At the word "Tai Chi" comes to mind plastic cat Bruce Lee with his lightning-fast and incredibly precise movements. It's hard to say what it is: a fight or dance? It seems that the body of a fighter is woven from the air fantastically beautiful and desirable, as in childhood, copy all traffic. Buttai chi - It's not just a movie about martial arts, it is daily, almost commonplace in contemporary China.
In China tai chi involved people of different ages and classes. Just imagine, a lot of people in loose clothing slowly and simultaneously lead his hands in the air, slowly raise one and then the other foot for a moment frozen in strange and very beautiful poses. Fascinating spectacle.
Chinese gymnastics not only in the park perfect for relaxation and meditation, but in most, it would seem appropriate for this field, such as on the street, in the midst of the noise and clatter of machinery. They are focused and self-absorbed. What is they see and understand what we do not know, the Europeans?
Crane Dance
"Word "Tai Chi" consists of three characters, which means "fist Great limit" - says cultural studies Valery Kiselev. - "Great limit" the Chinese call the unity and integrity, is one of the main concepts of Chinese philosophy.
They even came up for him a special image, a symbol of yin - yang, circle, consisting of two halves fused in unity. " Basicstai chi rooted in ancient philosophy and alchemy. Chinese sages have seen in this way to the gym fashion is not just healthy and beautiful body, but imagine the immortal!
According to legend, a thousand years ago, one hermit monk had a dream in which the snake attacked crane. Each time the snake attacked, Crane deftly evaded danger and attack back. This cranes dance inspired monk, and he came up with special exercises that simulates the movement of a bird.
Action in inaction
Reliable history of tai chi three hundred years. In the XVII century in the martial art of wushu, a host of areas, and one of them -Taijiquan. This innocuous at first glance gymnastics actually present combat. Rigidity born of softness, say supporters of tai chi - adding air traffic forces can turn them into blocks and punches.
Tai chi exercise starts with a special breathing Tan Tien, it adjusts to the focused and relaxed way. "Breathe need not breastfeed, as most of us are accustomed to, and stomach. When abdominal breathing in the body gets more oxygen, and the diaphragm massages the internal organs. In addition, this breathing helps to lose weight. When you breathe stomach, organs begin to work better, and the metabolism is accelerated, "- says the master of sports Wushu instructor of fitness club World Class Julia Lizunova.
A few lessons to lose weight I do not particularly successful, but new experiences was plenty. For example, without any conflicts during a workout combine sport, choreography and poetry. Do not be surprised. Movement intai chi resemble graceful dance, and the names of these dance figures highly poetic: cloud hands, pat the horse's mane, tail grab the bird, crane spreads its wings. Add to that the fun of the Chinese meditative music that you study.
Unlike the Indian yoga, which is the basis of static postures,tai chi - This is the alternation of smooth motion and racks. No jerks and excessive physical effort. Continuity combined with slow breathing and free - the main principle of the Chinese gymnastics. "Imagine that you move with the flow, do not have any resistance. Feel as if you are holding a ball of energy "- suggests Julia Lizunova involved.
Peace is not just a dream
The Chinese believe that the human body - a vessel that is filled with the energy of qi. It is believed that during the slow movement of qi circulates in the body: it is important to send it to the track. When the hands slowly rise up, qi begins to move down to the right hand, the energy left. Every movement turns into its opposite, and all the turns come around.
At the heart of such a physical circuit, explained Chinese sages, is the principle of the unity of the cosmic forces of yin and yang. "The Chinese believe that yin and yang not only complement each other, they flow into each other, within the dark yin yang has a bright spot, and vice versa," - explains Valery Kiselev. But maybe it is not in space, but in the fact that the Chinese gymnastics teaches relaxation and balance, because deep breathing itself relieves tension and stress.
After classes, tai chi feel as if weightless body shrouded transparent cocoon, it protects but does not bother to move, and the outside world at the same time does not promise any dangers. Fantasy, of course, but very pleasant.
"Tai chi tidies nervous system, lowers blood pressure, helps to cope with stress, recover from injuries and even improves health in oncology," - say Chinese healers. Western scholars generally agree with them. It was found that the Chinese gymnastics is effective for the prevention of diseases of bones and joints, reduces the risk of heart failure and helps to improve overall health.
The most famous masters of Tai Chi famous, though not fabulous, but still longevity - 70-80 years old - and good health. "For adults, there are no age restrictions - some doing tai chi to a ripe old age.However, for children tai chi is not necessary. Gymnastics benefits, if you can immerse yourself in, and the children are by nature extroverts "- says Julia Lizunova.
Time Regained
The Chinese prefer to tai chi in the morning - from 6 to 8 hours. But for that gymnastics can find the time and in the evening. Everything has its advantages: better wake up in the morning, in the evening - you fall asleep. I checked it myself.
However, in the classroom tai chi forget about time. It looks like an ancient Chinese magic acts. For residents of China time does not pass, much less running forward, it is cyclic. There is no line from the past to the future, there is only the present, so there's no hurry. It is important to focus on the process, taught Chinese sages, then the result will not disappoint you. Perhaps it is worth-while to listen to their advice, and feel a little Chinese.