So What's the Big Deal About Chi... East vs. West?

Many people, especially Westerners, go through life never understanding the meaning or the significance of "chi." "Chi," which is commonly translanted as "energy," literally translates to "the breath of life." In essence without breath there is no life. According to ancient chinese philosophy if practiced properly Tai Chi can alleviate or prevent nearly any health problems. The concept of stopping a problem before it even has a chance to manifest disagrees with much of traditional western medicine. We, as westerners, have been conditioned to believe that if a problem occurs there is always some type of pill or remedy to treat it.

On the contrary, Easterners are brought up with a philosopy which focuses on nurturing the body and mind in order to create the balance necessary to lead a healthy life. Easterners are taught to develop a relationship between the mind, body, and spirit, which is so incredibly intimate that no drug or "quick fix" could possibly compare. An emphasis on listening to the needs of these three mutually existing, interdependent facets of life and honoring these needs pave a path to a higher level of health. This method of "chi," or the breath of life, seems so simple, or perhaps it is to simple for some of us to realize. Tell your instructor if you have any health problems that may compromise your ability to do certain movements.