Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese system of flowing movements that strengthens the legs while conditioning the tendons and ligaments of the ankles, knees, and hips and spine, increasing their range of motion and making them more resilient, less prone to injury. The constant weight shifts train balance and body awareness, leading to greater ease of movement. Tai Chi is a physical exercise that focuses the mind, while conditioning the body. The practice dissipates stress and reduces stress-related debilities, increases stamina, and strengthens the body and will. Western Science recognizes the following benefits of practicing Tai Chi: increased oxygen uptake and utilization (more efficient breathing), reduced blood pressure, slower declines in cardiovascular power, increased bone density, increased strength and range of motion of joints, greater leg strength, knee strength, and flexibility, reduced levels of stress hormones during and after practice, improved immune function, and heightened mood states. Tai Chi cultivates health benefits beyond those studied by western medicine. Tai Chi conditions the sleeves between muscles and nerves, the films that separate and support the organs, the fascia. The acupuncture meridians of Chinese Medicine run through the fascia. By conditioning these boundary layers between tissues, Tai Chi reduces chemical cross-linking, cellular rust. Proper Tai Chi practice places certain demands on the body: the sinking of the weight, over time, tells the legs to add muscle and bone mass, while the turning of the body, in conjunction with deep abdominal breathing, “wrings out” the organs, flushing blood out as they’re compressed and allowing it to flow back in when the movement compresses another part of the torso. This flexing and unflexing reduces pockets of stagnation in the various organ systems. Tai Chi, especially in combination with acupuncture, alleviates imbalances and improves energy. -Sifu Howard Shing Yuen Chuck of Stanford University.
Joshua Freedman holds black belts in Shao Lin kung fu and Tai Shing kung fu and has over 20 years of martial study including karate, wrestling, aikido, Shao Lin kung fu, and the kung fu styles of the praying mantis, tiger, white crane, sparrow, and eagle. He is the 7th generation lineage holder of Tai Shing monkey style kung fu, and he has studied Tai Chi and Chi Gong for over 10 years.
Joshua Freedman teaches Tai Chi and Chi Gong to help others gain a greater awareness of their healthy selves and true potentials.
For more information about Tai Chi and Chi Gong Class, please call our clinic at 661-257-1233.