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{{Infobox_martial_art
| logo =
| logocaption =
| logosize =
| image = Yang-single.jpg
| imagecaption = ] in a posture from the ] solo form known as '']'' c. 1931
| imagesize =
| name = Tai chi chuan<br />(太極拳)
| aka = t'ai chi ch'üan; tai ji quan
| focus = ]
| hardness = Forms competition, light-contact (no strikes), full contact (striking, kicking, etc.)
| country = {{Flagicon|China}} ]
| creator = Disputed
| parenthood = ]
| famous_pract =
| olympic = No
| website =
}}
{{Contains Chinese text}}

'''Tai chi chuan''' ({{zh-tspw|t=太極拳|s=太极拳|p=tài jí quán|w=t'ai<sup>4</sup> chi<sup>2</sup> ch'üan<sup>2</sup>}}) is classified as ] or an ] ]. Tai chi is typically practised for a variety of reasons: its ], demonstration competitions, ] and ]. Consequently, a multitude of training forms exist, both traditional and modern, which correspond to those aims. Some of tai chi chuan's ] are well known to Westerners as the slow motion routines that groups of people practice together every morning in parks around the world, particularly in ].

Today, tai chi has spread worldwide. Most modern styles of tai chi trace their development to at least one of the five traditional schools: Chen, Yang, Wu/Hao, Wu and Sun. The origins and creation of tai chi is a subject of much argument and speculation. However, the oldest documented tradition is that of the Chen family from the 1820s.<ref>{{harvnb|Wile|1995}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Wile|1983}}</ref>

== Overview ==
The ] term "t'ai chi ch'uan" literally translates as "supreme ultimate fist", "boundless fist," or "great extremes boxing". The concept of the "supreme ultimate" appears in both Taoist and Confucian Chinese philosophy where it represents the fusion of Yin and Yang into a single ultimate represented by the ] symbol. Thus, tai chi theory and practice evolved in agreement with many of the principles of ] including both ] and ]. Tai chi training first and foremost involves learning solo routines, known as ''forms'' (套路 taolu). While the image of tai chi chuan in popular culture is typified by exceedingly slow movement, many tai chi styles (including the three most popular, ], ] and ]) have secondary forms of a faster pace. Some traditional schools of tai chi teach partner exercises known as '']'', and martial applications of the postures of the form.
]

Tai chi chuan is generally classified as a form of traditional ] of the ] (soft or internal) branch. It is considered a ] martial art — an art applied with ] — to distinguish its theory and application from that of the ].<ref name=Wile2007>{{cite journal|last=Wile|first=Douglas|title=Taijiquan and Taoism from Religion to Martial Art and Martial Art to Religion|journal=Journal of Asian Martial Arts|volume=16|issue=4|publisher= Via Media Publishing |date=2007|issn=1057-8358}}</ref>

Since the first widespread promotion of tai chi's health benefits by ], ], ] and ] in the early twentieth century,<ref>{{harvnb|Wile|1995}}</ref> it has developed a worldwide following among people with little or no interest in martial training, for its benefit to health and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140673605750121/fulltext|title=T'ai Chi gently reduces blood pressure in elderly|publisher=The Lancet|format=required registration|accessdate=2007-07-02}}</ref> ] support its effectiveness as an alternative ] and a form of ].

Some call it a form of moving ], as focusing the mind solely on the movements of the form purportedly helps to bring about a state of mental calm and clarity. Besides general health benefits and ] attributed to tai chi training, aspects of ] are taught to advanced tai chi students in some traditional schools.<ref>{{harvnb|Wu|2006}}</ref> Some martial arts, especially the ], use a uniform for students during practice. Tai chi chuan schools do not generally require a uniform, but both traditional and modern teachers often advocate loose, comfortable clothing and flat-soled shoes.<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-07-14|url=http://taichiproductions.com/articles/display.php?articleid=50|title=What should I wear to practice Tai Chi?|publisher=Tai Chi Productions|author=Lam, Dr. Paul}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Fu|2006}}</ref>

The physical techniques of tai chi chuan are described in the ] (a set of writings by traditional masters) as being characterized by the use of leverage through the joints based on coordination in relaxation, rather than muscular tension, in order to neutralize or initiate attacks. The slow, repetitive work involved in the process of learning how that leverage is generated gently and measurably increases, opens the internal circulation (], body heat, ], ], ], etc.)

