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TAI JI Illustrated
On this page you'll find some examples of tai ji in action. When you do tai ji you usually go through a set sequence of movements which is called a 'form.' The form is, like a special dance, made up of separate movements that are eventually strung together to make a sequence that lasts around eight minutes. All of the movements are done slowly, alternating each time between gathering-in movements (usually accompanied by the in-breath), and then outward, projecting movements (usually accompanied by the out-breath). See if you can detect where the in and out-breathes occur in the photographs below.
Meanwhile, the illustration to the right
shows the location of the lymphatic system of the body. Our bodies
rely on movement and exercise to encourage the circulation of
lymph fluid, a substance which is essential for the workings
of the immune system and the ability of the body to rid itself
of unwanted toxins, bacteria and fungi and thus maintain health.
As you can see, the non-tensile movements of tai ji tend to target
those areas where the lymph glands are concentrated - chest,
throat, armpits, groin, elbows and knees.
