What is Tai Chi?...ancient principles of health & wellness

TaiChi and Qigong are two wonderful health exercises from China. Tai Chi actually began as a martial art. However, with its emphasis on balance, slow graceful movement, and achieving a peaceful state of mind, it soon gained a reputation for being an excellent exercise for health and wellness. Qigong (pronounced Chee Gong) has no martial applications but contains all the same health benefits as Tai Chi.

Benefits...strength, flexibility, balance and more

Practicing the slow, circular movements and relaxed breathing of Tai Chi or Qigong creates a better connection between body, mind, and spirit. You relax areas of tension, connect with the energy of the earth, and develop your body's natural energy, called Chi. Daily practice builds strength, flexibility and balance while calming the nervous system and relieving stress.

Self Defense? ...or defense against self-defeating behavior

Tai Chi promotes a grace and inner calm that helps us conquer self-defeating ways of being. Although it can be practiced as a martial art, Tai Chi is best known for the health benefits it brings to body, mind and spirit. Occasionally some martial applications may be demonstrated, but always in a comfortable, relaxed manner that makes the movement easier to remember. There is also a playful, interactive form of Tai Chi form called “Push Hands”.

Is Tai Chi Hard to Learn? ...a little practive every day

There are around 100 movements in the long styles of Tai Chi. The movements repeat, however, so there are only about 30 different movements. Each movement is really quite simple. The reason it takes time to learn Tai Chi is that one movement flows into the next, which flows into the next, and so on. I encourage people to practice what they learn in class a little bit each day. When you practice a little each day, you soon discover that Tai Chi feels great!

To help learn the movements, ask the instructor to observe and correct your form. It is good to carefully watch the teacher but also spend some time doing the movements without watching. Doing some Qigong (which is easy to learn) every day makes learning Tai Chi easier.

What is Class like ? ...quietly relaxing yet energizing

Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Class is informal. Come expecting to relax and have fun. Don't worry about getting it perfect right away. When you practice, feel your Chi. If you feel tension, you are trying too hard. Relax, breathe, and begin again. As you do the movements, imagine your body is like water: flowing, natural and easy. You will master the details over time. Once you get the basic feeling of how to move.

...move ...breathe ...relax

Richard Tosseland, L.Ac. (Licensed Acupuncturist) teaches ongoing classes in Tai Chi & Qigong.
For more information about Tai Chi classes, click here 

DeWitt-Seitz Marketplace
394 Lake Avenue South, Canal Park
Duluth, Minnesota USA 55802