If you're looking for a way to reduce stress, why not try Tai Chi (TIE-CHEE)?

Originally developed for self-defense, Tai Chi has evolved into a graceful form of exercise that's now used for stress reduction and a variety of other health conditions. Often described as meditation in motion, Tai Chi promotes serenity through gentle, flowing movements.

What is Tai Chi?

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese tradition which is practiced till today as a graceful form of exercise. It involves a series of movements performed in a slow, focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing.

Tai Chi, also called Tai Chi Chuan, is a non-competitive, self-paced system of gentle physical exercise and stretching. Each posture flows into the next without pause, ensuring that your body is in constant motion.

The basic elements are the thirteen movements (moving forward, moving backward, pressing, leaning and other basic moves). The different permutations and combinations of the thirteen movements form the various styles.

At present, there are five major styles Tai Chi. Each of them is named after the corresponding Chinese family from which the styles originate. They are Chen Style by Chen Wangting, Yang Style by Yang Luchan, Wu Style by Wu Yuxiang, Wu Style by Wu Jianquan and Sun Style by Sun Lutang.

Each style may subtly emphasize various Tai Chi principles and methods. There are variations within each style. Some styles may focus on health maintenance, while others focus on the martial arts aspect of tai chi.

Tai Chi is different from yoga, another type of meditative movement. Yoga includes various physical postures and breathing techniques, along with meditation.

The basic elements are the thirteen movements (moving forward, moving backward, pressing, leaning and other basic moves). The different permutations and combinations of the thirteen movements form the various styles.

As the social pace is accelerating, Tai Chi has been a good way for people under pressure and stress to relax. Nowadays, you can find many people practising Tai Chi in the parks or squares, such as the Temple of Heaven, Yuyuantan Park and Olympic Forest Park in Beijing, the circular City Wall Park and squares of Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an. In the morning and in the afternoon, no matter whether young or senior, male or female, amateur or professional, they gather to exercise.