Tai Chi (taiji) is the integration of yin and yang energy. Yin and yang are opposite forces that form a whole. Everything contains both yin and yang in a balance that is always changing. This is the nature of tai chi. The awareness and application of principles, especially those of being in the moment, naturalness, continuity, and appropriateness of action, will enable you to create personal change and manage your energy well. Tai Chi is activity; activity is the expression of life.

Tai chi chuan, an ancient martial art and one of the most widely practiced physical disciplines in the world, is described as the principles of yin and yang applied to the human body. Although tai chi chuan is still used for fighting by many, there are millions today who only practice the movements for health purposes. When practiced this way, would it not be more appropriate to call these movements tai chi for health (taiji jiankang), rather than tai chi chuan (taijichaun)? The Chinese word jiankang means health, and the word chuan means fist.

Beneficial for physical, mental and emotional health, the practice of tai chi for health works at all levels to prevent buildup of tension, break the stress cycle, and relieve symptoms.  

The natural and mindful movements flow one into the other, just like life's events do, and we learn to pay attention to the here and now and respond appropriately.  It is the mental focus of the mind leading the body with slow, smooth, continuous movements and regular, deep breathing (restoring calmness, strength, and energy) that makes the practice of tai chi for health (taiji jiankang) one of the best ways to reduce stress and promote well being. 

The practice of these movements is a precursor to applying tai chi principles to situations in daily life. The habit of practice will help you change what you want to change.