Tai Chi is the most famous martial art from ancient China. It is a system of meditation and physical exercise, consisting of carefully coordinated natural movements and gradual body rotation. Tai Chi is a remarkably effective exercise, proven to help mental relaxation, strengthen both body and mind and improve general health. The great thing about Tai Chi is that it is suitable for people of all ages and fitness. The other great thing about Tai Chi is that it integrates both body and mind, exercising and strengthening mental and physical parts of the whole person, thus improve mental and physical health.

Tai Chi's unique characteristics are "internal" and "soft", making it a remarkably effective exercise for health. In martial arts you have to be strong to win, and at a tournament in ancient times, your life could be at risk. The soft internal strength resulting from practicing Tai Chi makes the body healthier and stronger, otherwise it could not have stood the test of time. This is why nowadays Tai Chi is well known as a powerful health promoting exercise. Below are some of the ways it works:

Internal training - The slow, rhythmical and deliberate movements in Tai Chi improve mental concentration and enhance mental clarity. When practicing Tai Chi with correct methods, the right postures, breathing, fluidity of movements will enforce the mental state of tranquillity, while the mental discipline will enhance the correct methods. Thus the mind and body integrate and co-ordinate as a harmonious whole. A person who is in harmony with nature will live longer and healthier.

External Training - When practicing Tai Chi, all bones, joints and muscles are generally exercised and stretched, thus strengthening these structures and enhancing circulation of blood and oxygen. Tai Chi exercises and gently stretches the internal organs. All these will make the person physically fitter, stronger, which in turn uplift the person's spirit and improve mental health.

The good thing about Tai Chi is that the level of exertion can be adapted by yourself, this is why it is suitable for almost anyone. The other good thing is Tai Chi has so much depth, that there is always more room for improvement. That is why it is always interesting to practice and yet, you gain the benefits each time you practice. Tai Chi rewards those who want to improve themselves.

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