Artipot - Free Ezine Articles
 
Home » Health » Fitness » Yoga

10 Concepts of Tai Chi - Essential to its Practice

By Walter McKibben
Oct 8, 2009
Practicing Tai Chi is not merely a swing of the arm and the movement of the feet. There is a reason behind every movement and style that is made. These concepts paved the way to building every form of Tai Chi. So you have to pay close attention to the things that are not brought often because even if things seem too basic, they are indeed important.

Here are 10 of the most important concepts that you should remember when practicing Tai Chi. By being able to remember these concepts, you'll be it able to fully understand and appreciate the forms that are performed. Read on!

Concept #1

Tai Chi is performed with emphasis on every movement. The manner with which every pattern is done must be harmoniously connected with one another. In terms of motion in the body, it must always begin from the spine, going down to the waist, move lower to the legs and then the feet. It simultaneously goes up the body then to the arms, hands and last, the fingers.

Concept #2

Maintain your shoulders dropped. The term overflowing tension is used to describe the state where the shoulders are constantly tensed.

Concept #3

Keeping your wrist straight allows you to be prepared and have ample capacity for moving energy. This simple concept goes a good way to enabling an individual to cultivate the flow of energy in the body.

Concept #4

Learning to move ever more slowly is one path to increased cultivation. It can never be overemphasized because the slow smoothness of your motions will improve the connection of your body and your environment.

Concept #5

Never let any hindrances to stop you from being connected. Follow through every movement. In case you get disconnected, keep up with the motions. Maintain you focus so that you can overcome any distraction.

Concept #6

Keep your knees bent during the entire form. Your height must not bob up and down. Although, there are some considerations, your height must still be maintained at a constant level.

Concept #7

The power of Tai Chi may travel opposite to the movement. It starts from the feet, going up to the legs, controlling the Waist, spine, shoulders, and will be released by the hands and fingers.

Concept #8

Your head must be maintained high as if it was suspended on air.

Concept #9

Your chest must be depressed and your back should be raised but this must be done without exerting any force.

Concept #10

Your breath must be focused on your dan-tien but force must not be exerted. As time in the program may pass, there will be accomplishments that will fulfill you like synchronizing your breathing with the movements that you make.

Always heed the advice of your teacher regarding the proper rate of inhaling and exhaling.
About the Author
Please Rate:

Rating:

(Average: Not rated)
Views:42 
Print Article Email Article Reprint Article Comments (0)
More Articles from Yoga
Top Articles in Yoga