Tai Chi Meditation For Beginners

Tai chi is an ancient form of meditation and exercise. Although, it’s a type of martial art, tai chi is primarily performed as a way to achieve calm and relaxation for the mind and spirit as well as condition and tone the body, according to Helpguide.org. As a non-strenuous and low impact exercise, tai chi is practiced by a variety of people, including the elderly and those with illnesses.

Background

As a spiritual martial art form that originated in China during the 12th century, tai chi practice revolves around “qi,” pronounced “chee,” according to Breastcancer.org. “Many practitioners believe that there is a vital energy flowing throughout the body, called qi,” says Breastcancer.org, and this qi is sometimes blocked.

Tai chi promotes qi flow and leads to a healthier body, mind and spirit. Created by Taoist monks, tai chi was introduced as a way to “...honor and cultivate one’s innate healing ability and one’s connections with others and the natural world,” according to a study, “Research on Psychoneuroimmunology: Tai Chi as a Stress Management Approach for Individuals with HIV Disease,” published through the National Center for Biotechnology Information, or NCBI, literature database.

Practice

Tai chi practice isn’t limited by factors, such as age, gender, fitness ability, skill level or location and time; a mix of people perform it in various locations and at any time. It’s performed either as an individual or a group exercise and meditation practice. Tai chi movements are deliberate and slow but yet graceful and flowing.

During continuous body flow, “you are slowly and in a large circular motion moving the extensions of your body,” according to Project-Meditation.org. While you focus on movements and breathing, movements are “in perfect control and alignment with one another,” says the organization.

Meditation

For people who want to learn to practice meditation, tai chi is an encouraging teacher. Focusing on movement and breathing during tai chi practice naturally promotes meditation and calmness, according to Helpguide.org. Through tai chi meditation, stress is released and positive energy flows throughout the body. This moving art and meditation teaches practitioners awareness of “...the capacity to ultimately perceive greater self-control and empowerment,” according to “Research on Psychoneuroimmunology: Tai Chi as a Stress Management Approach for Individuals with HIV Disease.”

Relaxation

Learning to relax is difficult for many people, but tai chi meditation-in-motion naturally creates relaxation throughout the body and also an overall sense of well-being. Research on the mind and body connection, especially with regard to the immune system, shows tai chi “...positively influences multiple physical states,” according to “Research on Psychoneuroimmunology: Tai Chi as a Stress Management Approach for Individuals with HIV Disease,” and promotes overall health, such as “...cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal function...” Other studies show tai chi improves mood and reduces pain from conditions, such as osteoarthritis.

Immunity and Healing

If you’re thinking about joining tai chi meditation practice for health concerns, you might find others are doing it for the same reason. Recent studies involving breast cancer patients indicate that tai chi promotes health and increases functioning of the heart and lungs while promoting flexibility and balance. “Tai chi may increase the body's immune response in older adults and in individuals with HIV,” according to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and Natural Standard.