To channel your energy and find a little serenity, discover the Tai Chi, an ancestral Chinese art that is good inside and out.
Despite his appearance of health gymnastics for the elderly, the Tai Chiof his full name the Tai chi chuanis a martial art. Of Chinese origin, it is one of the so -called “internal” practices, where the precision of the gestures and the movements of the body is used to develop the inner meaning. At first, the different figures are made very slowly, as in slow motion, in order to acquire good coordination and to develop internal perception. Once this goal is achieved, the pace can be accelerated.
Tai-chi and qi gong: what differences?
The Tai Chi is often confused with the Qi Gong. However, if the two disciplines focus on the work of the body movement, breath and mind, they do not have the same purpose: Tai Chi develops power while Qi Gong focuses on well-being.
What are the benefits of Tai Chi?
The virtues of the Tai Chi are numerous but you have to know how to be patient to manage to master sequences and breathing techniques and to feel the effects. On the physical level, it makes it possible to develop both flexibility, coordination and in general dynamism. It also promotes muscle strengthening and improves posture. The Tai Chi Chuan is recommended to get in shape gently, but you will have to practice another more “physical” activity in parallel such as vinyasa yoga or the bar on the ground, if you want to lose weight and/or sculpt your silhouette. On the psychological and emotional level, respiratory techniques and flexible movements of Tai Chi allow deep relaxation. It is a proven method to manage stress, regain calm and reconnect with its deep nature.
The different Tai-Chi movements and exercises
To start, it is essential to empty your mind thanks to the abdominal breathing. The ideal position to practice is standing, as straight as possible. The shoulders are released while the spine remains flexible. It is the size that moves first. The upper body should not be tense. The legs must remain flexible and mobile. The knees should not exceed the tip of the feet. To help you, you can practice floor stretching by making rotations in hips and ankles. Tai Chi can be practiced alone or with an opponent.
Some essential movements in Tai-chi which are carried out through ample, almost dancing gestures:
- Opening
- Push the monkey
- Brush the knee
- Separate the horse mane
- Move hands like clouds
Tai-chi, for whom?
Tai-chi is an art that everyone can experiencewithout exception of age and physical condition, provided you are patient and motivated. Indeed, it is a demanding practice which requires rigor and perseverance to grant its benefits. The cliché of the group of elderly people in kimono who seem to hunt flies with their hands does not come out of nowhere: the Tai-Chi Chuan does not exercise stress on the joints, it is therefore a practice of choice for seniors or for people who wish to find a physical activity after many years without doing sport. There are few contraindications to the practice of Tai Chi, on the other hand, pregnant women are encouraged to find another activity during their pregnancy.
Where to practice Tai Chi?
Tai Chi being a very technical art, it is advisable to start your practice with a teacher In order to learn the different breathing movements and techniques. The Federation of Chinese Energy and Martial Arts references a large number of courses in all of mainland France and the DOM-TOM. A session lasts about 60 minutes and includes warm -up, travel exercises and stretching. Just put on a comfortable and flexible outfit and go! Once the bases have been mastered, the Tai Chi can be practiced alone, at home as outside. To progress, a daily practice of about fifteen minutes, in addition to a weekly course, and strongly encouraged.
