Frequently Asked Questions
Beginning Tai Chi
If
you have not done Tai Chi before, the experience you face will
probably be new and initially quite alien. However, in time you will
become more familiar with the Tai Chi way of moving as will you
become accustomed to the effects of Chi flowing within the body. It
is also helpful to always remember to approach Tai Chi in a relaxed
way, and let your interest and involvement develop at its own
natural pace. Try not to learn any new postures until you are fully
confident with those that you have learnt previously. Work at your
own rate and bear in mind that not everything has to be learnt in
the first session – quality is always better than quantity.
How
and When can I practice ?
Tai Chi can virtually be
done at any time of the day or night. Pick a quiet time to go
through your Tai Chi routines. Some choose to practise in the early
hours of the morning when the world around them is at its quietest,
and the air is at its freshest. Some use it to refresh themselves
after a hard day’s work. Tai Chi is flexible, and should you decide
to a give it a little time each day, the rewards it brings are worth
all the time and effort you put in.
Starting with a short routine practised each day Make time for
yourself by deciding on a realistic part of the day and discipline
yourself to adhere to the time you choose. Sticking to this regular
will give you the peace of mind you need to relax and concentrate on
your Tai Chi practice.
Where
should I practice ?
Tai Chi can be practised
both indoors and outdoors. Any indoor space used should be well
ventilated and cool. If you decide to practice outdoors you should
make sure that the wind isn’t too strong, and that you dress
appropriately for the temperature. Draughty, windy, or cold
conditions are said to cool the body too quickly and cause tension
through the tightening of muscles. Direct sunlight should also be
avoided, as this can cause our body systems to overheat and lose
excess body fluids through sweat and heavy panting. Parks,
riversides and even our own backyards in spring and autumn are
usually ideal. But perhaps the most important factor of any venue
you choose is that it should be quiet and free of disturbance or
distractions, so that you can focus on the Tai Chi practice ahead.
What
should I wear when practicing ?
No special clothing is
required for the practice of Tai Chi. Any loose-fitting clothing
will be suitable as long as it will allow you to move with complete
freedom. Simply dressing in tracksuit bottoms and a T-shirt are
usually ideal for giving freedom of movement. Tai Chi should also be
practised in light thin-soled footwear or even barefoot. The Chinese
slipper (or Kung Fu shoe) is perfect for practice. Trainers can
sometimes be heavy and with a high raised sole can be cumbersome for
sensitive floor contact as well as make twisting movements more
awkward.
Are
there any restrictions in my practice ?
Perhaps one of the only
things that will restrict your practice is the timing of when food
is eaten. As a general rule, it is best not to practise until an
hour after a full meal, as this may give rise to ill feelings of
nausea, stomach discomfort, dizziness and even fainting. Similarly,
practising when you are hungry is not a good idea either. Hunger is
usually a symptom that fuel stores may already be low. To practise
when you are hungry can therefore only lead to imbalance and
illness, as fuel stores are unable to meet bodily demands.
Can
illness, injury or disability prevent me from practicing Tai Chi ?
Tai Chi can benefit all
despite illness, injury or disability, and it is rare that its
exercises do not improve or alleviate any problems or complaints.
Whatever difficulties you may have, they need not restrict or
compromise your practice of the art. Its movements are a means to an
end, and in many cases they can be adapted (with the help of an able
Tai Chi instructor) to accommodate you and your needs. As long as
you adhere to the principles you stand to gain as much as any other
person. Tai Chi is about relating to the mind, body and spirit, and
it is in their relationships with one another that we can all find
ways of getting in tune with that inner experience, to harness and
express Chi in a more natural way.