By: SEÑALES. La revista Latinoamericana. August 2008

This discipline helps to develop a sense of balance and get to know the body, its capacity and limits. That is why this activity is recommended for people of all ages, especially older people.

According to this technique, the joints are "doors" through which energy is directed to the entire body. This means that energy is controlled through these doors.

In traditional Chinese medicine, there is a philosophy that is considered its cornerstone called "the five elements:" fire, earth, metal, water and wood. Each one of these elements complements each other to make up the body and control one´s health. Wood, for example, helps the joints.

If you think of a bulrush stem or a branch that bends with the wind, you will understand what the characteristic of wood is: Since Tai chi is an art that is expressed internally, it is understood that flexibility cannot come from the muscles. These can have a greater or lesser degree of length but the characteristic that Tai chi develops is something different because it is based on the joints.

A Taoist wise man said "and old, dry branch breaks with the wind while a string of pasta bends to enjoy the next day" This martial art is developed around this philosophy.

Chinese medicine considers arthritis and rheumatism to be diseases occasioned by bad circulation. Thus practicing Tai chi is the best remedy since it opens and closes the doors that control the flow of energy and expands its limits especially in the joints of the knees and hips. However, through practicing this art all of the joints are benefitted.

As one grows old there is a loss of the sense of balance. Add to that more fragile bones and joints: A greater degree of probability of falling, which could cause serious injuries, is a reason for elderly people to be worried. This fear makes it difficult for them to enjoy everything they have. In addition, it increases stress levels, blood pressure, exhaustion and cardiac problems.

Another benefit of Tai chi is that it helps relaxation because the exercises are done with total calm and, in general, in places that are silent where it is also possible to hear one´s heart beat and breathing, which can also be controlled.