Making News (March 1995)

Barbara Riley, Orinda, CA

(from the Jan.-Feb. 1995 HEALTH 2000 Newsletter)

There now seems to be a great interest and curiosity about T’ai Chi – what it is and how it works in the body. This form of exercise has been practiced in China for several centuries, and is now rapidly spreading throughout the world, because of its great benefits for health and longevity. A series of slow movements performed with internal concentration help to stimulate, circulate and balance the body’s own vital energy, or “chi”. This results in increased energy, a gentle workout for the whole body, and a relaxed way to reduce stress. In short, it is a way to maximize one’s health.

T’ai Chi Chih, a form based on these principles, consists of just twenty movements which are done repetitively, so they are easily learned. Because they are non-martial and non-impact, they are gentle and can be modified for those with physical challenges. Commonly reported benefits of practice include lowering blood pressure, easing of chronic pain from arthritis and other conditions, and improvements in balance, flexibility, coordination and metabolic functions. Benefits are often felt after just a few classes, and with regular practice, great improvements can be achieved.

Because T’ai Chi involves the whole person, it affects the mind, body and spirit. Balancing the positive and negative “chi” helps to reduce stress and tension and promotes relaxation, inner peace and serenity. It truly is “meditation in motion”.

The eight-week series of classes, open to both beginning and continuing students, are taught by Barbara Riley, who says, “T’ai Chi Chih is fun and easy to do, and delivers what it promises – it really works!”