Simple Tai Chi Lessons for Body and Mind Relaxation

The ancient Chinese art of martial arts called tai chi puts great emphasis on relaxation of the body and mind in order to achieve wholesomeness. Tai chi lessons can help one learn the art of relaxation, meditation and self defence. A good tai chi instructor should be well conversant with the five main styles of Tai chi namely; the Wu/Hao style, Yang style, Sun style, Chen style and Wu-style. There are many places where one can learn this highly beneficial art. Anyone planning on learning Tai must be ready to follow the strict rules that this ancient art requires.

A simple and fun way to start learning tai chi involves a brief warm up session of exercises with the help of a tai chi teacher. First round of exercises are the foundational movements. Second and third round exercises involve twisting the torso and letting your arms relax. Your shoulders should follow the movement of the hips with the upper body not being moved. For the simple first movement, breathe in and allow your hands to float up and out from your body. As you breathe out, allow your hands to sink slowly and gently and at the same time.

For the Second round of exercises breathe in allow your hands to float upwards over your head. As you breathe out allow your hands to gently flow outwards. Alternate the left and right hand with the help of a tai chi instructor. On breathing in, your hand should go up and on breathing out, you should allow your hand to gently sink. As your hand goes up, turn the waist to the other direction in relation to the hands that raised it. For instance, if the left hand is raised, the waist should turn on the right side and vice versa. This process helps in expanding the size of your lungs. The fluid movement of air should be calming and soothing.

Third round of exercise for tai chi beginners allows the hands to float forward and outwards with the palms facing downwards. You should be turning your waist for instance with the right hand in front of you and vice versa for free flowing movement. Sink the body weight from one side to the other and continue the movement. In the process, allow the hands to sink slowly and gradually until they come to rest in front of the hips. Take a deep breath, raise the arms up to the elbows pushing the arms out and then relax the arms completely.

More and more people are now learning tai chi for purposes of health fitness and relaxation. Luckily it is not hard to learn and there are many learning materials and teaching aids available. One can also hire the services of a tai chi teacher to help them go through the steps quickly and correctly. Whether one is learning on their own using teaching aids like DVDs, or working with a teacher, this is bound to be an exciting and enjoyable activity.

Esther Shohet is the author of this article on Learn Tai Chi. Find more information, about Tai Chi Brisbane here