Tai Chi (Chuan) is an ancient Chinese way of co-ordinating the mind, body and spirit in forms of relaxing exercises.
The flowing and peaceful movements seem effortless and it’s for this reason that many people of all ages are benefiting from it all around the world.

In fact, I went to enrol for classes at my Local Education Centre and they reckoned I wouldn’t get in for over 18 months because of the waiting list!

From a general health point of view, it is supposed to greatly assist in some medical conditions such as Cardiac problems, digestive and respiration disorders. Because the mind should become relaxed with the gentle exercises, this also helps for wellbeing in the form of combating stresses and strains of everyday life.

The flowing movements of the hands are not only a part of the exercise for control and expression, but along with the deep breathing involved, increase the flow of blood toward the heart and stimulate the central nervous system.

It seems to me that it’s an excellant way to start a day.

Another benefit of Tai Chi is that it doesn’t involve purchasing any equipment and can be carried out in a confined area, although most people prefer to do it outside where they feel more at one with their natural surroundings.

In America, surveys were carried out on a group of people where they practiced the art for 20 minutes a day and after only twelve weeks, it was noticed that those who had high blood pressure had improved quite ‘dramatically’.

A study by Doctors at Boston University said “Benefits were reported by the authors of these studies in cardiovascular and respiratory function in healthy subjects and in patients who had undergone coronary artery bypass surgery as well as in patients with heart failure, hypertension, acute myocardial infarction, arthritis and multiple sclerosis.”

The largest age group practicing Tai Chi in the UK seem to be ‘seniors’ (for want of a better word). It is exercise but without the ‘no pain, no gain’ theory and if all the above is so, why not!

So, if us ‘oldens’ can do it, no excuses for the younger brigade! Being closer to nature is being closer to yourself.


A quote by Bruce Frantzis

Tai chi is about changing our internal environment so that life becomes a joy to live and not a burden to drag into old age and death. It is about helping your body to let go of the past and your mind to slow down and cease churning. Tai chi encourages your internal focus to shift toward cherishing and remembering all that is wonderful in your life. It predisposes you to look forward to ways to make life better, rather than remembering how unsatisfying it has been.

Most importantly, tai chi gives us the ability to realise a greater human potential in ourselves and to have genuine compassion for others. Tai chi, with its gentle strength, moves us closer to feeling more truly alive.


There are many courses available around the country, both private and through Education Centres. You can see some books and DVD’s available on the Down the Lane Book Page for Alternative Health.

Use your ‘internal natural powers’. See The Dowsing page on the main website

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