of exercise blended with martial skill emerged.

It is believed the roaming monk Bodhidharma travelled to China from India during the 16th Century, bringing with him exercises based on yoga techniques that he taught to the boxing monks of The Shaolin Temple. It was also in the 6th Century that Lao Tzu founded Taoism, living in accordance with the way of doing nothing, yet leaving nothing undone. Later, in the 13th Century, it was a Taoist monk, Chang San Feng, who is said to have dreamt of a fight between a crane and a snake where both animals moved with grace and power in a dance like manner. Combining his interpretation of this dream with his martial skills he had himself learnt at Shaolin, together with the practiced Taoist breathing exercises, he developed T’ai Chi with a softer, internal focus on the movements as opposed to strength from physicality; channelling the universal energy through the body’s meridians.

Today, there are five main recognised styles of T’ai Chi: Chen, Yang, Wu, Woo and Sun. The most common form in the West is a shortened version of the 108 position Yang style, as devised by Professor Cheng Man-Ch’ing in the 1940s. The emphasis is on relaxing the body so that it sinks and creates a solid base and energy can then be created from the body’s optimal alignment of the bones and joints; starting at the feet, up to the waist where the force is harnessed before forming in the fingers and finally being discharged through the spine and out the back of the body. The whole process encourages the mind and body to work in harmony in a state of relaxed awareness with deep breathing and flowing, powerful motion where one sequence of movements is finished by the next.

What to expect during a treatment :

Loose, comfortable clothing and soft flat shoes are the most appropriate attire for practicing T’ai Chi. Sessions are usually held weekly in small groups for around an hour at a time, although there are also numerous self help guides available in various formats for study at home. There will likely be a light warm up followed by learning the positions, stances and pre-arranged sequences of movements referred to as ‘forms’. Emphasis will be placed on relaxing, deep breathing and correct posture to gain maximum benefit from each move performed.

Conditions suitable for treatment :

T’ai Chi is an excellent remedy to the stresses of everyday modern life. It helps relax the body and focus the mind; as well as toning the muscles. Reported benefits include better posture, mental awareness and co-ordination; as well as stress relief.