Around a thousand years ago, a Daoist Master, martial arts and medical expert Zhang Sanfeng created the ultimate form of self defence and natural health preservation. He designed not only a system to disrupt the harmony of chi, by striking certain points at certain times of the day but also realized the therapeutic value of these same meridians and points. The question was “how to strengthen the body, tonify the organs, create free flow through the meridians and cultivate chi.”
The art is known as known as taiji or more commonly tai chi - "the grand/supreme or ultimate fist" - taijiquan being the fist part of the fighting art of taiji
Nowadays taiji & qigong is known most commonly for its healing and strengthening exercises, practiced in a set pattern. Taiji and qigong improves health through relaxing and releasing, body awareness and alignment; the cultivation of vital energy (chi); balance and co-ordination, breathing with movement, meditation and visualization and attention to the here and now. External and internal senses ( five of each ) are focused on at each level of training.
In the longer term, developing an awareness of intention and the confluence of body, mind and spirit; sensitivity and inner listening through the practice of pushing hands and a greater understanding of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Learning not to identify with these energies creates non aggressive responses and the ability to deal with unwanted or blocked energy.
There are many 'styles' of taiji, Yang, Wu, Chen - find any teacher that resonates with you and flow with these gentle ancient movements.
