Amazing health benefits

In Chinese medical philosophy, practicing Tai Chi Chuan can enhance the natural operation of body, energy and mind and finally prevent or cure diseases.

Kan Qiang, in his 50s, was a member of Chinese Tai Chi Chuan performance team at the celebration event. He has practiced Tai Chi Chuan for three years and felt every part of his body move in a co-ordinated and relaxed way. Every morning, he would go to the park to practice it with other old people. "When I am entering old age, I felt my flexibility, balance, and legs strength decrease a lot. Practising Tai Chi Chuan well enhances these weaknesses," he said.

When the simplified Tai Chi Chuan style was introduced to Japan 50 years ago by Japanese politicians, it was named "health Tai Chi Chuan." Its health benefits quickly won favor with the fitness-conscious Japanese. Li Defang, daughter of Li Tianyi, arrived in Japan 18 years ago, and opened a Tai Chi Chuan club. Tomozaki Atsushi, 45, a member of Japanese performance team, said he was always broadening his knowledge about the Chinese martial art. He began with the simplified 24-form Tai Chi Chuan and later learned 42 forms as well as Tai Chi sword play. Atsushi said that the philosophy of Tai Chi Chuan was very profound and limitless, and the longer he practiced it, the more appealing it became. He's even become a coach of a Tai Chi class himself. Most of his students are women and seniors.

Nakamura Shinichiro, 41, is only a beginner of 24-form Tai Chi Chuan. One year ago when he joined a fitness club, he began this new sport. He practiced it originally for one hour a week and now he spends four hours a week developing his technique.

"Its health benefits are amazing," he said, adding that his waist ache disappeared and his body was now more upright. He had lost seven kilograms and his previously high cholesterol levels were back to normal. It also changed his mind and moods. His temper vanished and he became more kind and gentle to others. Half a year ago, under his influence, his wife also started to practice Tai Chi Chuan.

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