The study of tai chi chuan primarily involves three subjects. Traditional schools cover these aspects of tai chi practice simultaneously, while many modern schools focus on a single aspect, depending on their goal in practising the art. These subjects are:

* Health: An unhealthy or otherwise uncomfortable person may find it difficult to meditate to a state of calmness or to use tai chi as a martial art. Tai chi's health training therefore concentrates on relieving the physical effects of stress on the body and mind. For those focused on tai chi's martial application, good physical fitness is an important step towards effective ].
* Meditation: The focus and calmness cultivated by the meditative aspect of tai chi is seen as necessary in maintaining optimum health (in the sense of relieving stress and maintaining ]) and in application of the form as a ] martial art.
* Martial art: The ability to use tai chi as a form of ] in ] is said to be the most effective proof of a student's understanding of the art's principles. The study of tai chi chuan martially is the study of appropriate ] in response to outside forces; the study of yielding and blending with outside force rather than attempting to meet it with opposing force.

== History and styles ==
{{see also|Chinese martial arts#History of Chinese Martial Arts|l1=History of Chinese Martial Arts}}

] being demonstrated at a tournament in ], ]]]

There are five major styles of tai chi chuan, each named after the Chinese family from which it originated:
*] (陳氏)
*] (楊氏)
*] (武氏)
*] (吳氏)
*] (孫氏)

The order of verifiable age is as listed above. The order of popularity (in terms of number of practitioners) is Yang, Wu, Chen, Sun, and Wu/Hao.<ref name=Wile2007>{{cite journal|last=Wile|first=Douglas|title=Taijiquan and Taoism from Religion to Martial Art and Martial Art to Religion|journal=Journal of Asian Martial Arts|volume=16|issue=4|publisher= Via Media Publishing |date=2007|issn=1057-8358}}</ref> The first five major family styles share much underlying theory, but differ in their approaches to training.

There are now dozens of new styles, hybrid styles and offshoots of the main styles, but the five family schools are the groups recognised by the international community as being orthodox. ], a close cousin of Chen style, has been newly recognised by Western practitioners as a distinct style. The designation ''internal'' or ''nei chia'' martial arts is also used to broadly distinguish what are known as the ''external'' or ''wai chia'' styles based on the '']'' styles, although that distinction is sometimes disputed by modern schools. In this broad sense, ''all'' styles of tai chi (as well as related arts such as ] and ]) are therefore considered to be "soft" or "internal" martial arts. Many styles list in their history that tai chi was originally formulated by a Taoist monk called ] and taught by him in the Taoist monasteries at ].<ref>{{harvnb|Wile|1995}}</ref>

] style practitioner performs the movement "Snake Creeps Down"]]

When tracing tai chi chuan's formative influences to ] and ] monasteries, there seems little more to go on than legendary tales from a modern historical perspective, but tai chi chuan's practical connection to and dependence upon the theories of ] ] (a conscious synthesis of Taoist, Buddhist and ] traditions, especially the teachings of ]) is claimed by some traditional schools.<ref name=Wile2007>{{cite journal|last=Wile|first=Douglas|title=Taijiquan and Taoism from Religion to Martial Art and Martial Art to Religion|journal=Journal of Asian Martial Arts |volume=16|issue=4|publisher= Via Media Publishing |date=2007|issn=1057-8358}}</ref> The philosophical and political landscape of that time in Chinese history is fairly well documented. Tai chi's theories and practice are therefore believed by these schools to have been formulated by the Taoist monk Zhang Sanfeng in the 12th century, at about the same time that the principles of the Neo-Confucian school were making themselves felt in Chinese intellectual life.<ref name=Wile2007>{{cite journal|last=Wile|first=Douglas|title=Taijiquan and Taoism from Religion to Martial Art and Martial Art to Religion|journal=Journal of Asian Martial Arts |volume=16|issue=4|publisher= Via Media Publishing |date=2007|issn=1057-8358}}</ref> In these legends, Zhang Sanfeng as a young man studied ] (導引, ] dǎoyǐn) breathing exercises from his Taoist teachers<ref>{{cite journal|last=Lao|first=Cen|title=The Evolution of T'ai Chi Ch'uan|journal=T’AI CHI The International Magazine of T’ai Chi Ch’uan|volume=21|issue=2|publisher=Wayfarer Publications|date=April 1997|issn=0730-1049}}</ref> and martial arts at the Buddhist Shaolin monastery,<ref>{{harvnb|Eberhard|1986}}</ref> eventually combining the martial forms and breathing exercises to formulate the soft or internal principles we associate with tai chi chuan and related martial arts. Zhang Sanfeng is also sometimes attributed with the creation of the original ]. These 13 movements are in all forms of tai chi chuan. Its subsequent fame attributed to his teaching, Wu Tang monastery was known thereafter as an important martial center for many centuries, its many styles of internal ] preserved and refined at various Taoist temples.

