Tai Chi In Your Life

A longtime teacher and Harvard researcher presents the latest science on the benefits of T’ai Chi as well as a practical daily program for practitioners of all ages Conventional medical science on the Chinese art of T’ai Chi now shows what T’ai Chi masters have known for centuries: regular practice leads to more vigor and flexibility, better balance and mobility, and a sense of well-being. Cutting-edge research from Harvard Medical School also supports the long-standing claims that T’ai Chi also has a beneficial impact on the health of the heart, bones, nerves and muscles, immune system, and the mind. This research provides fascinating insight into the underlying physiological mechanisms that explain how T’ai Chi actually works. Dr. Peter M. Wayne, a longtime T’ai Chi teacher and a researcher at Harvard Medical School, developed and tested protocols similar to the simplified program he includes in this book, which is suited to people of all ages, and can be done in just a few minutes a day. This book includes: • The basic program, illustrated by more than 50 photographs • Practical tips for integrating T’ai Chi into everyday activities • An introduction to the traditional principles of T’ai Chi • Up-to-date summaries of the research on the health benefits of T’ai Chi • How T’ai Chi can enhance work productivity, creativity, and sports performance • And much more

Invaluable for students and instructors, this intriguing and powerful guide shows readers how to apply Tai Chi Chuan to their everyday lives for emotional and physical health, and spiritual wellness.

An insightful introduction to the basics and benefits of chi energy, a tenet of Taoism and of popular martial arts like T’ai Chi, qigong, and more Chi is the invisible energy of life that flows in and around us throughout the universe. Used skillfully, it can have a remarkable effect on health and vitality—to the degree that you’d be tempted to call it magical, if it weren’t so completely natural. Here is a perfect introduction to chi that explains in a direct and simple way what it is and why it is essential to a healthy and vital life. It provides an easy-to-understand explanation of chi, and then helps readers recognize, develop, and strengthen their own chi through specific breathing techniques and basic exercises, all demonstrated by the author. There are many books on chi development through T’ai Chi and qigong practice, but this one goes deeper to enable you to understand the fundamental principles as you cultivate it. This book is a reference for alternative health professionals such as acupuncturists and shiatsu therapists and their patients, as well as for anyone who practices T’ai Chi, qigong, aikido, and other chi-based martial arts.

Learn the fundamentals of tai chi in ten weeks Dr. Aihan Kuhn teaches readers the twenty-four-step Yang-style form. She shares insight on warming up, healing, and avoiding injury. Each day millions of people around the world practice tai chi for wellness, focus, and self-defense. This is a lifelong path. Tai chi is more than just a physical exercise. It is a way of life - an art that helps us cultivate health, balance, and qi (energy). For the novice, this idea can be exciting but also daunting. Dr. Aihan Kuhn is a master instructor of tai chi and qigong. In this book she shares the lessons she's learned in a lifetime of studying and teaching. She is warm and encouraging, making readers of all ages and backgrounds feel welcome.

Master teacher Paul Lam distills twenty-four popular forms into six to offer a tai chi workout for all students, including three qi gong exercises.

The classic text that introduced Tai Chi to an American audience a generation ago. Originally published in 1963, it is widely regarded to be the original introduction to the movement art to Western enthusiasts. “One of the best books on the subject...practical throughout and stripped of mysticism.”—The New York Times “A tranquil, graceful way of keeping fit.”—Harper’s Bazaar “You will have to consult Mr. Maisel’s book...Tai Chi could become that all-important exercise factor that stands between you and health problems.”—Prevention “It is Chinese, old, comfortable, deeply pleasurable. It helps the figure and skin and tranquilizes. It is done in a small space in ordinary clothes without music. It is good for the young, for the old.”—Vogue

In our busy lives we are bombarded by energy that taxes us and depletes our chi. This book of simple movements and meditations drawn from the Chinese arts of t'ai chi and chi gung will help restore your life energy, known as chi. Chi, according to traditional Chinese medicine, is the fuel and essence that connects body, mind, and spirit, and without it we fall apart physically, mentally, and spiritually. In Restoring Your Life Energy, well-known and respected t'ai chi master Waysun Liao explains why protecting our chi is so important, how chi gets taxed and damaged in our lives, and how to restore it. He explains: • The three levels of healing—physical, mental, and energetic/spiritual: what they are, why it is important to understand them, and how to target our practice to address each level; • Moving meditation, a powerful way of restoring chi (once we learn to sense the flow of chi, we can actually direct healing chi energy to areas in our body that need attention); • And how to integrate our knowledge of chi with conventional advice regarding diet, exercise, and medication. The book includes numerous exercises including "exercises for daily life," simple breathing and sensory meditations that can be done throughout the day; more advanced breathing and sensory meditations; standing exercises to move internal energy; "cleansing forms" to do during times of stress; and deeply cleansing and restorative "Tao gong" exercises.

Principle 36: Energy Moves Fluids, Fluids Nourish the Body -- Principle 37: Balance the Sphere -- Principle 38: Become a Sandbag -- Principle 39: Ride the Wave -- Principle 40: Moving into Stillness -- Principle 41: Gather and Bank -- Principle 42: Postures Link into Fluid Forms -- Afterword -- REFERENCES

Apart from its physical benefits, the practice of T’ai Chi Ch’uan can foster emotional health and psychological well-being. Author Margaret Emerson, a longtime student and teacher of T’ai Chi, examines how the skills developed in the practice of T’ai Chi Ch’uan—awareness, concentration, mobility, and flexibility—can enrich our personal and professional lives. When integrated as a daily practice, T’ai Chi Ch’uan can enhance health, creativity, and encounters with friends, family, and strangers.

The host of PBS's Longevity Tai Chi and leading Western Tai Chi master Arthur Rosenfeld offers a groundbreaking guide to the myriad mental and physical benefits of this ancient martial art, including easing chronic pain and illness, dealing with stress, and resolving conflicts more easily. Are you looking to develop your mind as well as your body? look no further than tai chi.