Tai Chi: Theory and Practice

By Fang-Chih Lee & Peter Trenouth

There’s an old joke about a professor of education who observed an inner-city eighth grade math class. The innovative, young teacher’s students eagerly engaged the formulas she gave them as they applied computations usually taught to high school algebra classes. When called upon, every kid happily demonstrated effective problem solving skills. During his follow-up discussion with the teacher, the professor stated her dynamic methodology apparently worked well in practice. “But,’ he added, “does it work in theory?”
Although the professor is an extreme example, he reveals a common tendency. Old mental habits kept him from perceiving more than he saw.

Veteran students of Tai Chi will tell you this ancient Chinese art certainly works for them. Complementing these testimonies, numerous scientific studies have shov1n that a regular Tai Chi routine leads to improved flexibility, balance, sense of wellbeing, and vigor. A recent report from Harvard Medical School agrees and finds Tai Chi benefits our internal organs, including the immune: and circulatory systems. Overall, people end up feeling, thinking, and moving better. Skeptics believe Tai Chi’s slow breathing and graceful motions fall short of conventional theories about exercise. Asian philosophers think differently. Qi is a positive, cosmic energy present everywhere. While the integration of easy, rhythmic breathing with slow movements gets Qi flowing to joints, bones, and muscles, it sends Qi through the same body channels that acupuncturists access. It revitalizes organs and generates peace of mind.

We don’t all think like Asian philosophers, but we don’t have to think like the education professor. The practice of Tai Chi yields clear, measurable improvements in personal health. Tai Chi’s postures, though unconventional, do not cause undue stress. Instead, Tai Chi’s emphasis on the whole body guides us towards deeper confidence and relaxation.

Simply put, it works.

This article appeared in the Spring/Fall 2013 Issue of Healthy Living magazine. See the full issue.