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Complementary therapy & Parkinson's: Tai Chi

Tai Chi

What is Tai Chi?

Tai (or t’ai) Chi is an ancient martial art originating in the Far East.  Based on 6,000 year old Chinese teachings, Tai Chi is both an exercise and fighting system, but which is now practiced as a defence against the stresses and strains of daily life.

Combining movement, meditation and breath regulation, Tai Chi is a series of co-ordinated, rhythmical exercises performed in a slow, relaxed manner that can improve and maintain health, create a sense of relaxation, improve balance and posture, and enhance the flow of energy (or Chi) in the body.

Seemingly effortless and one continuous movement, Tai Chi actually consists of 108 intricate exercise sequences which also help improve mental concentration.  Those who practice Tai Chi believe that the mind is the most important tool in achieving excellence in all areas of life, including health.  So the ability to focus the mind and keep it interested and involved is essential to change, correct and heal oneself.

Did you know?

In China it is estimated that 200 million people practice Tai Chi every day!

The person who is traditionally credited as being the 'founder' of Tai Chi is the monk Chang San-feng, who was stationed at the Wu Tang monastery, and, depending upon sources, lived somewhere between 960AD and 1460 AD, although some scholars question his existence at all, ascribing him to a mythical figure.

 


Acknowledgement


We would like to acknowledge use of the following source(s) in compiling this information:

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