Tai Chi: Movement, Alignment, Focus and Relaxation

by Simon Murray

Tai Chi Chuan (a.k.a. Taijiquan) is a series of interconnected movements and postures. Initially an effective martial art, it’s now more commonly practiced slowly and mindfully to maximise its health benefits. There are 5 main schools or styles of Tai Chi, as well as many modern combinations and variations. Typically, practitioners learn a sequence of movements (often known as forms), and, through repetition, gradually immerse themselves in deeper understanding and awareness of their body, by focusing on co-ordination, weight transfer, alignment, and the subtler energetics of this rich tradition.

This type of concentration and awareness has resonant effects on our minds and emotions as well. On one level, simply having to be so focused and observant of our bodies automatically helps us to shut out the distracting mental monkeys which characterise much of current existence. Once we get beyond the basics of remembering the sequence and co-ordinating our limbs, we can also access deeper energetic and meditative states which embody the Tao Teh Ching’s maxim of “stillness within movement, movement within stillness”. This outside-in regulation of the nervous system can resonate long after a practice session finishes.

While Tai Chi is frequently associated with older people, much can be gained from building a regular practice when younger. The body awareness it enhances is transferable to any other physical activity, and it can therefore improve athletic performance, work-related physical requirements, and the many daily tasks which require co-ordination and proprioception. Why wait until things start notably declining? It’s worth mentioning that many of the older practitioners one can see in parks throughout Asia (and elsewhere) didn’t just take up Tai Chi because they could no longer do anything else, but may have been practicing for many decades, which has contributed to their longevity and vitality.

While Tai Chi has core principles, they are happily adjustable to almost any situation. Injuries can be catered for, as can age-related restrictions, and the practice’s in-built avoidance of extremes means that everyone can get something out of it, while those who wish to challenge themselves further can proceed over time into related practices, built on the same principles, which move closer to Tai Chi’s martial origins.

Simon also offers sessions at our clinic every Friday, where you can discover the profound benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, and energy work to complement your practice.