Tai Chi Australia

Tai Chi is an Chinese martial arts, but had wings worldwide especially in Australia.

Tai Chi for Arthritis

Tai Chi cures arthritis by a regular functioning of muscles and bones during practice.

Tai Chi for Stress Relief

Tai Chi brings freshness and relieves all stress of mind, soul and body.

Tai Chi Classes

Tai Chi can be learnt by attending regular classes by trained instructor and experienced professionals.

Tai Chi Online

Online video of Tai Chi and the availability of DVDs can also make a learning of Tai Chi.

Tuesday 27 November 2012

Preparation Before Practice

Since the basic aim of Tai Chi and Qigong is to cultivate a state of tranquillity, it is worth eliminating as many distracting factors as possible by preparing in advance.  A few simple preparatory considerations will not only enhance the practice, but make it much more enjoyable and provide many beneficial outcomes:       
  • Choose an appropriate place to practice. The environment should be clean and quiet with plenty of fresh air.  Do not practice when hungry, very full, too tired, or after drinking alcohol, otherwise it will be difficult to relax and concentrate the mind.  Eating too much hinders the circulation of qi and blood, and alcohol disturbs the qi mechanism.
  •  Begin the practice with full body warm ups by doing preparation exercises or stretching exercises.  This helps to bring the body into the practice state and prevents injuries.  
  • Wear appropriate clothing so that the body is comfortable and allows for smooth blood circulation. Avoid any tight or restrictive clothing or items such as belts, watches, jewellery, tight shoes or high heels.
  • Relieve the bladder and bowels before practicing and avoid doing any intense physical activities prior to practice, to assist in calming the mind and body.
  • Attempt to ease the mind and emotions as much as possible before practice. If the emotions are particularly turbulent and unsteady, try taking a walk in the fresh air until the mind is calmer and strong emotions have been released.

Happy Practising!

                                              
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Wednesday 21 November 2012

Tai Chi and Abdominal (Diaphragmatic) Breathing

Tai Chi is a must for preventing disease.  When performing Tai Chi, the whole body becomes involved, with the hands, eyes and trunk in continuous uninterrupted motion, like a flowing stream.  The legs act as the base and the waist as the axis around which the trunk moves and rotates. As the body relaxes both mentally and physically, the breathing becomes rhythmic and enhances abdominal breathing, also known as diaphragmatic breathing.

Abdominal breathing occurs through the movement of the diaphragm, the sheet of muscle that separates the lungs and abdomen. During inhalation the diaphragm moves downward, causing the navel area to move out.  During exhalation, the diaphragm moves upward and the abdominal area moves inward. The motion of the diaphragm massages the abdominal and pelvic organs such as the liver, stomach and intestines. It improves digestive, metabolic and excretory functions, as well as toning the muscles of the abdominal wall.  Other benefits include improved cardiac functioning and lymph flow, as well as oxygenation of the blood and circulation. It is an excellent method of stimulating the relaxation response, resulting in less tension and an overall sense of well-being.

Abdominal breathing is the most natural and efficient way to breath. Due to tension, poor posture, restrictive clothing and lack of training, however it is often forgotten.  Once this technique becomes a part of daily life and correct breathing is restored, there will be great improvement in physical and mental well-being.

Noses Are Made For Breathing

Another important factor concerning breathing that is worth mentioning, is the importance of breathing through the nose and keeping the mouth closed. Breathing through the nose ensures that the lungs will receive the right volume of air that has been correctly filtered, disinfected, warmed and humidified. In this way, sensitive lung tissue will not be irritated.  Mouth breathing should be avoided, as it causes a whole host of problems. Some problems associated with mouth breathing are hyperventilation, or over breathing on a permanent basis, which may seem normal over time.  Mouth breathing is directly related to the majority of upper respiratory tract infections and especially, ear, nose and throat, inflames adenoids and sinuses. 

Mouth breathing can also create dental problems. Mouth breathers tend not to keep the tongue in the correct place. When the tongue is in the right place, at the roof of the mouth, the upper jaw develops correctly and has a functional U shape.  When a person is a mouth breather, the tongue drops to the floor of the mouth and the cheek muscles push inwards. Because there is no support from the tongue, the jaw becomes V shaped. This is turn creates further problems where speech and swallowing can become dysfunctional. 

Diaphragmatic breathing using the nose is an excellent way of controlling the breathing rate and depth, and may significantly assist any dysfunctional breathing patterns to return to normal.


Abdominal Breathing Practice


Sit or lie down on the back and relax the whole body…
Ensure that the mouth is closed and that the breath is flowing though the nostrils…
Observe the natural breath without controlling it in any way…
Continue observing the natural breath for some time…
Place the right hand on the abdomen at the navel centre, and the left hand over the centre of the chest…
The right had will move up with the inhalation and down with exhalation…
The left hand should not move with the breath…
There should be no tension in the abdomen. Do not force the movement in any way.
Try not to expand the chest or move the shoulders…
Feel the abdomen expanding and contracting…
Continue for a few minutes breathing slowly and deeply…

Don't forget, abdominal breathing can be done at any time, any place!

Wednesday 14 November 2012

Welcome to our first blog!

Our aim for this blog is to bring together a range of topics about Tai Chi and Qigong.  The subject of Tai Chi and Qigong is rich and multifaceted and will no doubt provide many insightful and thought provoking topics.

Tai Chi originated in China and was tradionally considered a martial art used for self defence. Tai Chi has grown in popularity and is practised extensively all over the world as a form of sport and as a means of keeping fit and preventing and curing many diseases such as high blood pressure, arthritis, kidney problems and many more!

Qigong (pronouned chee-gong) proven to be more than 5000 years old is a soft, slow and meditative Chinese form of exercise for fitness, health and spiritual balance. It is said that Qiging was developed from the accumulated experiences of daily life and work.  As with Tai Chi, Qigong has a sound philosophical basis. Qigong intersects with the philosophy of Taoism, Zen Buddhism and Confucian practices of self-cultivation.

We look forward to bringing you more articles about these wonderful practices - so stay tuned!