Stress Coping: Tai Chi

According to Chinese medicine, the universe is run by a single principle, the Tao, which is made up of the yin and the yang two opposing, yet complementary principles. For example, the yin includes femaleness, the moon, cold, and matter, while maleness, the sun, heat, and energy are relatively yang.

"Chi" refers to our energy, vitality, or life force. And "tai chi" is translated as "all encompassing" or "supreme ultimate," because of its embodiment of both the yin and the yang. "Chuan," often used in the name, translates to "fist" or "boxing," and signifies exercise.

Achieving and maintaining good health
In Chinese medicine, pain or sickness is believed to occur when the flow of the chi is blocked, and yin and yang energies are out of balance. When the chi is circulating freely, physical symptoms disappear. The joints are seen as gates that control the flow of chi; the slow, gentle, swaying movements, deep breathing, and mental focus of tai chi are designed to relieve tension, open up these joints, and allow chi to move effortlessly throughout the body.

Tai chi is purported to be good for all health concerns, although many of these reports are anecdotal. A number of renowned tai chi masters are said to have experienced sickness in the past from which they could find no relief until they began to practice tai chi.

The scientific research done thus far has involved small groups of people, but these studies are promising. Some research shows that those who practiced tai chi regularly were less likely to fall. Other studies have suggested improvements in flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular fitness, which may bring relief to people recovering from heart surgery or dealing with such conditions as arthritis, back pain, fibromyalgia, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, and hypertension.

Learning to practice
Tai chi involves virtually no impact and no equipment, and requires only your motivation and perseverance. With the supervision of a qualified instructor, people of any physical condition can begin to practice with little concern for injury. To find a teacher you'll be compatible with, ask members of different classes about their teachers.

There is a great variety of styles of tai chi, and an even greater variety of teaching styles. In some traditional classes, there is little verbal communication and the students learn by watching. In other classes, the teacher may speak throughout and often use imagery to describe body movements ("let your spine hang gently like a necklace of pearls") and to guide meditation ("let the energy flow through you like water down a stream").

There is no national certification program for tai chi instructors, rather there is an informal hierarchy. Typically, those who call themselves "masters" have extensive experience, but beware! Anyone can adopt this title. Ask potential instructors about their experience and their specific style, and compare sample classes if possible.

Balancing your chi
Whether you have a specific health condition or wish to maintain your current state of health, balancing your yin and yang energies through the practice of tai chi can help bring peace and vitality to your mind, your body, and your life.