Tai Chi, or Tai Chi Ch'uan, means "supreme fighting" or "ultimate fists" in Mandarin.
It is basically a form of martial art originating in China sometime around the 16th century.
It has five known forms in existence today, though all are connected to each other without any drastic difference.
During the 1970s, it was introduced in America and has been growing in popularity ever since.
There have been no known side effects or harm caused by practicing Tai Chi in long term or short term.
A number of websites online offer a range of accessories for Tai Chi, as well as useful tips and instructions.
Online forums and blogs dedicated to Tai Chi also offer a lot of passed-on information, but is should not be taken as the final word upon the subject.
While buying merchandise online, such as Tai Chi shoes, instruction technique booklets, or DVDs, always ascertain whether it is a bargain or not by confirming the prices with a local dealer.
A cheap product may not necessarily be inferior in quality, and vice versa.
Websites such as http://www.
taoist.
org, and http://www.
healingtaousa.
com can be accessed for additional information.
Tai Chi is safe for everyone, irrespective of age.
The elderly in millions of homes across China perform Tai Chi because it improves balance and co-ordination between limb movements.
Every year, hundreds of senior citizens suffer fractures and injuries due to fall caused by misbalance, Tai Chi is very helpful in such cases.
Tai Chi is often referred to as a soft style martial art, because it aims to counter strong force by countering it with a soft movement and "sticking" to it until it gets exhausted, or it can be redirected.
The deep breathing, slow movements, rhythmic exercises, all contribute to building a sound muscular, circular, skeletal and mental system.
As a result, those with a temper control benefit from the calming effects of tai chi.