Tai chi chih

This article is about a modern meditative exercise form. For the traditional Chinese martial art, see T'ai chi ch'uan.

Tai chi chih (simplified Chinese: 太极智; traditional Chinese: 太極智; pinyin: tàijízhì; Wade–Giles: tʼai4 chi2 chih4) is a series of 19 movements and 1 pose that together make up a meditative form of exercise to which practitioners attribute physical, personal and spiritual health benefits. Some studies[1][2][3] have found the practice to reduce stress and relieve certain ailments.

Developed in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1974 by Justin Stone (1916 - 2012), tai chi chih has spread mostly through word-of-mouth in a grassroots fashion among practicing individuals. It is now taught and practiced in the US, Canada, France, Italy, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Namibia and other countries.

Tai chi chih has visual similarities to t'ai chi ch'uan, but no martial arts aspect. According to practitioners, tai chi chih focuses on circulating, developing and balancing chi (in the traditional Chinese concept, a kind of spiritual energy residing in every living thing).

References

  1. ↑ Irwin, Michael R.; Pike, Jennifer L.; Cole, Jason C.; Oxman, Michael N. (2003). "Effects of a Behavioral Intervention, Tai Chi Chih, on Varicella-Zoster Virus Specific Immunity and Health Functioning in Older Adults". Psychosomatic Medicine. 65 (5): 824–30. doi:10.1097/01.PSY.0000088591.86103.8F. PMID 14508027. Retrieved 2007-12-09.
  2. ↑ Detert, Richard A.; Derosia, Courtney; Caravella, Tracy; Duquette, R. Daniel (2006). "Reducing Stress and Enhancing the General Well-Being of Teachers Using Tʼai Chi Chih Movements: A Pilot Study" (PDF). Californian Journal of Health Promotion. 4 (1): 162–173. Retrieved 2007-12-09.
  3. ↑ Schaller, K. (1996). "Tai chi: An exercise option for older adults". Journal of Gerontological Nursing. 22 (10): 12–17. PMID 8954380. Retrieved 2007-12-09.

External links

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