The initial attraction of Tai Chi practice lies in the beauty and grace of its movements.
The benefits of the slow, flowing and simple form is now recognized as the way to improve balance, strength and flexibility.
The Mayo Clinic and the Harvard School of Medicine concur that Tai Chi is highly recommended for older adults. Their research has shown Tai Chi as both preventative and enhances recovery. The meditative movements are adaptable and beneficial for both able and disabled people.
Tai Chi originates from China. During the Korean War, soldiers brought Tai Chi to the United States. Tai Chi, they found, enhanced their physical fitness, sharpened their minds and helped with relaxation.
Tai Chi’s name means the ultimate way to move energy – slow, graceful and without stress.
Scientific research over the last 20 years has shown that it strengthens the nervous system, improves posture and clears negative emotions. As a form of inner massage, Tai Chi strengthens the heart, lungs and bones.
“I still can not believe I have gotten as far as I have in Tai Chi classes,” said Alma Lane of Loudon, who has been taking Tai Chi for six years. “It is the only type of exercise – slow and gentle – I have been able to stick with over the years. I can’t believe how much benefit comes from something that is fun to do. It is great to know that I can get up from this computer and practice Tai Chi then go through the rest of my day, physically strong, with less stress and more energy.”
Tai Chi is available in the greater Concord Area. Participants should wear loose clothes, no jewelry and non-street shoes or slippers. Questions to ask the instructor include how long they have taught (at least three years) and what style (Yang Form).
“We really enjoy the classes. Besides being helped mentally, physically and emotionally, we owe the practice of Tai Chi on how we were able to change our outlook of life after losing our loved ones, said Leonida Weaver of Concord.”
This year, World Tai Chi and Qigong Day is April 26. The concept is that at 10 a.m. in each local time zone worldwide, people are asked to practice Tai Chi and send out positive energy to heal the world. There will be more than 70 nations and hundreds of cities involved. The motto is: “One World . . . One Breath”.
In New Hampshire, this event will take place at Livingston Park in Manchester. This free event will start at 9:30 a.m. There will be group Tai Chi and then various demonstrations of different Tai Chi forms. The program ends by noon.
If you don’t do Tai Chi but would like to learn more about this mind/body wellness activity, please come to the event. It’s fun to watch and there will be plenty of experienced instructors to answer questions. If you can’t attend, we ask that you meditate at 10 a.m. on that day.
Marcia Wyman is a certified Tai Chi Instructor through the Oriental Healing Arts Association and a member of the Capital Area Wellness Coalition. She founded Inner Peace Tai Chi in 2008. She gives credit to the daily Tai Chi she practiced after having a debilitating stroke.
The Capital Area Wellness Coalition meets in the Smile Building on the second Wednesday of each month at 8 a.m. For more information, call 867-8194 or visit capwellness.org.
