Tai Chi

Tai Chi as we know it today evolved as a martial art practiced in China. It’s full name is tai chi chuan, but it’s been shortened (maybe for simplicity, maybe because chuan means fist and has become obsolete here). There are different styles, but the one I’m talking about is the flowing, continuous movement described as a moving meditation, done with deep breathing. You’ve probably seen people practice tai chi in the park (your kids might have seen it in the Kung-Fu Panda movies). It is low-impact, requires no equipment, and can be done by seniors, kids, some whose mobility is impaired (check with a health care provider first), can be performed inside the home or outside, within a small space. The Mayo Clinic recommends tai chi as “a gentle way to fight stress,” with evidence suggesting it helps improve sleep, immune response, mood, energy, flexibility. Harvard Medical School reports it reduces falls in seniors by 45 percent. You can find many tai chi tutorial videos online.