No matter what we do, we need to have good health. Tai Ji (chi) and QiGong is a fun and effective way of improving our mind and body fitness, because practicing Tai Ji not only exercises muscles and joints, it also exercises our brain.
Tai Ji consists of dynamic and static elements. The movements, such as step forward and backward, make a turn, or kicks in Tai Ji are dynamic elements. In those moments, there is a static component. Those moments are not driven by force but guided by the mind. Practicing Tai Ji is a process of practicing to relax, to clear distracting thoughts out of mind, to keep peace of mind. These are accomplished by focusing on the movements.
Movements in Tai Ji are performed in an arc or circular manner. The connotation of this spiral movement can help to strengthen the bones, increase the elasticity of the entire body’s tendons, skins, muscles, and internal organs. That is why people who have practice Tai Ji for many years usually have the larger lung capacity, stronger bones, stronger and more elastic bladder muscles, better balance, and more flexible bodies compare to people of similar age. They look younger than their ages as well.
Key components of Tai Ji include movement, meditation, and deep breathing. These three components emphases on the three regulations of body focus, mental focus, and breathe focus. During the practice, moments are transitioned from one to another in a slow and smooth manner like flowing water and moving clouds. Some movements are quite complicated and need to have good body coordination and balance. Therefore, completing those moments requires the brain to work under intense activities. Thereby it stimulates the central nervous system, activates the other organs’ functional activities, and strengthens the regulation of the brain.
These are why practicing Tai Ji can significantly improve the mind & Body fitness. It cultivates mindfulness, prolongs life span, and is quite fun as well.