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The world can sometimes feel like a topsy-turvy place to live in. Between climate change, politics, and ticking off items on the to-do list, it’s hard not to feel tugged in every direction. Thankfully, there’s a practice that the ancient Chinese have found to be highly valuable in keeping the mind-body-spirit balance that health gurus can’t stop talking about these days. It’s called Taichi, and you don’t even need $100 Lululemon yoga pants to start.
What is Taichi?
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Taichi is a form of martial arts that originated in China and is based on the philosophical principles of Taoism. With hundreds of years of history, the exact origins of the practice are difficult to pinpoint, though it’s said that it can be credited to a renowned Taoist monk, Zhang San Feng from the 15th century. Tai Chi is also a form of Qigong, which means the skill of energy and breath.
There are two popular forms of Taichi today, known as Chen-style and Yang-style. Chen-style taichi uses both hard and explosive movements in addition to soft and sustained movements. On the other hand, Yang-style is predominantly soft and slow.
The philosophy of Taichi is a profound one and yet very simple. Through the practice, you work towards understanding and experiencing the harmony of wholeness that comes from integrating opposing forces.
Why learn Taichi?
Taichi isn’t quite as popular as Yoga in the global community, but hospitals and clinics in the West have begun to incorporate Taichi in their health and wellness programs due to the health benefits it brings.
Stress Reduction
Taichi is a non-competitive martial art form that brings the practitioner to a meditative state of mind. In fact, Taichi has often been referred to as a moving meditation practice, which is just the right thing for you if you’ve always wanted to try meditation but could never sit still.
Improve balance, flexibility, and strength
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Taichi may appear like a series of unchallenging slow movements on first glance. However, ask any practitioner, and even the youngest and fittest ones can tell you that it really works your sense of balance, flexibility, and strength. Precision is key in holding and moving into different postures, as any misalignment could be counter-productive. However, if you find a good and patient teacher, you’d be on your way just fine.
Increase your brain size and boost memory
A peace of mind isn’t just the only thing that Taichi is known to give. Practising Taichi could actually boost your brain size and improve memory. For the elderly, this could mean preventing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
It’s great for your immune system
There’s no need to obsess over the latest superfood fad. A longer-term and more sustainable way to boost your immune system could just be Taichi. By calming the nervous systems’ ‘flight or fight’ response with its integration of exercise and meditation, the immune system is able to function properly.
It makes your body a conscious, living being
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In modern day living, we can’t all say that our bodies are conscious and alive. For many people, the only time when we are conscious of how our bodies are is when we are in some form of ache and pain, and we wonder how did we get there. A regular Taichi practice helps to sensitize ourselves to how our mind and body are feeling at the present moment. This consciousness will go a long way in helping us to prevent injuries and to develop a healthy way of living and moving.
Where can you catch people practicing Taichi in Hong Kong?
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Before you sign up for classes at your local club, you may want to see some Taichi in action, and there are two best places to do that- YouTube and Hong Kong. Here are the best public places where you can see locals, usually elderly folk, practicing Taichi in Hong Kong.
Victoria Park
With a great central location in Causeway Bay, Victoria Park is a green oasis in the middle of the hustle and bustle. You can find many Taichi practice sessions in the park in the early mornings. Watching Taichi in the calm of the sunrise and morning air makes for an invigorating start to the day.
Kowloon Park
Kowloon Park is close to the waterfront and is located in another busy central area of Hong Kong. Catch some live Taichi in action before making your way to the Avenue of Stars to take in the harbor views.