Tai Chi, Once Alternative, Now Mainstream
written by Karin Chen and Master
JianFeng Chen of Oregontaichi.com
Many people are drawn to Tai Chi,
for the long and rich history, ties to
Chinese Medicine, connection to
Eastern philosophy (i.e. Tao Te Ching)
and martial art aspect. Medical
studies support the health benefits
students have experienced. Tai Chi
is an effective tool for overall health
and another option for management
of chronic pain and depression.
Many students begin a journey of
Tai Chi for a low-impact exercise to
regain movement after an injury, or
as a way to manage stress. Often
called “moving meditation” Tai
Chi focuses on the idea of “balance” or being
“centered”. Balance discussed in practice is not
just stability, but the importance of balance in
every aspect of living, such as working, eating,
resting, emotions and exercise. Tai Chi looks
like a beautiful, mysterious dance, however,
each movement when done correctly, has a
purpose of directing energy in the body. Even
in the first movement of placing your feet,
breath is coordinated with the foot, connecting
your energy to Earth. Every movement has
a coordinating breath and focus of energy
placement.
The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi
shares Eight Active Ingredients of Tai Chi as:
Awareness, Intention, Structural Integration,
Active Relaxation, Strengthening Flexibility,
Natural Breathing, Social Support and
Embodied Spirituality. “Like components of a
multi-drug combination to lower cholesterol
and blood pressure, each ingredient is believed
to have a unique impact on the physiology of
the body”(Wayne, Peter PHD).
As a long time practitioner and instructor of Tai
Chi, Master JianFeng Chen of Oregon Tai Chi
Wushu can attest to these benefits and “Social
Support” is an often overlooked yet crucial
aspect of practice. He tells his students to not
compare yourself to others practicing, but to
share with your fellow students. The prac tice of
learning an art together holds you accountable
not just to yourself, but the community,
and from this shared energy comes more
strength and balance. All ages and abilities
can practice, with many styles and forms of
Tai Chi, there is a lifetime of learning to keep
the student engaged. Once you have learned
basic foundations, you can practice anytime,
anywhere, alone or in a group.
“Balance, Focus, Health for Life” is the
philosophy at Oregon Tai Chi Wushu and what
Master Chen strives to help the community
achieve through Tai Chi.
WINTER 2017 || BEND HEALTH GUIDE || 7