Tai Chi is a very old practice that originated from China. It’s roots began as a type of martial art. The exercise itself is in modern days known for its slow and smooth movements. These movements in connection with postures, breathing and meditation all form the basis of a very excellent practice that can be very healing to our bodies. The goal of healing with Tai Chi is to help us find balance in our body and minds.

Some people when first getting started with meditation may have a lot of issues with trying to settle down and maintain a type of peace. Tai Chi is known for it’s ability to help us slow down in life and reach a type of “moving meditation”.

Tai Chi is very accessible and useful to all types of people. Tai Chi is mostly practiced gentle and there is always an emphasis on remaining “smooth”, never rigid. Tai Chi movements are circular, slow, fluid and peaceful.

The famous Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu said:

“Men are born soft and supple; dead they are stiff and hard. Plants are born tender and pliant; dead, they are brittle and dry. Thus whoever is stiff and inflexible is a disciple of death. Whoever is soft and yielding is a disciple of life.”

There are many benefits to practicing Tai Chi, such as increase balance, strength, flexibility, weight control, heart health, better sleep, arthritis control and stress relief.

The two most popular styles of Tai Chi include: Chen Style and Yang Style.