Hello everyone!  Happy Monday!  A couple of weeks ago, I posted a blog outlining various complementary medicinal practices that can aid in the battle with cancer.  One of the things on that list was Tai Chi (or Tai Chi Chuan).  Tai Chi is actually a martial art (yes, like karate or tai kwan do) that has its roots in traditional Chinese medicine.  The practice helps keep the Qi (life force) in balance. Tai Chi was originally developed not only for self defence (hard to believe when watch it in some of it's forms, but it was indeed) but to also promote and sense of calm and well being.  There are many forms of Tai Chi, but essentially each type combines a number of movements (and the number of movements there are varies depending on the style that is being practiced) that flow seamlessly and meditatively from one to the next.    The focus is on mind, breath and movement.

The article I've linked to gets much more in depth into the history and the various types of tai chi (as well as it's many health benefits, the BIG one being, of course, reduced stress) if you are interested.  I've also included a video to introduce you to the subject.  If after you've done some more reading and watched the video and you decide you would like to take up the practice, there are a number of great DVD's available for beginners (and advanced practioners as well).  Some of my favorites are the one's put out by David Carradine of Kung Fu (the t.v. show) fame.  I've linked to one of them on Amazon.com here.  There may be classes offered in your community as well.  It's a practice that's appropriate for a person of any age and at any fitness level (but always check with a physician before beginning a new exercise program).  Enjoy the video and I'll be back in the next day or two!