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The Alternative Medicine Tai Chi for Good Health

The mind-body practice known as Tai chi began in China as a martial art and has slowly evolved into a deep breathing and meditating alternative medicine. Those who practice Tai chi believe that the "moving mediation" that is a part of Tai chi help the flow of vital energy called qi to move throughout the body. In the U.S. Tai chi is considered to be part of alternative medicine and when used alongside conventional medicine is called, complementary medicine.

Tai chi is used to improve one or more aspects of health and to maintain good health.

It is very important that whenever an individual uses alternative medicine practices that they inform their primary physician that they are using alternative medicine because some herbal remedies and supplements can clash with conventional medicine especially drugs and this clash which may lead to harmful side effects can be avoided if your doctor knows ahead of time so that your use of alternative medicines can be safely coordinated with the conventional medicine that you are using especially any drugs that you may be taking.

When practicing Tai chi the person moves in a slow, relaxed manner with movements that are called, "forms" or routines. The simplest style of Tai chi involves 13 movements. Each movement done will flow into the next movement. Your body is always in motion and the movements are to be gentle and at a uniform speed. The body should be upright with the weight of the body being on the feet. Breathing and meditation go hand in hand with the movements in order to give the most benefit to the individual.

The combination of breathing, movements and meditation will give the following benefits:

Aids the exchange of gases within the lungs

Helps the digestive system improve function

Improved balance

Internal organ massage

Sense of calmness and awareness

Those who practice Tai chi and understand the eastern concepts know that there is more to the benefits than listed above when an individual practices Tai chi.

Qi flows through individuals through channels called meridians.

Qi is vital to good health and to prevent disease.

Qi is the foundation for all living things

Qi is unblocked, supported and redirected by the flow of Qi and Tai chi supports the practice of unblocking, supporting and redirecting Qi.

Some excellent books to help you learn more about Tai chi include:

Step-By-Step Tai Chi by Master Lam Kam-Chuen

Tai Chi Chuan: 24 & 48 Postures with Martial Applications by Liang Shou-Yu

The Complete Book of Tai Chi Chuan: A Comprehensive Guide to the Principles and Practice by Wong Kiew Kit

Tai Chi for Seniors: How to Gain Flexibility, Strength, and Inner Peach by Philip Bonifonte

The Essence of Tai Chi Chuan: The Literary Tradition by Benjamin P. Lo, Martin Inn, Susan Foe, and Robert Amacker