Tai Chi Chuan
Tai chi chuan was developed by Chinese Taoist monks hundreds of years ago. Practicing Tai Chi for twenty minutes each day is said to rejuvenate your body and prolong your life.
Tai chi is an exercise of precise, controlled movements. There are more than one hundred of them using every part of the body, from the eyes down to the toes. The movements are done in a slow, flowing manner. It is a safe practice for anyone from children to elders.
Tai chi has both psychological and physiological benefits. Tai chi does not raise your heart rate. This is important for those who cannot tolerate stress on their hearts.
Tai Chi has a calming effect on your mind and nervous system. Complete relaxation is an essential principle of tai chi. You must relax all of your muscles and follow through the movements with a calm mind and smooth motions.
Tai Chi movements promote relaxation. They consist of circles and arcs. The weight constantly shifts from one foot to the other. The whole body moves as a unit. As each movement flows into the next, the exercise seems almost effortless, and it encourages a sense of peace and emotional stability.
The essence of tai chi chuan is chi, or vital energy, which can be cultivated through the exercise.