So before we getting into why its important, let make sure you did it properly . 1. Starting Posture (Qi Shi) Body Position: Stand upright with feet shoulder-width apart. Feet should point straight forward, without inward or outward angles. Ensure full contact between the soles of your feet and the ground. Arms & Eyes: Let arms hang naturally by your sides. Look straight ahead or close your eyes to focus your mind.
Master Chen emphasizes making Tai Chi more scientific by applying modern principles from disciplines like kinesiology, physiology, biomechanics, psychology, and traditional Chinese medicine. He believes that Tai Chi's past mysticism arose because its internal mechanisms weren’t fully understood. His approach involves systematic explanations grounded in science to make Tai Chi comprehensible and practical for all learners.
1. What is “Silk Reeling Energy” (缠丝劲)? Most martial arts enthusiasts are familiar with the term “Silk Reeling Energy” (缠丝劲), but few can explain what it really means. At its core, silk reeling energy refers to power that moves in a spiraling or coiling pattern, much like winding silk thread or metal wire. In daily life, winding silk thread can happen in two ways: On a flat horizontal plane. In a spiral motion, which can move upward or downward, forming arcs or helixes. In martial arts, this spiraling action is more dynamic. According to my personal understanding, “rotation” occurs when a body part moves along a curved path in the same plane, while “spiraling” involves movement along both vertical and horizontal planes in a helical motion. The power generated from these motions forms what we call "Silk Reeling Energy."
Living in Chen Jiagou, or Chen Village, for over five years (2017–2023) has been nothing short of life-changing. Coming from Boston, a city filled with incredible Tai Chi teachers, you might wonder why I decided to travel halfway across the world. The answer is simple: I wanted to find the source, the birthplace of Tai Chi, and learn its original style in its purest form. Don’t get me wrong, you can learn a lot from a senior instructor or even a short class, but Tai Chi is an ocean of knowledge. You can’t truly grasp its depth in just a few days.
When starting Tai Chi, beginners must first pass the "Mind Gate," which means deciding on their commitment: "yes" or "no." New practitioners often struggle with inner conflicts: “Should I really learn Tai Chi?” “What exactly is Tai Chi?” “Is it useful?” Thoughts like, “Maybe I'll start when I have more free time,” or “Am I too old for this?” are common. Thoughts influence beliefs, beliefs shape attitudes, and attitudes drive actions. To succeed in Tai Chi, beginners must first resolve these mental doubts. In reality, Tai Chi, a recognized national intangible cultural heritage, is based on the principles of balance and harmony from Confucian and Taoist philosophies. At its core are the concepts of yin-yang and the five elements. Tai Chi combines exercises for physical health, inner peace, self-defense, and breathwork, creating a soft yet strong martial art. It promotes a deep connection between people and nature and offers boundless benefits for those willing to embrace it.
Tai Chi offers a unique and holistic approach to healing psychological trauma. Its emphasis on mindful movement, deep breathing, and body awareness makes it an ideal practice for trauma survivors looking to reconnect with their bodies and calm their minds. By practicing these eight Tai Chi steps regularly, trauma survivors can begin to release stored tension, reduce anxiety, and regain a sense of control over their lives. The gentle, flowing nature of Tai Chi makes it accessible to individuals of all fitness levels, and its focus on mindfulness helps create a safe space for healing. While Tai Chi may not be a standalone cure for psychological trauma, it offers a valuable complement to other therapeutic approaches, such as counseling or meditation. Ultimately, Tai Chi provides trauma survivors with a way to move through their pain, reclaim their strength, and find peace within themselves.
Tai Chi offers a holistic approach to managing and reducing migraines. Its gentle movements, focus on proper posture, and emphasis on mindful breathing make it an ideal practice for those who suffer from chronic migraines. By incorporating these eight Tai Chi steps into your daily routine, you can potentially reduce the frequency and severity of migraines while promoting overall well-being. The beauty of Tai Chi lies in its accessibility. It doesn’t require special equipment or intense physical effort, making it suitable for individuals of all fitness levels. Whether you are new to Tai Chi or an experienced practitioner, this ancient practice holds the potential to provide relief from migraines while enhancing your quality of life.
Tai Chi is an incredibly effective and gentle practice for those suffering from sciatica. By focusing on posture, flexibility, balance, and mindfulness, Tai Chi helps relieve the physical discomfort associated with sciatica while also addressing the mental and emotional strain that comes with chronic pain. Regular practice of these 10 steps can lead to long-term improvements in your posture, core strength, and overall health, making it an invaluable tool for managing and even preventing sciatic pain. Tai Chi’s unique combination of mind and body exercises makes it an ideal practice for those seeking a holistic approach to healing sciatica. Whether you're just beginning to experience sciatica or have been struggling with it for years, integrating Tai Chi into your routine can offer substantial relief and promote a greater sense of well-being.