{{clear}}

===Family trees===
These family trees are not comprehensive. Names denoted by an asterisk are legendary or semi-] figures in the lineage; while their involvement in the lineage is accepted by most of the major schools, it is not independently verifiable from known historical records. The Cheng Man-ch'ing and Chinese Sports Commission short forms are derived from Yang family forms, but neither are recognized as Yang family tai chi chuan by standard-bearing Yang family teachers. The Chen, Yang and Wu families are now promoting their own shortened demonstration forms for competitive purposes.

====Legendary figures====

<center>
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | ZS | ZS=]*<br />c. 12th century<br />]}}
{{familytree | |!| | }}
{{familytree | WZ | WZ=Wang Zongyue*}}
{{familytree/end}}
</center>

====Five major classical family styles====

<center>
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | CW | CW=Chen Wangting<br />1600–1680<br />9th generation Chen<br />])}}
{{familytree | |!| }}
{{familytree | |)|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|.| | }}
{{familytree | CC | | | | | | | | | | CY | CC=]<br />1771–1853<br />14th generation Chen<br />Chen Old Frame | CY=]<br />c. 1800s<br />14th generation Chen<br />Chen New Frame}}
{{familytree | |!| | | | | | | | | | | |!| | }}
{{familytree | YL | | | | | | | | | | CQ | YL=]<br />1799–1872<br />] | CQ=]<br />1795–1868<br />Chen Small Frame, ]}}
{{familytree | |)|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|(| | }}
{{familytree | YP | | YC | | | | | | WY | YP=]<br />1837–1892<br />Yang Small Frame | YC=]<br />1839–1917 | WY=]<br />1812–1880<br />]}}
{{familytree | |!| | | |)|-|-|-|.| | | |!| | }}
{{familytree | WC | | YS | | YC | | LI | WC=]<br />1834–1902 | YS=]<br />1862–1930<br />Yang Small Frame | YC=]<br />1883–1936<br />] | LI=Li I-yü<br />1832–1892}}
{{familytree | |!| | | | | | | |!| | | |!| | }}
{{familytree | WC | | | | | | YS | | HW | WC=]<br />1870–1942<br />]<br />] | YS=]<br />1910–85 | HW=]<br />1849–1920 }}
{{familytree | |!| | | | | | | | | | | |!| | }}
{{familytree | WK | | | | | | | | | | SL | WK=]<br />1900–1970 | SL=]<br />1861–1932<br />] }}
{{familytree | |!| | | | | | | | | | | |!| | }}
{{familytree | WT | | | | | | | | | | SH | WT=]<br />1923–1972 | SH=Sun Hsing-i<br />1891–1929 }}
{{familytree/end}}
</center>
====Modern forms====

<center>
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | YC | YC=Yang Ch`eng-fu }}
{{familytree | |)|-|-|-|.| | }}
{{familytree | CM | | CS | CM=]<br />1901–1975<br />Short (37) Form | CS=Chinese Sports Commission<br />1956<br />Beijing ] }}
{{familytree | | | | | |:| | }}
{{familytree | | | | | CF | CF=1989<br />]<br />(] competition form combined from Sun, Wu, Chen, and Yang styles)}}
{{familytree/end}}
</center>

== Training and techniques ==
] utilizing one of the many possible applications of the ] technique.]]

