Contents
Tai Chi Fundamentals
Preparing to Practice Tai Chi
Basic Principles of Tai Chi
Tai Chi Forms
1. Commencing Form
2. Wild Horse Parts Mane
3. White Crane Flashes Its Wings
4. Brush Knee
5. Strum the Lute
6. Curve Back Arms
7. Grasp the Bird’s Tail (Left Style)
8. Grasp the Bird’s Tail (Right Style)
9. Single Whip
10. Wave Hands Like Clouds (Left Style)
11. Second Single Whip
12. High Pat on Horse
13. Kick with Right Heel
14. Strike Opponent’s Ears with Both Fists
15. Turn and Kick with Left Heel
16. Push Down and Stand on One Leg (Left Style)
17. Push Down and Stand on One Leg (Right Style)
18. Work at Shuttles on Both Sides
19. Needle at the Bottom of the Sea
20. Flash Arm
21. Turn Downward to Deflect, Parry, and Punch
22. Apparent Closeup
23. Cross Hands
24. Closing Form
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- Practical considerations for planning your tai chi regimen
- The basic principles of tai chi, including posture, breathing, and mindfulness
- All 24 forms of the Yang style, the world’s most popular type of tai chi
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Tai Chi Fundamentals
Tai chi is a martial art that combines physical exercise with deep meditation. A tai chi routine typically consists of a series of forms, each of which is a combination of slow and deliberate movements, postures, and breathing patterns.
The Benefits of Tai Chi
Perhaps tai chi’s most important benefit is its ability to make you feel good. In addition to boosting overall wellness, tai chi has specific physical and psychological benefits.
Physical Benefits of Tai Chi
Tai chi is a highly effective therapy for physical injuries and chronic conditions, as well as a great fitness method. Specifically, tai chi:
- Enhances the functioning of bodily systems
- Promotes weight loss and muscle tone
- Improves balance, flexibility, and coordination
- Encourages relaxation, and increases energy
Psychological Benefits of Tai Chi
The slow, deliberate pace of tai chi renders it a form of meditation, which reduces stress and tension. When practiced regularly, tai chi can help alleviate depression, anger, anxiety, and fatigue.
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