Tai Chi and Chi Kung are considered the best “stress busters” around today. They are ancient Chinese Martial Arts handed down from generation to generation, practiced by people of all ages and all fitness levels around the world.

Tai Chi and Chi Kung are ideal for pregnant women and the disabled to practice for reasons such as health, wellbeing, martial arts, stress relief, rehabilitation, and as a social activity for meeting like-minded people. If practiced with body, mind and breath awareness, they transport us to a mind space of peace, love and tranquility, a mind-set that can be brought out of the class into our daily lives. The art of Tai Chi and Chi Kung has been called “Meditation in Motion”.

Being in the moment is the key to success in your practice, and the Tai Chi journey to better oneself and to help others do the same. Tai Chi and Chi Kung are both sophisticated methods of natural movement to bring harmony and balance back into our lives.

As humans we worry, and have fears and anxieties. These are so embedded in our minds, muscle structure and body cells that we need to reprogram ourselves to move and think more clearly and have flexibility in our stride. Tai Chi and Chi Kung teach us to relax with correct breathing and body alignment, and just this alone will create the positive change needed. Stress, worry, fear, anxiety and depression can cause physical ailments such as hypertension, digestive disorders and muscle and joint pain to mention just a few.

People can be seen in the early mornings in parks and studios practicing slow, graceful, dance-like movements for health and wellbeing. Some other benefits of the practice are increased bone density and relief from chronic pain. Tai Chi is an Internal Martial Art based on the ancient philosophy of Yin and Yang and the five element theory. Traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture are also based on the same principle. The basics are easy and fun to learn, a gift to last a lifetime.

As we age, the body starts degenerating. The gift of Tai Chi and Chi Kung helps us in staying fit and healthy in body and mind. As the movements are low-impact it will not injure joints that are already inflamed, and the controlled movements will help in pain management. The movements with coordinated breathing will strengthen the internal organs and limbs.

The abdominal breathing rotation massages the internal organs which improves blood circulation to the entire body. You will begin to think clearly and act decisively. The continuous movements from one to the other with their twisting and turning will also help those wanting to lose weight.

As a self defense system it is very effective if needed to be used in an emergency and this is taught automatically in our classes.

Some more benefits to consider are an improved immune system and increased Chi flow (life force energy) which is vital to all of us. You’ll handle your daily chores with more vigor and enthusiasm. You will develop strength from relaxation, and speed from moving slowly and correctly, as our strength lies in the three “dantiens” - one below the navel, one in the chest and one between the eyebrows. Focusing on these energy centers and others will assist us physically, mentally and emotionally.
The ability to tap in to these hidden powers to our advantage is the key to great health and wellbeing.

Take charge of your health and wellbeing today; make a decision to take care of the most important person in your life, YOURSELF!

For more information on tai chi chuan and chi kung with Sifu Mannie Barstz, go to www.healing-arts.co.za, or Mannie's blog, www.taichisifu.co.za

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