“Open the door…gather into yourself…feel the air, the energy, the wind…become rooted, embrace the moon.”
It sounds like a philosophy of living (which it is), yet what these phrases represent are the first week’s movements in my beginning tai chi class. I’m an incomplete (C6) quadriplegic—able to walk, but severely lacking in strength, balance and agility.
I became interested in tai chi as a way to help increase my balance and overall flexibility. What I encountered was a way of living that can have benefits that go way beyond what I had envisioned.
Martial Arts to Graceful Movements
Initially developed centuries ago by Chinese martial arts experts in order to advance their self-defense skills, tai chi is most commonly practiced today for its amazing health benefits.
Tai chi forms involve a series of choreographed martial arts poses that flow together like a slow-motion dance. They are done in a precise order to help facilitate energy flow, fitness, relaxation, and mental concentration. Slow, graceful movements heal the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual body. Tai chi is performed with a completely focused yet relaxed attitude.
Moving Meditation
Based on the ancient Chinese philosophy of Taoism, this “moving meditation” as it is called, can have far-reaching and profoundly positive health benefits, such as boosting the immune system, slowing the aging process, helping to ensure full range of mobility, and enhancing the body's natural healing powers. I quickly learned that my six-week introduction course was barely dipping my toe into the waters of this potentially life-changing philosophy.
How does tai chi work? Chi, also spelled “qi”, is the Chinese word for the invisible life force of the universe. According to Chinese medicine, chi is the animating power that flows through all things. It is the essence of our existence.
Chi flows through the body along chi rivers called meridians. When the chi becomes obstructed, the body becomes ill. The slow and gentle movements of tai chi open up these energy channels, and the rhythmic movements of the muscles, joints, and spine pump energy through the body, thereby flushing out the stagnated chi, replacing it with fresh, oxygenated, "smooth" chi.
This ancient Chinese practice of healing through movement is known as chi kung. Kung (pronounced gong) means “work.” Thus chi kung means working with the life energy, learning how to control the flow and distribution of chi in order to improve health and harmony of mind and body.
Accessible for All Disabilities
As a form of healing exercise, tai chi/chi kung is perfect for those of us with disabilities. Research has shown that tai chi provides all the benefits of a rigorous workout but, because it is not strenuous, it carries no potentially harmful side effects.
I found it to be challenging, yet gentle, and felt no pain or stress on joints. And tai chi can be performed in a sitting position, making it suitable for those in wheelchairs.
To find out more about tai chi for people with disabilities, check out this article from Action Online, about tai chi in a chair.
There are many practitioners of tai chi/chi kung across the country. Find a class in your area.
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Want more alternatives to the standard exercise routines? See Yoga Resources for People with Disabilities and discover how yoga can help you.
Keeping an exercise routine intact as you age is important. See Staying Fit After 50: What To Do and Where To Go on how (and where) to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
