As Tai Chi originated in China, one could be forgiven for thinking it’s all Bruce Lee scissor-cutting, fast leg action and knocking six bells out of an opponent. That’s about as far away from the true meaning of Tai Chi as you can get. Some of the movements originally derived from martial arts yes, but others come from the natural movement of birds and animals but it’s a very slow, graceful form of physical and mental exercise.
The ancient Taoists introduced this gentle but powerful art form as a means to promote health and longevity – the meaning of the words Tai Chi is ‘supreme ultimate force’.
Importantly, it’s not aimed solely at the elderly but is now an accepted therapy for all ages. It is best to wear tracksuit bottoms and a T-shirt, while on the feet, thin-soled Chinese slippers or Tai Chi shoes are best – although any ordinary flat shoe will do – heavy sports trainers aren’t advised.
What is it supposed to do?
It makes you feel good, promotes a calm and tranquil mind, and studies have shown that practising Tai Chi also results in a marked decrease in sadness, confusion and anger. Balance is restored both physically and mentally. Also, it lowers blood pressure and has been proved to offer a host of benefits to diabetes sufferers, including improvements in blood sugar levels, better sleeping patterns and even weight loss. It also helps those afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis.
What is it like?
The easiest way to describe it in action is as a form of slow-moving yoga, which is rooted in the feet as it’s all done standing up with everything being propelled by the legs, guided by the torso and then expressed in the fingers. Beginners might find it a challenge as it’s essential that the lower vertebrae are kept completely erect, which means the upper back appears to lean back slightly. In Tai Chi, you are constantly transferring your weight, which should appear as an effortless movement. The knees should be bent with your weight sinking down to the ground.
One of the key elements is the ability to release your fears, fear it is said brings only tension and ill health so it’s important to forget yourself and your fears and try and become one with nature. Letting go and approaching Tai Chi with an open mind and heart in the company of a good teacher has resulted in people having their life changed for the better. It may look gentle but nerves and sinews, muscles and bones that are unused to any form of disciplined, targeted exercise will get sore but you have to approach this very much in the Chinese fashion which states that ‘the more sweat and blood you spill in practice, the less you will in real life’.
Is there any science behind it?
Lots of upbeat and very positive data from a wide range of medical folk recommending Tai Chi for heart patients, diabetics and cancer patients. It’s in the main an unquantifiable art/exercise/curative form. If a feel-good factor can be quantifiable then Tai Chi would no doubt be prescribed by every medical practitioner in the world.
That said, Monique Kanaris who teaches Tai Chi in Paphos always advises class members to notify their doctor before joining and also to inform her of any pre existing physical problems. Be warned, if you relish straining, sweating, working out sessions then Tai Chi is not for you. Strength and endurance in Tai Chi is achieved through using minimal effort so your body feels relaxed.
Where and how much
Monique Kanaris takes a 90-minute class every Friday morning at 10am prompt at The Cancer Patients Support Group offices in Paphos. Price for non cancer patients is £3 per person per session and all money goes toward supporting local cancer patients. Tel: 26 952478
