太极拳

1. 太极拳

2. What is 太极拳？ Amind-body practice that originated in China as a martial art. A person doing 太极拳moves their body slowly and gently, while breathing deeply and meditating.

3. What is the history of 太极拳？ • It started as a martial art, or a practice for fighting or self-defense, usually without weapons.

4. People soon began to use 太极拳 for health.

5. People say that a monk in 12th-century China observed 5 animals:tiger, dragon, leopard, snake, and crane.He concluded that the snake and the crane, through their movements, were the ones most able to overcome strong, unyielding opponents.He developed an initial set of exercises that imitated the movements of animals.

6. Yin and Yang • In Chinese philosophy, Yin and Yang are two principles or elements that make up the universe and everything in it and that also oppose each other. • The Chinese believe that Yin and Yang need to be in balance in order for them to be healthy, and 太极拳is a practice that supports this balance.

7. 3 basic components of 太极拳 • Movement • Meditation • Deep breathing

8. Movement • When doing 太极拳 we feel the ground with our feet, sink our weight to the ground, and maintain good body alignment to promote stability and balance. • Some movements are named after animals or birds, such as "White Crane Spreads Its Wings."

9. Meditation While performing the gentle and slow 太极拳movements, individuals keep their mind calm and alert, concentrating on the inner self.

10. Deep breathing • With the flow of the movements, we exhale stale air and toxins from the lungs, inhale fresh air , stretches the muscles involved in breathing, and releases tension. • This way, the entire body • is supplied with fresh oxygen • and nutrients.

11. Benefits of practising太极拳 • Massage the internal organs. • Aid the exchange of gases in the lungs. • Help the digestive system work better. • Increase calmness and awareness. • Improve balance.