As the name "tai chi chuan" is held to be derived from the Taiji symbol (''taijitu'' or ''t'ai chi t'u'', 太極圖), commonly known in the West as the "]" diagram, tai chi chuan is therefore said in literature preserved in its oldest schools to be a study of ''yin'' (receptive) and ''yang'' (active) principles, using terminology found in the ], especially the ] and the ].<ref name=Wile2007>{{cite journal|last=Wile|first=Douglas|title=Taijiquan and Taoism from Religion to Martial Art and Martial Art to Religion|journal=Journal of Asian Martial Arts|volume=16|issue=4|publisher= Via Media Publishing |date=2007|issn=1057-8358}}</ref>

The core training involves two primary features: the first being the ] (''ch'üan'' or ''quán'', 拳), a slow sequence of movements which emphasize a straight spine, ] and a natural range of motion; the second being different styles of ] (''tui shou'', 推手) for training movement principles of the form in a more practical way.

The solo form should take the students through a complete, natural range of motion over their center of gravity. Accurate, repeated practice of the solo routine is said to retrain posture, encourage circulation throughout the students' bodies, maintain flexibility through their joints and further familiarize students with the martial application sequences implied by the forms. The major traditional styles of tai chi have forms which differ somewhat cosmetically, but there are also many obvious similarities which point to their common origin. The solo forms, empty-hand and ], are catalogs of movements that are practiced individually in pushing hands and martial application scenarios to prepare students for self-defense training. In most traditional schools, different variations of the solo forms can be practiced: fast–slow, small circle–large circle, square–round (which are different expressions of leverage through the joints), low sitting/high sitting (the degree to which weight-bearing knees are kept bent throughout the form), for example.

The philosophy of the style is that if one uses hardness to resist violent force, then both sides are certain to be injured at least to some degree. Such injury, according to tai chi theory, is a natural consequence of meeting brute force with brute force. Instead, students are taught not to directly fight or resist an incoming force, but to meet it in softness and follow its motion while remaining in physical contact until the incoming force of attack exhausts itself or can be safely redirected, meeting yang with yin. Done correctly, this yin/yang or yang/yin balance in combat, or in a broader philosophical sense, is a primary goal of tai chi chuan training. ] provided the ] for this in the ] when he wrote, "The soft and the pliable will defeat the hard and strong."

Tai chi's martial aspect relies on sensitivity to the opponent's movements and center of gravity dictating appropriate responses. Effectively affecting or "capturing" the opponent's center of gravity immediately upon contact is trained as the primary goal of the martial tai chi student.<ref>{{harvnb|Wu|2006}}</ref> The sensitivity needed to capture the center is acquired over thousands of hours of first ''yin'' (slow, repetitive, meditative, low impact) and then later adding ''yang'' ("realistic," active, fast, high impact) martial training; forms, pushing hands and sparring. Tai chi trains in three basic ranges, close, medium and long, and then everything in between. Pushes and open hand strikes are more common than punches, and kicks are usually to the legs and lower torso, never higher than the hip depending on style. The fingers, fists, palms, sides of the hands, wrists, forearms, elbows, shoulders, back, hips, knees and feet are commonly used to strike, with strikes to the eyes, throat, heart, groin and other acupressure points trained by advanced students. Joint traps, locks and breaks (]) are also used. Most tai chi teachers expect their students to thoroughly learn defensive or neutralizing skills first, and a student will have to demonstrate proficiency with them before offensive skills will be extensively trained. There is also an emphasis in the traditional schools that one is expected to show ] (武德), martial virtue or heroism, to protect the defenseless and show mercy to one's opponents.<ref>{{harvnb|Wile|1995}}</ref>

In addition to the physical form, martial tai chi chuan schools also focus on how the energy of a strike effects the other person. Palm strikes that physically look the same may be performed in such a way that it has a completely different effect on the target's body. A palm strike could simply push the person forward, be focused in such a way as lift them vertically off the ground breaking their center of gravity, or terminate the force of the strike within the other person's body with the intent of causing internal damage.

Other training exercises include:
*Weapons training and ] applications employing the straight '']'' known as the ''jian'' or ''chien'' or ''gim'' (] 劍), a heavier curved ''sabre'', sometimes called a ''broadsword'' or ''tao'' (] 刀, which is actually considered a big '']''), folding '']'' also called ''san'', wooden staff (2 m) known as '']'' (棍), 7 foot (2 m) '']'' and 13 foot (4 m) '']'' (both called qiāng 槍). More exotic weapons still used by some traditional styles are the large '']'' or ''Ta Tao'' (大刀) and '']'' or ''P'u Tao'' (撲刀) sabres, '']'' (jǐ 戟), ''cane'', ''rope-dart'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'' and ''steel whip''.
*Two-person tournament sparring (as part of push hands competitions and/or '']'' 散手);
*Breathing exercises; '']'' (內功 nèigōng) or, more commonly, '']'' (氣功 qìgōng) to develop ] (氣 qì) or "breath energy" in coordination with physical movement and ] or combinations of the two. These were formerly taught only to disciples as a separate, complementary training system. In the last 50 years they have become better known to the general public.

