How to practice and apply Taijiquan

Taijiquan has to be practiced in a relaxed and concentrated manner. In Taijiquan, this means that no extra force should be used whenever a movement is carried out. The concentration aspect actually means that when we are practicing, we must use or follow some kind of method to continually be aware of one’s body and ensure that he or she remains relaxed (e.g. check in your mind whether the shoulders are relaxed).

Because of its slow, fluent, and relaxed movement Taijiquan is easy to practice and suitable for almost everyone, young and old, strong and weak.

Learning Taijiquan is about learning the principles of Taijiquan. If one can apply the principles of Taijiquan in their daily life, they will be at peace with themselves and the world we live in. Taijiquan enhances one’s ability to use his or her body and mind in a correct way, allowing them to enjoy life to its fullest.

These days, people are confronted with modern aches and pains (like stress, burn out and RSI). Taijiquan teaches us how to use the body correctly, which is a very complicated organism. This enables the practitioner to replenish the body’s energy and help to repair body damage (many of my students suffering from RSI have expressed healing gains while practicing Taijiquan).

Most people already know that the position of computer desk and chair plays an important part in RSI cases, but very few people know that relaxation of the body and mind is a more powerful weapon in the fight against RSI. Taijiquan has the added benefit of making the practitioner calm and relaxed, aiding them in not lose their temper or becoming easily frustrated. This general feeling of well-being results in a good mood and a pleasant state of mind. Calmness also enhances ones working ability, as well as ones communication skills with colleagues. All of this can lead to living a healthy life.