What is Tai Chi?

Tai Chi, also known as Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan), originated in China as a form of martial arts training. Over time, it has evolved into one of the most respected practices in Chinese culture for promoting health, balance, and longevity.

Dr Mao Shing Ni, Tao of Wellness, California, USA, is a Tai Chi master and a board-certified specialist in longevity. He explains that the term Tai Chi refers to the ultimate balance of yin and yang - the dynamic harmony between opposing forces such as movement and stillness, strength and softness, and effort and relaxation.

“In practice, Tai Chi consists of slow, flowing movements performed with awareness of breath, posture, and internal energy, which Chinese medicine calls Qi,” says Ni.

“Unlike many exercises that isolate muscles, Tai Chi trains your entire body as one integrated system. The mind guides the movement, the breath regulates the rhythm, and the body follows smoothly. In this way, Tai Chi becomes a form of moving meditation - strengthening the body while calming and focusing the mind.”

With consistent practice and guidance, Tai Chi offers a wide range of health benefits. Beginners often start to feel confident with the basic movements after just a few weeks of regular practice. While mastering a complete form can take several months, the positive effects on health can be noticed much earlier.

Ni explains that Tai Chi is often described as “meditation and healing in motion”.

He adds that practising it regularly can benefit your:

• Balance and fall prevention.

• Joint mobility and flexibility.

• Circulation and heart health.

• Muscle coordination and strength.

• Posture and spinal alignment.

“Because movements are performed with focused attention, Tai Chi also helps improve your concentration, enhance your body awareness and sharpen your memory and cognitive function,” says Ni. “Modern studies even suggest Tai Chi may support brain health and neuroplasticity.

“From a Chinese medicine perspective, Tai Chi helps regulate Qi and calm the spirit, which we call Shen. Practitioners often experience reduced stress and anxiety, improved emotional resilience, and a greater sense of inner balance.”

Staying safe while practising Tai Chi

According to Ni, Tai Chi is generally considered a very safe practice, which is why it’s often recommended for older adults and those recovering from illness.

However, for the best results and to ensure safety, it really should be mastered under the guidance of a teacher. Without proper instruction, people can sometimes lock their knees or joints, lean too far forwards or backwards, or move with unnecessary tension.

Ni explains that these habits can occasionally put strain on your knees, hips, or lower back. That said, injuries from Tai Chi are extremely rare, and it is considered safe for most people.

“People who should be especially careful include those with severe balance disorders, those recovering from major joint surgery or those with acute injuries,” says Ni. “For them, Tai Chi can still be beneficial, but it should be modified and taught carefully.”

Tai Chi Walking is an easy and accessible way to practice mindfulness and improve your balance. While it's a good idea to check in with a professional for formal training, you can safely practice these simple steps on your own:

Starting stance

• Footwear - wear comfortable shoes with a flat sole or thin socks on a non-slip surface.

• Position - stand naturally with your feet parallel and hip-width apart, knees slightly bent.

• Posture - keep your head up, chin tucked, and spine lengthened.

Shifting your weight

• The shift - gradually shift your weight to your right leg, making it feel light.

• The lift - lift your left leg slowly while keeping your knee bent and bring your foot forwards.

• Heel first - step forwards gently with your heel, toes pointed slightly upwards.

• The roll - roll your foot from heel to ball until flat on the ground.

• The transfer - shift your weight onto your left leg as your right heel lifts.

The arm movement

• The push - as you shift your weight, coordinate your hands to ‘push’ the air from your chest.

• Soft joints - keep your elbows and wrists rounded and unlocked.

• Sync - your hands should finish the push when your weight settles on your front foot.

Continuing the flow

• Repeat - with your weight on your left leg, lift your right leg, step forwards, roll your foot down, and shift your weight again.

• Respiration - inhale as you lift your foot and exhale as you shift your weight and push.

Walking is one of the easiest forms of exercise and comes with a wide range of health benefits. Tai Chi Walking, however, takes it a step further by incorporating posture, balance, and mindful awareness.

Ni explains that because steps are slower and weight shifts are more deliberate, Tai Chi Walking may improve balance and fall prevention, joint stability, leg strength, and coordination and awareness of posture.

“For heart health, it is typically lower intensity than brisk walking, but it can still support circulation and metabolic health,” he says. “It may be especially helpful for people with arthritis, balance issues, long-term stress and early neurological conditions affecting coordination.”

He adds that Tai Chi Walking naturally helps to quiet the mind. As your focus settles on the rhythm of your breath and steps, your nervous system gradually shifts from a state of fight-or-flight to one of relaxation and restoration.

“Many practitioners report reduced anxiety, improved focus and better emotional regulation,” says Ni.

Tai Chi Walking is especially helpful for older adults looking for low-impact exercise, anyone feeling stressed, those on the road to recovery, and anyone wanting a gentle introduction to mind-body practices.

Ni advises that anyone with significant mobility or balance challenges should start slowly.

He suggests helpful modifications, such as practising near a wall or rail for support, taking smaller steps, and moving at a comfortable pace. The aim isn’t to push your body, but to encourage smooth, natural movement.

“In Taoist philosophy, the highest form of practice is not intensity, but harmony,” Ni concludes. “Allowing the body to breath, and mind to move together with ease.”