The Benefits of Tai Chi: Dynamic Balance

If we sit on our computers all day, or aren’t generally physically active, we may develop patterns of stiffness. As a result, our balance and mobility will be quite limited. As we age, our balance is naturally effected as well.

Tai Chi is known for improving balance. On a certain level, the slow movements which involve weight shifts, bends, and turns, are good to practice as an easy-going exercise just to get the joints moving and the body coordinated.

In fact, coordination is a crucial element of balance; balance is not just a matter of being able to stand like a pole on one leg for 30 seconds. In our daily life, we are not always standing straight on one leg. We are often moving or acting upon different objects, creating different forces in the body or putting us into a variety of positions. If we are uncoordinated, it is easy to lose balance and injure ourselves.

I think one way that Tai Chi can help develop balance is through its basic principles that underlie practice and must be put into action. To me there are a few specific principles which contribute to this in distinct ways:

• Zhong Ding: the central energy or axis created by raising the top of our head and settling the dan tian, near our center of gravity.

• The Three Harmonies: The external coordination between our hands and feet, elbows and knees, and hips and shoulders.

• Leg Methods: Different aspects to using the hips, legs, and feet in our movement to ensure proper function.

As we practice Tai Chi, we learn to bring these principles, or methods, together. We learn to execute these nuanced movements in a coordinated, balanced, and dynamic manner, at different speeds and with different intentions. In this way they balance is not just about being able to stand on one leg for a long time, but being able to smoothly transition from one position to another with continuity and strength. All movements come from the dan tian, and all movements are done standing, making Tai Chi a very powerful way to improve our balance in daily life.

Learn more: https://ctn.academy/blog/connected-movement-in-taijiquan