Bolney Natural Therapy Centre Unit 2, The Dairy, Highlands Farm, London Road, Bolney, West Sussex. RH17 5PX Tel: 01444 882990 Mobile: 07976 936682 enquiries@bntc.co.uk www.bntc.co.uk

TAI CHI

Tai Chi – Learn the natural way to balance and harmonise mind, body and spirit through meditation and relaxation exercises.

What is Tai Chi Chuan?
Tai Chi is widely recognised as a relaxing form of gentle exercise which has become associated with stress management and health improvement.

Health Benefits.
Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese system of exercise based on correct body alignment and strengthening of the postural muscles.
Tai Chi promotes balance, natural posture, breathing and skeletal symmetry. As all the movements are performed slowly and controlled, it places little stress on the muscles and ligaments and is therefore suitable for people if all ages and varying degrees of fitness and ability.
As Western medicine now recognises the mental cause of many diseases, Tai Chi can help focus the mind and rebalance the flow of energy around the body which restores physical and mental health.

Physical Stress Relief
By holding the spine in the correct position and turning and moving the waist, the student stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. This results in a decrease in the heart rate and dilation of the blood vessels which improves circulation. This is the body’s restraint on the flight or fight syndrome and is of vital importance in lessening the effects of negative stress. This teaches awareness and control of the body and mind and improves mental and physical health.

You will inevitably have many questions which your instructor will be only too pleased to answer. We have however answered a few more common ones below:

Q What will I learn when I first attend class?
A You will first learn about body alignment, balance, coordination and breathing.
Once you have basic knowledge of these, you will progress to learn Cheng Man Ching form which consists of 37 movements which we refer to as postures. Each posture has therapeutic and preventative health benefits as well as gradually increasing strength in the legs.

Q I have a recurring health problem/injury. Am I still able to practice Tai Chi Chuan?
A Because of the slow, balanced, gentle movements of the exercise, there is not the same risk involved as with certain more strenuous exercises. In China, people of varying degrees of disability still practice regularly. Please consult your doctor or speak to your instructor in confidence, should you have any queries.

Q What do I need to wear?
A Anything that is loose and comfortable. An outfit consists of t-shirt, jogging trousers.