Tai Chi Chih

T'ai Chi Chih a form of moving meditation based on nineteen movements, has been around for a little bit over 30 years. T'ai Chi Chih has been spreading among the masses due to its simplicity in learning and convenience in practice and associated benefits. Unlike other forms of mediation, T'ai Chi Chih is, "easy to learn - usually around two months or 8 once a week classes - varies according to the teacher and does not require physical fitness or coordination, very old and very young alike can learn it" (http://www.taichichih.org). Not only is it simple to learn and convenient, T'ai Chi Chih has proven to be very flexible as it, "can be practiced standing or sitting, and movements can be adapted to suit a person's specific needs" (www.nationalpainfoundation.org). T'ai Chi Chih does not just appeal to the masses because of its simplicity, but also the many benefits associated with the practice of this mediation. The benefits of this technique are extraordinary. With regular practice, T'ai Chi Chih balances the body and improves circulation, breathing, flexibility and coordination. It can help you reduce stress and tension, while bringing about relaxation, inner peace and serenity. Many people have experienced increased energy, decreased blood pressure, and an improvement in chronic ailments. It also helps in strengthening muscles and bones. With regular practice, T'ai Chi Chih improves balance, physical fitness, flexibility, and stamina. It promotes longevity while increasing quality of life too (http://www.taichichih.org). An example of how beneficial T'ai Chi can be is in the case

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of Nicole Hemmenway who was diagnosed with having complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a disorder in which pain can be so severe that it can bound someone to a wheel chair or even the hospital. In Nicole's case after trying several different types of therapies she turned to T'ai Chi Chih and after regular practice the results were truly remarkable. The benefits were not that it cured Nicole, but rather it gave her the means in which to better manage her situation. After regular practice Nicole states that, "I have responded extremely well to T'ai Chi Chih. I feel calm and at peace while practicing this art. I am grounded throughout the day and feel energized. I believe in this technique and have witnessed the benefits firsthand. I still deal with pain on a daily basis, but learning other therapies to help manage the discomfort has allowed me to regain control of my life and health" (www.nationalpainfoundation.org). It is obvious that T'ai Chi Chih didn't cure Nicole, instead it gave her a means in which it improve her quality of life despite the hardships that come from her disorder.

After researching the practice of T'ai Chi Chih I feel that with regular use it can have many beneficial effects on improving our quality of life. I found Nicole Hemmenway's story to be remarkable one. After being diagnosed see tried it all from medication to surgery without much success. To hear her say that T'ai Chi Chih is what helped her best cope with here problem I feel is a testament to what it is that T'ai Chi Chih can really do for someone. I also found that T'ai Chi Chih serving as a source of managing our tension and stress in our day to day lives to be very true. Ron Perfetti relates that "anxiety, worry, fear, and a host of related negative mental states can and do

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cause serious physical symptoms including increased blood pressure, impaired organ functions, and accumulated tension in the muscles and joints which can lead to arthritis and other joint afflictions" (http://www.maui.net/~taichi4u/specifics.html). This is something that no one is immune to and because of this we need to arm ourselves with effective ways to fight against these problems that are detrimental to us. I found through research and experience that T'ai Chi Chih's entire body experience commands relaxation and a cleared, focused mind. "Through deep breathing, proper posture, and muscle relaxation, this exercise is calming and focuses on connecting one with one's body, while stress tension and feelings are overcome."(http://www.vanderbilt.edu) I found this to be another important benefit in which T'ai