The Root of Taijiquan Yin and Yang

The theory of Yin and Yang is the root of Taijiquan, and the source from which it is created and formalized. The Qigong sets, which are the essential part of the practice of Taiji, are also based on this theory. It is therefore desirable to understand Yin-Yang theory so that you can have a clear concept of what you’re trying to accomplish in your practice.

The Concept of Yin and Yang

The Chinese have long beloved that the universe is made of two opposing forces—Yin and Yang—which must balance with each other. When these two forces begin to lose their balance, Nature finds a way to re-balance them. If the imbalance is significant, disaster will occur. However, when these two forces combine and interact with each other smoothly and harmoniously, they manifest power and generate the millions of living things.

Yin and Yang theory is also applied to the three great natural powers: heaven, earth, and man. For example, if the Yin and Yang forces of heaven (i.e. energy which comes to us from the sky) are losing balance, there can be tornadoes, hurricanes, or other natural disasters. When the Yin and Yang forces loose there balance on earth, rivers can change their paths and earthquakes can occur. When Yin and Yang forces in the human body lose their balance, sickness and even death can occur. Experience has shown that the Yin and Yang balance in main is affected by Yin and Yang balances of the earth and heaven. Similarly, the Yin and Yang balance of earth is influenced by the heaven’s Yin and Yang. Therefore, if you wish to have a healthy body and a long live, you need to know how to adjust your body’s Yin and Yang, and how to coordinate your Qi with the Yin and Yang energy of heaven and earth. The study of Yin and Yang in the human body is the root of Chinese medicine and Qigong.

The Chinese have classified everything in the universe according to Yin and Yang. Even feelings, thoughts, strategy, and the spirit are covered. For example, female Yin and male is Yang, night is Yin and day is Yang, weak is Yin and strong is Yang, backward is Yin and forward is Yang, sad is Yin and happy is Yang, defense is Yin and offence is Yang.

Practitioners of Chinese medicine and Qigong believe that they must seek to understand the Yin and Yang of human nature and the human body before they can adjust and regulate the body’s energy balance into a more harmonious state. Only the can health be maintained and the cause of sickness be corrected.

Chen Style Tai Chi continues to remain true to its original meaning and application since its creation – with the current head of the Chen Family, Grandmasters Chen Zhenglei, internationally recognised as one of he highest level masters within the art.

Tai Chi and Health
Tai Chi exercises regulate all systems within the body improving digestion, respiration and also circulation and since the movements are preformed in a relaxed manner can also lead to a reduction in stress- related disorders. The low-impact nature of the routines improves the condition of bones, joints and muscle without strain whilst encouraging balance, focus, flexibility and co-ordination to promote health and vitality with the individual.

Who Can Practice Tai Chi?
Tai Chi is suitable for people of all ages and levels of fitness. the movement can be performed slowly and gently for health and relaxation, or faster and more powerfully for fitness and self defence applications.

Chen Style Tai Chi Club
Teaching Tai Chi to its full potential

The Chen Style Tai Chi club is based in Stewarton, teaching and promoting the principles and philosophy of the Authentic Chen Style Tai Chi.

We have a fully qualified Instructor with 25 years experience in teaching Martial Arts.

The Tai Chi Club holds regular classes in Stewarton ,Kilmaurs, Kilmarnock,Prestwick and Ayr Clubs opening shortly, teaching the full range of Authentic Chen Style routines including; Tai Chi Foundation exercises, hand Forms (11 Short Forms and 18 Short Form) Push Hands, Silk Reeling exercises and Qigong Breathing Techniques.