Tai Chi Chuan is an internal martial art recognized for its beneficial effects on the health and longevity of those who practice it. It is, if you will, a meditation in movement, with the practitioner always trying to be aware of the body and the environment, leading the movement with the mind in a state of relaxation active and alert.

The Tai Chi Chuan forms are designed to increase natural strength, create a higher state of relaxation and acquire fighting skills, with the ultimate goal of bringing the practitioner to a higher state of focus, discipline, balance and harmony with the Universe.

Calisthenic and breathing exercises date back as early as 1100 BC.

Stories about the emergence of Tai Chi Chuan only appeared later, when the art was already widespread.

For centuries Tai Chi Chuan has been kept secret and passed down from generation to generation.

Tai Chi has been passed down to the present day through three main traditions: 

- Chen family style, with combinations of slow and explosive techniques;

- The Yang family style, derived from the Chen style in the 19th century, with a cursive and uniform rhythm;

- the Wu family style, derived from both of the above styles, characterized by subtle movements of the wrists.

Besides these, there are two lesser known styles: Sun, which combines elements of Hsing I and Pa Kua with the Tai Chi sequence, and the Hao style, derived from the Chen style in the 19th century, characterized by subtle and intricate circular movements.

Tai Chi Chuan harmoniously combines movement with Qigong-It is considered a dynamic form of Qigong. Strong body structure is acquired through practices such as Iron Shirt. The balance that allows the practitioner to control their emotions during practice (as in a fight) is acquired through: Taoist meditations such as the Inner Smile and the 6 Healing Sounds. And the flexibility needed for free execution of movements is obtained through Tao Yin exercises.

Tai Chi Chuan is one of the most effective exercises to cultivate health.

By circulating energy through all the body's meridians, it helps to balance the energy of the whole body. Qigong is the best known therapeutic practice (there is even medical Qigong). But also through Tai Chi We can achieve the same benefits, especially if the dynamic practice is complemented by: breathing exercises, healing meditations and exercises for flexibility and strengthening the tendons.

By performing complex movements on both sides, Tai Chi stimulates both hemispheres of the brain. The highly complex coordination of the hands and feet combined with perfect balance and concentration helps the practitioner to develop a strong and alert mind, stimulating the central nervous system.

The practitioner learns to keep the spine straight at all times, allowing it to be stretched by the rising Chi in the body. To truly practise Tai Chi Chuan, a person must be as stable and resilient as a willow, impossible to be taken by surprise whether pushing, pulling back, twisting or stepping, these exercises are designed to improve the practitioner's posture.

Internal martial arts that emphasize internal strength rather than muscular strength rely on strengthening tendons. Tendons can generate much more strength than muscles, and the advantage is that they retain their elasticity and vigor well into old age, unlike muscles which tend to atrophy with age.

Breath is essential in working with Chi - in Chinese, Chi means both breath and energy. The practitioner inhales when retreating and exhales when advancing or striking, the breath being the expression of the balance of Yin and Yang and the key to inner strength and emotional and mental balance.

Benefits of Tai Chi Chuan

In terms of psychological benefits, the technique helps relieve daily stress, anxiety and fatigue, strengthens willpower and opens the soul, refining and amplifying perceptions.

Tai Chi Chuan exercises can be performed by anyone, regardless of age or gender. Moreover, they are recommended as aerobic exercise for the elderly and relaxing for heart patients. Pregnant women in advanced months should avoid certain movements that involve straining the perineum or bending over.

I wish you good health!

Andrei Claudiu Simion

Specialist massage techniques, Spa consultant

Mobile: 0736.339.830