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Tai chi is a mind-body practice that originated in China as a martial art. It developed in China in about the 12th century A.D. It started as a martial art or a practice for fighting or self-defense, usually without weapons.

Over time, people began to use tai chi for health purposes as well. Many different styles of tai chi, and variations of each style, developed. A person practicing tai chi moves her body in a slow, relaxed, and graceful series of movements. One can practice on one’s own or in a group. The movements make up what are called forms (or routines). Some movements are named for animals or birds, such as “White Crane Spreads Its Wings.”

In tai chi, each movement flows into the next. The entire body is always in motion, with the movements performed gently and at uniform speed. It is considered important to keep the body upright, especially the upper body-many tai chi practitioners use the image of a string that goes from the top of the head into the heavens-and to let the body’s weight sink to the soles of the feet.



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