Tai chi is an internal martial art that improves the quality of life of children, adolescents and adults.
Tai chi is an expression that brings together two words from the Chinese language: tài , which according to the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) is interpreted in Spanish as ' extreme ' , and jí , understood in Spanish as ' limit ' .
The theoretical definition presents tai chi (a word that is usually written separately and sometimes all together with or without an accent) as a Chinese style of gymnastics designed to achieve, on the one hand, the release of energy and, on the other, internal balance. It should be noted that this discipline is part of the group of so-called internal martial arts and is characterized by being developed based on slow movements .
Although it was born in China a long time ago, currently these routines that invite body and mind to work together by performing simultaneous movement and meditation are practiced daily both in their land of origin and in other places on the planet.
Origin of tai chi
Before referring to the origin of tai chi, it is worth noting that, in 2020 , the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) added this type of physical exercise to the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. .
Taijiquan , as cited by UNESCO , flourished in the Wenxian area (district that belongs to the Chinese province of Henan ) in the middle of the 17th century . Prior to that time, according to certain records, a monk named Zhang Sanfeng encouraged the practice of exercises in the Shaolin Temple in order to purify internal energy . His disciples continued this tradition that from its beginnings has sought to bring about health benefits and hope for greater longevity, enlightenment or eternity.
Over the years, this activity, influenced by the foundations of traditional Chinese medicine , Confucianism and Taoism, was no longer exclusive to monasteries. Its scope expanded when lay communities asked to be instructed in this philosophy in order to acquire skills and knowledge related to self-defense . From then on it expanded beyond borders and became part of multiple currents, styles or schools.
Tai chi , which seeks to achieve harmony by combining aspects of yin and yang , became so relevant that it ended up being incorporated into China 's formal education system and captivating children, young people and adults of different nationalities.
Yang style tai chi, one of the many variants of this ancient discipline, covers more than thirty basic postures organized in different ways that facilitate learning.
Importance and advantages
Tai chi is valued, preserved, taught and practiced worldwide given its historical and cultural importance and the benefits it generates at every stage of life.
Those who know firsthand the advantages of this discipline that finds breathing a fundamental element to give direction and control to one's own energy and that of others, encourage practicing tai chi to live longer and better.
With exercises framed in this philosophy, positive changes in body flexibility are usually evident and inner peace is gained. Balance is also favored and a significant improvement in blood circulation is achieved. Increased energy , muscle strengthening and stress reduction are other effects of tai chi .
It is constructive to know that, as there are no contraindications , there are no age limits to enjoy tai chi routines. It is essential, however, to have duly certified teachers or instructors who teach properly and ensure that the postures are correct: otherwise, the individual could be exposed to muscle or joint injuries.
In conclusion, there is research and studies that show the countless benefits of tai chi for the health of all human beings. There are proven results about the positive effects of this discipline on mental health , cardiovascular diseases and cases of subjects diagnosed with osteoporosis , for example. To finish confirming the prestige and good reputation of tai-chi, it is useful to add that, from the perspective of experts based at Harvard University , it is the ideal and perfect activity to take advantage of and practice throughout life. because it is easy to learn and physically safe.
Thanks to the practice of tai chi, physical and mental health can benefit, since this activity improves mood, reduces stress levels and promotes blood circulation, for example.
tai chi classes
Nowadays, tai chi seminars, workshops and classes are held in numerous associations and institutions distributed throughout the planet. It is even possible to join groups that meet in squares or parks with the purpose of practicing tai chi outdoors .
Those who perform the exercises usually wear light clothing that does not affect their physical dynamics, as well as comfortable footwear .
Several modalities are generally recognized. The Chen style proposes chaining movements alternating between softness and power and slowness and speed. The hands, on the other hand, are essential to initiate the movements known as the Wu style , while the performers of the Sun style delicately carry out fluid, circular movements and alternate between more than a dozen basic postures.