Tai Chi is a holistic form of exercise and meditation. Coordinating slow rhythmic movements based on Chinese martial art forms with relaxed deep breathing leads to a calmness that has many health benefits both physical and psychological. Regular practice will lead to improvements in balance; flexibility; aerobic fitness; muscular strength & endurance; joint integrity; and ability to deal with chronic pain. Many people also find a reduction in anxiety and anger and an improvement in mood. Tai Chi is sometimes referred to as moving meditation. Its benefits are so varied and plentiful it could also be referred to as moving medication.

When practicing Tai Chi or Qigong we need to be able to move freely in a relaxed manner, so it is important to wear clothing that is comfortable and not restricting. There are no jarring movements, so shoes do not have to be cushioning, and indeed flat shoes are preferable - the less heel the better. Converse and Vans are ideal, because they are flat, but any kind of trainers with a slight heel will be fine. You don’t need to bring anything else, although some people like to have drinking water available.

DELIVERY MODE

• Face-to-Face

COURSE OUTLINE

• Standing in the posture of emptiness - the relaxation posture.
• The practice of ‘silk reeling’ - spiralling movements to promote Qi (energy) circulation.
• A short Tai Chi form - the synchronised sequence based on martial art movements - from the Chen style.
• Simple Qigong to promote the flow of vital energy.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Gently loosen all the joints of the body.
2. Move with balance and coordination.
3. Integrate breath with relaxed movement.
4. Practice standing meditation techniques.