Yoga For Your Health

Practicing Tai Chi isn’t just about the movement of the arms and feet, it’s mostly about the meaning behind every movement and style being performed. These concepts paved the way to the creation of various forms of Tai Chi. Now, the challenge for every Tai Chi practitioner is to pay close attention, because even though some of the movements seem basic, they are still very important.

Here are 10 of the most important concepts of Tai Chi that you should never take for granted. Remember these, and it will make you appreciate more the forms that are performed.

Concept #1

Tai Chi is done with great emphasis on every movement that follows a continuous and connected pattern. This is evident i how the movement always starts from the spine, goes down to the waist, then moves lower to the legs and the feet. At the same time there is an upward motion; going up to the body then the arms, hands and last, the fingers.

Concept #2

Maintain your shoulders dropped. The term overflowing tension is used to describe the state where the shoulders are constantly tensed.

Concept #3

Maintain a straight wrists in order to keep your arms and hands supple and open to energy. This allows the energy to flow, not just through your arms, but is an important part of learning to move the energy throughout the body.

Concept #4

Learning to move ever more slowly is one path to increased cultivation. It can never be overemphasized because the slow smoothness of your motions will improve the connection of your body and your environment.

Concept #5

Never let anything disconnect you. You should always stay connected with every movement. If you have been disconnected, continue to perform the movements and listen to your body so that you can overcome any distraction.

Concept #6

Keep your knees bent during the entire form. Your height must not bob up and down. Although, there are some considerations, your height must still be maintained at a constant level.

Concept #7

The power of Tai Chi travels parallel from its movement. It will start from the feet, going up the legs, being directed through the waist, to be expressed finally, by the hands and fingers.

Concept #8

Your head must be maintained high as if it was suspended on air.

Concept #9

Without overdoing it, avoid puffing out the chest. It should remain relaxed and slightly concave.

Concept #10

Your breath must be focused on your dan-tien but force must not be exerted. As time in the program may pass, there will be accomplishments that will fulfill you like synchronizing your breathing with the movements that you make.

You should always consult your teacher when to exhale or inhale.