Tai Chi: Beyond The Moves

Tai Chi is now widely recognized for its many health benefits, including stress relief. It is now common for people to be referred to Tai Chi for the benefits of balance, flexibility, joint health and Tai Chi’s calming effect on the mind.

Basic Tai Chi moves are easy to learn. But once the moves are down, then what? How can one tap into the deeper benefits of the training? The key lies in practicing the movements while also being mindful of the breath and the sensations in the body.

Beyond the moves, the power of the training lies in creating an optimal energy circulation in the body, what we call "Water-Up, Fire-Down". The goal is to let warm energy from the chest drop to the lower abdomen and cool energy to rise along the spine to cool the head. This way, we feel calm of mind and comfortable in the body.

So, we need to address the body’s posture. We do training to relax the spine and align the shoulder and waistlines. We stretch and squeeze the body to release tension and increase blood flow. And we open the joints by making smooth circular movements with our torso, arms, and legs. The training works best when done gently, with a concentration in the movement, breath, and the sensation in the body. Through this process, shoulder and neck tension ease, the chest relaxes, the body becomes balanced and the mind becomes calm as energy and awareness sink into the lower body.

Finally, we can start to feel the sense of centeredness and grounding as the hip joints release tension and the body’s weight naturally sinks down all the way to the bottoms of the feet. In this phase of training, energy circulation in the whole body opens, and we build strength and power in the legs. This helps us to feel our lower body solidly and increases balance and confidence in our ability to carry the body.

With continued training, we develop an internal strength and power which is both smooth and soft. Besides the physical benefits, our breathing deepens and our core temperature stays warm, which aids in digestion and overall sense of well-being. Through Tai Chi training, we can revive the sense of balance and harmony which originally existed inside of us, while at the same time maintaining physical health, emotional stability and a peaceful mind.

Body & Brain Ridgefield is currently offering in-person and online group and one-on-one classes. To learn more about our Tai Chi classes, please contact us at 201-941-8622 or www.bodynbrain.com/ridgefield. We’ve been serving the greater Ridgefield community of Fort Lee, Cliffside Park, and Palisades Park in Bergen Co for more than 25 years.