Tai chi or tai chi chuan is a Chinese form of health-promoting exercise.

“Chi” refers to the flow of energy through the body. The exercises are

based on the ancient idea that health begins with the free flow of chi.

Tai chi has been shown to improve balance, reduce high blood pressure,

and ease the discomforts of back pain, arthritis, and excess stress. During

the series of tai chi movements you are constantly shifting your body

weight, allowing each movement to flow smoothly into the next. The

goal is to focus all your awareness on the movements, which, in turn, lets

your breath and mind become calm and clear.

Learning the sequence of tai chi movements and achieving the coordination

of them in your body is a gradual process. With 20 minutes of daily

practice, however, you are very likely to notice improvement in your

posture, endurance, ease of movement, and ability to cope with stress.

Chi kung is another Chinese form of movement that balances the flow of

chi. It focuses on the use of the breath, slow movements, and meditation.