Tai Chi Chih Explained

Getting to an Understanding of Tai Chi Chih

Tai Chi Chih is a type of Tai Chi that uses twenty different types of movements instead of the usual thirteen that is practiced by Tai Chi Old Schools. Tai Chi Chih is called a New Frame form of the art as it strays from the routines that have been practiced for centuries and is more contemporary in flair.

All in Tai Chi Chih is a set of movements that are designed to build up chi. Chi is the Chinese word that means "life force" or "life energy." Increasing this life force is the entire focus of the exercise of Tai Chi Chih. Increasing chi is not only good for you physically but it is also thought to draw good things into your life like love, enlightenment and prosperity.

It is important to understand that Tai Chi Chih is more about energy building and that it is not really a martial art. The poses that are adopted are completely non violent. There are 19 movements and one pose in the Tai Chi Chih routine. These are gentle movements and everyone from the very old and the very young can learn it. The great thing is that it does not require any particular type of physical fitness or coordination to practice it.

Tai Chi Chih is usually very easy to learn. Most people can learn the entire routine in a week but it is much more common to learn the form of the exercise gradually over a period eight classes that take place once a week. Another way to learn it is to buy a book or DVD about Tai Chi Chih or get a friend who already knows the poses to show you how to do it.

The benefits in terms of health and well being when you practice tai chi chi are manifold. First of all it circulates and balances the internal energy called Chi. If you can increase the circulation of the chi (life force) then you can increase your physical energy and stamina. The exercises also promote longevity and give people more flexibility and confidence.

Psychologically a person may develop more grace and poise from practicing tai chi chih It is also good for the mind as you have to concentrate on a particular pose and get it right before you can move on to the next one. It also expands creativity and awareness. Like most exercises like this the more you practice it the better off you are physically.

The nice thing about tai chi chih is that it is an equal opportunity exercise option. There are many tai chi chih schools and teachers who use movements that are adapted so that people with physical limitations and disabilities can also reap the benefits. Yet another great thing about it is that you don't have to wear any special shoes or clothing to practice it.

If you are looking for tai chi chih programs you can find them in schools and universities, parks and recreation departments, senior centers, hospitals, churches, temples, prisons and as part of corporate wellness programs.