What is Tai Chi?

Tai Chi originated in ancient China and had its roots in healing, meditation, and martial arts traditions. It is a form of exercise that combines relaxed, flowing, circular movements with a calm but alert mental state.

Tai Chi involves learning a sequence of movements known as a form, which when performed look like an effortless, slow-motion dance.

Tai Chi is now practised around the world as a health-promoting exercise. It is safe and gentle; there are very few precautions which means that it is suitable for most people, irrespective of their age, fitness or level of mobility and function. Tai Chi can easily be adapted and performed in all postures including standing, sitting lying and even visualising.

Learn how to perform adapted Tai Chi in this video:

Benefits of Tai Chi

The many benefits of Tai chi are physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Research has shown that Tai Chi may help:

• Improve exercise tolerance
• Control and reduce pain
• Increase flexibility
• Strengthen tendons, bones, and muscles
• Boost the body’s immune system
• Reduce blood pressure
• Improve balance
• Reduce the risk and rate of falls
• Improve cardiovascular function
• Improve sleep
• Improve quality of life
• Reduce depression and anxiety
• Reduce stress
• Improve function
• Improve psychological wellbeing