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Instructor: Hilary Smith
Tai Chi, often called “moving meditation”, is a martial art that originated in China. It is a discipline that integrates mind, body, and spirit as participants practice a series of slow moving exercises, called “forms”. It is believed that tai chi increases strength and promotes calm and harmony by improving the flow of energy in the body. As a form of exercise, tai chi has been shown to lessen the pain of arthritis by strengthening the muscles around the joints, improving balance, and increasing cardiovascular health. Many participants find that they are better able to concentrate, the quality of their sleep improves, they have more energy and can cope with day-to-day stresses more easily. Numerous studies have proven that regular practice of tai chi causes a reduction in the number of falls among the participants. The calming aspects of tai chi develop from the coordination of breath with movement and the focused concentration on slow, gentle, structured movement patterns. Students learn how to keep the muscles active but relaxed, the mind alert but calm, and body movements slow but well coordinated. For hundreds of years, older adults, especially the Chinese, have practiced tai chi daily as a means of staying healthy and vital.
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Participants in tai chi class work at their own pace, within their own physical capabilities. For some students, tai chi is their primary form of exercise; for others, it is used to complement other activities, such as walking, swimming or weight training. Because tai chi is a traditional Chinese art, many students also enjoy learning about its relationship to Chinese philosophy, its basis in animal movements, and its defensive usage.
Class starts with a short period of meditation, then a series of warm up exercises, and then independent form practice. It is not as easy as it looks! The practice of tai chi involves concentration, focus and patience, but the rewards are boundless.
Major universities and medical centers in the United States have been studying tai chi, with very favorable outcomes. In June of 2009, Harvard Medical School declared tai chi “medication in motion” because of its many beneficial effects. Recent studies have shown tai chi’s positive influence on diabetes, sleep, fall prevention, hypertension, and immune function.
Tai chi classes at Bee Natural are taught by Hilary Smith, a registered nurse and third degree black belt. She has been teaching for fifteen years. Classes run in eight week sessions, and are held on Mondays at 7 and Thursdays at 4:45. They are conducted year-round. Please call the store at 610 282-0230 for the next start dates. If you have any questions about tai chi, leave a message at the store, and Hilary will get back to you.
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Bee Natural Health Store & Studio