Taichi has been called the supreme, ultimate exercise. This is not because it is the best exercise for fitness, but rather because of a deeper purpose and meaning behind the exercise. “Tai Chi”, which can be translated as “supreme ultimate”, refers to the cosmic principles symbolized by the taichi symbol (seen in the logo of Town and Country Surf Designs). All things in the world are a combination of yin and yang. Yin is feminine, yielding, and associated with darkness. Yang is masculine, rigid and associated with brightness.
The exercise of taichi replays the cosmic dance of the universe through the physical movements of the body. Balancing on one foot is yang; balancing on the other foot is yin. Knowing and being able to execute both extremes of yin and yang allow you the flexibility to act anywhere in between. If you are dealing with people, sometimes you need to be assertive and at other times you need to simply listen.
Interest in taichi has grown due to the recent airing of the Bill Moyers’ special “Healing and the Mind”. Other recent publicity by ROM Dance Institute in conjunction with the Arthritis Foundation has touted the benefits of taichi for the treatment of arthritis. Qigong, or chi kung, has also grown in popularity as a related heath trend. Taichi is just one form of qigong, of which there are more than 1000 different styles. “Qi” or “Chi” here refers to the vital energy that the acupuncturists balance with their needles to produce health. Qigong then is the mastery (gong) of the qi, the cultivation of vital force by certain exercises. Again qi need not be something mystical. If you rub your hands together and feel the afterglow of warmth generated when you then hold them apart, you are getting a sense of the qi.
The moving meditation of taichi inspires health and a sense of inner peace. You can reduce your stress and relieve muscle tension. Paying attention to your body, for example, in the simple movement of lifting your arm helps to nourish that arm. As you do taichi you are virtually giving your whole body a massage.
The fundamentals of body mechanics learned from the practice of taichi can be beneficial for any sport. In taichi you learn to relax your stance so that the ground supports you more. This gives you incredible stability and strength to stand up against others. Also using the twisting of the torso is the same basic principle taught by coaches of golf and tennis. Taichi also teaches you to use your body efficiently. Anything you do can be done with more mind power and in a more relaxed manner.
Taichi earns its name as the “supreme ultimate”. It promotes health, it develops peace of mind, it enhances all sports, it is a martial art, and it teaches you how to cope with daily life.