Tai chi is an ancient Chinese exercise system aimed at improving the health of the body and mind through balancing the body's energy, or chi.
The Chinese believe that chi flows through the body along meridian lines and when the flow is interrupted, the body becomes ill. Although it consists of a series of slow, fluid movements that are more graceful than they are aggressive, it is based around a form of martial arts.
Michelle Grossberg, 51, has been practising tai chi for 12 years and says it makes you feel truly alive. "The benefits are enormous," says the Melbourne-based accountant, who does two classes a week and practises daily. Her diabetes is kept under control when she practises regularly.
The health benefits of Tai Chi
Tai chi should work almost like a meditation and clear the mind. Some studies show that it can be useful for treating the symptoms of a range of diseases, from arthritis to asthma.
Because the movements are slow, it's not considered aerobic exercise, so weight-loss benefits are small. However, Khor says its effect on stress levels may help compulsive eaters step away from temptation. From the Chinese perspective, it helps to balance yin (feminine energy) and yang (masculine energy), which improves health.