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Time Magazine wrote, “. . . Tai Chi is the perfect exercise . . .” While serving as the Tai Chi Expert at DrWeil.com, I learned that best selling author and acclaimed naturopathic physician, Andrew Weil, suggested that poor breathing habits are at the root of many of our health problems. This was exciting news to me, confirming what I’d spent a lifetime learning in my Qigong (Chi Kung) and Tai Chi education. Yet, Dr. Weil’s insights helped me describe to people just why Tai Chi is the perfect exercise.

Tai Chi has two basic methods of practicing, “pushing hands,” which involves a pair of people, and going solo, known as “forms.” Tai Chi exercises aim to train the body to balance and adjust according to the external forces. Tai Chi exercises are taught at a nearby fitness centers and do not require any special clothing. It is recommended to wear loose fitting clothes that enable flexibility and free movement of the body parts. Exclusively made special shoes can be bought, or a comfortable walking shoe or a sneaker will serve the purpose.

In practicing Tai Chi movements on a daily basis, it is thought that Chi (or the life-energy that flows through you body) is enhanced. If Chi cannot flow to certain organs of the body, they become “malnourished,” resulting in illness. Tai Chi exercises supposedly open up the channels for Chi to flow properly throughout the body, thus maintaining health, vitality, and energy.

The principle of Yin and Yang is incorporated in the tai chi martial arts style, to balance the strong force by countering it with a mild one. There are a number of styles that have gained popularity, but they have all evolved from one basic form that developed in the 16th century. The popular styles are Yang, Wu, Ch’en, and Sun. Tai Chi is now taught in as many as 25 countries and is officially recognized by the Chinese Sports Committee.

A major fitness manufacturing association recently released a study that found Tai Chi was at the top of the growth charts for health & fitness exercises. For those who’ve learned to enjoy Tai Chi and Qigong’s gentle workouts, this is no surprise, as they’ve seen their outlook improve, and an increased sense of well-being in their lives. Many notice improved sleep, reduced allergy symptoms and lessened asthma symptoms over the years as they practice Tai Chi & Qigong as well.

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