HW410 Chapter 24: "Tai Chi Ch'uan" Flashcards
What is defined as a relaxation technique originating among the Chinese; a succession of movements to bring the body into harmony with the universal energy (Chi); a moving meditation?
T’ai Chi ch’uan. Softest of the martial arts and also called a moving meditation.
Based on concepts similar to Feng Shui and similar to hatha yoga, it is a low-impact exercise that demonstrates unification or harmony of mind and body, and the Chi of the universe.
What is defined as the universal life force of subtle energy that surrounds and permeates everything?
Chi
What can Tai Chi be metaphorically related to?
The body moves fluidly with force not against it.
Many times, when we are confronted with situations we perceive to be threatening, our first instinct is to force a change or try to manipulate something we have no control over. T’ai Chi suggests quite literally going with the flow, swimming with the tide, not against it. The philosophy of T’ai Chi involves the manipulation of force by controlling oneself and yielding to become part of it.
Through opposites, how is the ying and yang symbolized through its mandala?
Yin = Dark, feminine, night, soft, contracting, negative, passive, deficiency
Yang = Light, masculine, day, hard, expanding, positive, active, excess
Four basic philosophical concepts taught in T’ai Chi
What is defined as a T’ai Chi term that explains the flow of one’s life energy as a moving essence, and finding comfort in solitude?
Fasting the heart. Fasting means silence, the language of the soul.
Four basic philosophical concepts taught in T’ai Chi
What is defined as a T’ai Chi expression to explain the joys of childhood: innocence, laughter, and play?
Return to nature. These are traits that, as adults, we lose the ability to utilize and appreciate within ourselves.
Four basic philosophical concepts taught in T’ai Chi
What is defined as a T’ai Chi term that signifies doing nothing, or action through nonaction, moving with the simple, subtle flow of nature?
Wu-wei. It means to act without forcing; to move in accordance with the flow of nature’s course. In the words of the great Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, “Although water is soft and weak, it invariably overcomes the rigid and strong”
Often Wu-wei is expressed in the comparison of opposites. For example, to shrink, first you must stretch; to enervate, first you must energize; to take, first you must give. Another example is that of a Ping-Pong ball in water. No matter how many times you push it under, it always comes back up, and does so with little or no effort.
What is defined as a T’ai Chi expression that explains the benefits of failure as a stepping stone toward success?
Winning by losing.
When failure is acknowledged, it becomes the first step to success. Winning by losing is an expression of unconditional acceptance. An additional concept of T’ai Chi is the realization that true understanding comes from emptying the mind (lowering the walls of the ego).
What are some health benefits of Tai Chi?
- Boost immune system
- Boost efficacy of immunizations
- Decrease nervous system tension in elderly
- Decrease stress hormones
- Lower resting heart rate
- Less physical tension and fatigue
- Less anger and anxiety
- Less mood disturbance
- Promotes physical and psychological homeostasis
- Prevention in falls of elderly
- Pain from osteoarthritis reduced
What is defined as a form of Chinese energy exercise and energy healing, where Qi or Chi is directed through the body as a means to balance one’s energy?
QiGong. Qigong healing may involve a Qigong healer to facilitate the energy healing process.
What is the difference between Tai Chi and Qigong?
Qigong places no emphasis on self-defense but rather the movement of Chi throughout the body.
Qigong has proven to bring about remarkable and significant results with hypertension, stroke, cardiovascular efficiency, bone density, sex hormone levels, cancer, and even the early stages of senility.
Pain from osteoarthritis reduced
What are some principles of Tai Chi?
Breathe effortlessly
Free the body of all unnecessary tension
Maintain a stance perpendicular to the floor
Keep your center of gravity low
Maintain even speed
Integrate the mind and body as one
