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Tai Chi Chuan

• Chapter 23

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• Tension is who you think you should be.
  Relaxation is who you are.
• -Tai Chi Saying

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Philosophy of Tai Chi

• The concept of Tai Chi is based on the
  philosophy of Taoism, where opposites are brought
  together in harmony and balance.

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Tai Chi Chuan

• To harmonize with the universe, to move in unison
  with this energy, to move as freely as running
  water is to be at peace or one with the universe.
  
• This is the essence of Tai Chi Chuan a harmony
  and balance with the vital life force of the
  natural world itself.

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Tai Chi Chuan

• The Chinese believe that poor health is a result
  of blockages and congestion in the flow of
  internal energy, which in turn lowers ones
  physical resistance and makes one vulnerable to
  various pathogens.

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Tai Chi Chuan

• Tai Chi is deeply rooted in philosophy,
  primarily Taoism, but to a lesser extent,
  Confucianism.
• The premise of this exercise is to move with,
  rather than against, the flow of universal
  energy. The positions reinforce the concept of
  consciously moving with rather than against
  received stressors in everyday life.

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Tai Chi Chuan Relaxation Technique

• Breath effortlessly
• Free the body of all tension
• Stand perpendicular to the floor
• Keep your center of gravity low
• Maintain even speed
• Integrate the mind and body as one

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Four Principles of Tai Chi Chuan

• Fasting the heart
• Returning to nature
• Wu-wei
• Winning by losing

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Physiological Effects of Tai Chi

• Increased physical stamina
• Increased muscular endurance
• Increased posture
• Decreased bone demineralization

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Psychological Effects of Tai Chi

• Increased mental acuity
• Increased concentration skills
• Increased emotional control (balanced emotions)

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Tai Chi and Chronic Pain

• By clearing the flow of energy, chi or Qi
  harmony diminishes the cause of pain.

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Best Application of Tai Chi Chuan

• A moving meditation to start or end the days
  activities
• When done outside, it helps to reconnect to
  nature
• A great metaphor for living ones life in balance
• Great for preventing and minimizing osteroporosis