Benefits of Tai Chi

Alternative Medicine or Product: Tai Chi
The ancient Chinese practice of Tai Chi is today primarily known as a gentle form of movement, often favored by the elderly or persons with limited mobility. However, it began as a martial art, one which was based on balance and unity with nature rather than upon strength. “The essential principles of Tai Chi are based on the ancient Chinese philosophy of Taoism, which stresses the natural balance in all things and the need for living in spiritual and physical accord with the patterns of nature” (“History,” 2017, par. 4). The discipline has a number of different branches, and while the more traditional Wu, Hao, and Sun all share similar principles, Sun is the only method that was specifically developed as a healing and therapeutic practice for the ill (Lam, 2007,, par.1). It is the one primarily in use in the West today. It is designed to generate internal power and a sense of calm. “Tai Chi became a complete system of exercise in which the practitioner's mental concentration, breathing and actions are closely connected. It paved the way for its current use as an ideal form of exercise for all aspects of health care” (Lam, 2007, par. 8). The practice unites the mind and body and can be useful in cultivating relief from anxiety and mindfulness as well as lower the heart rate and blood pressure.
Gaithersburg Body & Brain Yoga/Tai Chi
Tai Chi is often taught at yoga studios that specialize in movement-base therapies, such as Gaithersburg Body & Brain Yoga/Tai Chi. Unlike gyms which also teach yoga, the center specifically stresses the psychological as well as the physical benefits for participants. There are special introductory classes to encourage potential customers to avail themselves of the benefits of Tai Chi and other disciplines taught at the center, including a $15 assessment and a $25 assessment and trial class. Class packages are available for students who wish to take regular classes at discounted rates and students can take a variety of classes, not simply Tai Chi.
The target audience for the classes at Gaithersburg Body & Brain Yoga/Tai Chi include people of all ages, not simply the elderly. Both the sick and the well can benefit from the movement-based therapies featured at the center. The class packs are designed to encourage people to exercise on a regular basis. The center is part of a franchise begun by a man who used yoga and other alternative healing methods to rehabilitate himself.
Cultural Awareness
Tai Chi reflects many of the assumptions of traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the ways in which it is taught and practiced. Unlike some aspects of TCM, such as the use of herbs and cupping, Tai Chi can be integrated as complementary as well as alternative medication, as it does not cause any known side effects or conflict with conventional medications. Exercise and physical and occupational therapy has been found to be beneficial to treat numerous medical conditions and for patients who are not able to engage in more vigorous cardiovascular or strength-based training, Tai Chi classes offer a useful physical and social outlet. It can also be used by individuals who practice other forms of exercise but who wish to work on their balance and gain a sense of peace and focus.
Anyone can practice the art of Tai Chi. The assumptions of Tai Chi regarding the need for balancing opposite energies and to integrate the mind and body do reflect assumptions about health, wellness, and what it means to live a quality life particular to the culture that produced. Yet an interest in Tai Chi is not exclusive to individuals from the culture that produced it, as is reflected in the rise in the West of the practices of yoga and meditation.


References
Gaithersburg Body & Brain Yoga/Tai Chi. (2017). Retrieved from:
https://www.bodynbrain.com/getstarted/starterspackage/Gaithersburg
Lam. P. (2007). History of Tai Chi. Tai Chi for Health Institute. Retrieved from:
https://taichiforhealthinstitute.org/history-of-tai-chi-2/