Tai Chi for Health By Guangzhi Xing Ming's husband runs a popular Tai Chi school in Connecticut.	.
		Master Xing in the news

If you want to increase your health, decrease your stress and become more confident, Tai Chi is the exercise for you.

Even though the workout is “low impact,” its benefits are enormous. The martial art discipline focuses on the free flow of “chi,” or “life energy” through the body, promoting it through relaxing, yet structured movements.

It was created by the Taoists thousands of years ago as a way to achieve peace and longevity. They believed, as practitioners still do today, that when the chi flows freely throughout the body, it promotes health and well-being and can actually cure some illnesses, such as headaches, backaches and problems associated with bad blood pressure.

People who study Tai Chi say they feel more mentally clear, more energetic, calm and balanced. And those with severe illnesses such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and even victims of strokes say the exercises offer them increased mobility, resistance to injury and a stronger cardiovascular system.

Tai Chi classes are suitable for both men and women. The exercises can be performed at any age and by people in various states of physical health. Even people who use wheelchairs can perform some Tai Chi movements.

Many health clubs and community centers offer Tai Chi classes. How do you pick the right one for you?

I suggest finding a class with a good mix of men and women, to balance the Yin and Yang energies.

You also may want to choose a class with students in your age group, not just so you have someone to chat with, but because that’s a good indication the exercises in that class will not be more than you can handle.

Remember, Tai Chi is a very slow-moving exercise, so don’t expect immediate results, or a high-powered workout. Similarly, bear in mind that children may get easily bored with its slow pace, so a faster-moving martial art may be better for them.