Taiji (Tai Chi) often referred to as ‘the form’ is a moving meditation made up of a set of postures performed as one continuous movement. Each of these postures has a healing effect on the body whether physical or emotional. As we progress with the form we learn to relax and release stress and tension from our bodies.

The style of taiji taught is Yang family and the form is that of Yang Lu Ch’an, the founder of Yang style taiji. The original or ‘Old Yang’ form is predominately slow moving with sporadic fast movements, these fa-jing or explosive energy movements have obvious self-defence uses however the main purpose of these movements is for healing. The slow movements build up energy and the fa-jing movements release negative energy from the body.

THE BEGINNING

The origins of taiji can be traced back to a man called Chang San-feng. Born about 1270 AD Chang San-feng was skilled both in acupuncture and martial arts. He then set about creating a holistic system of healing and self-defence. Originally known as ‘hao chuan’ or ‘loose boxing’ before being named taijiquan (supreme ultimate boxing). The style was passed on and developed and that is how Yang Lu-chan came to learn the system. In more modern times the name has been shortened and it is most commonly know as just Taiji or Tai Chi.

3 LEVELS OF TAIJI

SELF-HEALING

'Stork spreads wings' when held as a static qigong heals the central nervous system.

The self –healing level is the most widely known about area and the main reason people first come to study. Not only does the whole form help our health by circulating energy (Qi) around our meridians (energy pathways) breaking down blockages, blockages in our energy system causes ill health whether physical or emotional. Each individual posture from the form can be used as a Qigong on it’s own or linked with other postures, these qigong’s help to heal specific health problems. The form is broken down into 3 parts, each part circulates the energy through our system the equivalent of a 24 hour period. So when the form is performed in it’s entirety we get the equivalent of 3 days energy. The fa-jing movements from the ‘Old Yang’ form cause calcium to be released from the body into the bones. Modern medicine is now recognising that impact movements strengthen the bones and help prevent osteoporosis.

SELF-DEFENCE (click here for more info)

Each posture from the form has a self-defence application, more importantly it teaches us a ‘Way’ of moving using relaxation to gain speed and power. Taiji is what is known as an internal martial art which means it does not rely on muscular strength but body structure and utilising the power of the whole body as oppose to isolated muscles. Taiji is a realistic system of self-defence and not a sport so the methods are aimed at protecting your life not scoring points. Taiji is non-competitive and we train to help each other progress and learn to defend ourselves as well as helping us understand the form movements.

HEALING OTHER PEOPLE – the taiji doctor

At it’s most advanced level taiji is used to heal other people. Using the postures you can diagnose diseased states, the ‘patient’ is then given postures to perform to help balance themselves. The martial applications are also used to heal only this time performed slower and with less pressure to have a positive effect on the body.