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“Shuang Yang Rou Ruan Chuian Bei Her Quan” or translated into English as, “Frost Sun Flowing Supple Gentle White Crane Art…” to give its full name has a pattern or form of sixty six moves using: awareness, balance, breathing exercises, co -ordination, stretching and self defence applications. The exercises aim to build a strong supple body from the inside out. Regular practice can bring inner calm and physical well being. Practise and understanding the form in four ways leads to a harmonious understanding:
1. General Exercise for the body. Moves incorporate balance, breathing, co-ordination and stretching.
2. A moving meditation. Once you know the sequence of moves you will concentrate on the breathing and meditation.
3. As a fight, we practise self defence with each move, tai chi has several self defence applications depending on how you want to apply them.
4. A mix of the above three will bring a stress releasing mix of meditation, self defence and exercise.
The health benefits:
When tai chi is practised we can improve flexibility in our muscles and joints, help our brain functions by improving focus and concentration, improve discipline by relieving stress and tension and increasing awareness. The breathing exercises in tai chi will help improve your immune system by exercising the lungs, assisting digestion, reducing high blood pressure, increasing blood circulation and improving stamina and energy. Mentally tai chi will reduce stress related disorders, helps us think more clearly. Have an improved or more positive outlook on life and all exercise helps us sleep more soundly.
Self-Defence:
Most people are unaware of the self-defence aspects of tai chi. Tai chi was originally taught as a very high level martial art. Women and men can reach the same level since tai chi depends on awareness and sensitivity, rather then strength and speed. With regular practice the tai chi can develop explosive, seemingly effortless power. They also teach the principles of combat and produce the quality of being centred (the ability to be like the calm in the centre of the storm).
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