==Modern tai chi==
]'s ].]]

Tai chi classes have become popular in hospitals, clinics, community and senior centers in the last twenty years or so, as ] age and the art's reputation as a low stress training for seniors became more well-known.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Yip|first=Y. L.|title=Pivot – Qi|journal=The Journal of Traditional Eastern Health and Fitness|volume=12|issue=3|publisher= Insight Graphics Publishers |date=Autumn 2002|issn=1056-4004}}</ref><ref name="sgma">{{cite web|url=http://www.sgma.com/associations/5119/files/topline07.pdf|title=SGMA 2007 Sports & Fitness Participation Report From the USA Sports Participation Study|publisher=SGMA|accessdate=2007-08-18|page=2}}</ref> As a result of this popularity, there has been some divergence between those who say they practice tai chi primarily for self-defense, those who practice it for its ] appeal (see ] below), and those who are more interested in its benefits to physical and mental health. The wushu aspect is primarily for show; the forms taught for those purposes are designed to earn points in competition and are mostly unconcerned with either health maintenance or martial ability. More traditional stylists believe the two aspects of health and martial arts are equally necessary: the ''yin'' and ''yang'' of tai chi chuan. The tai chi "family" schools therefore still present their teachings in a martial art context, whatever the intention of their students in studying the art.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Woolidge|first=Doug|title=T’AI CHI |journal=The International Magazine of T’ai Chi Ch’uan|volume=21|issue=3|publisher=Wayfarer Publications|date=June 1997|issn=0730-1049}}</ref>

Along with ], tai chi is one of the fastest growing fitness and health maintenance activities in the United States.<ref name="sgma" />

=== Tai chi as sport ===
] event at the ]]]

In order to standardize tai chi chuan for ] tournament judging, and because many of the family tai chi chuan teachers had either moved out of China or had been forced to stop teaching after the ] in 1949, the government sponsored the Chinese Sports Committee, who brought together four of their wushu teachers to truncate the Yang family hand form to ] in 1956. They wanted to retain the look of tai chi chuan but create a routine that was less difficult to teach and much less difficult to learn than longer (generally 88 to 108 posture), classical, solo hand forms. In 1976, they developed a slightly longer form also for the purposes of demonstration that still didn't involve the complete memory, balance and coordination requirements of the traditional forms. This was the ''Combined 48 Forms'' that were created by three wushu coaches, headed by Professor Men Hui Feng. The combined forms were created based on simplifying and combining some features of the classical forms from four of the original styles; Chen, Yang, Wu, and Sun. As tai chi again became popular on the mainland, more competitive forms were developed to be completed within a six-minute time limit. In the late-1980s, the Chinese Sports Committee standardized many different competition forms. They developed sets to represent the four major styles as well as combined forms. These five sets of forms were created by different teams, and later approved by a committee of wushu coaches in China. All sets of forms thus created were named after their style, e.g., the Chen Style National Competition Form is the ''56 Forms'', and so on. The combined forms are ''The 42 Form'' or simply the ''Competition Form''. Another modern form is the ], created in the 1950s, it contains characteristics of the Yang, Wu, Sun, Chen and Fu styles blended into a combined form. The wushu coach, ] is a notable exponent of the 67 Combined.

These modern versions of tai chi chuan (sometimes listed using the ] ] ''Tai ji quan'') have since become an integral part of international wushu tournament competition, and have been featured in several popular ] starring or ] by well known wushu competitors, such as ] and ].

In the 11th ] of 1990, wushu was included as an item for competition for the first time with the 42 Form being chosen to represent tai chi. The ] (IWUF) applied for wushu to be part of the ], but will not count medals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.olympic.cn/08beijing/bocog/2006-10-17/945504.html|title=Wushu likely to be a "specially-set" sport at Olympics|date=2006|publisher=Chinese Olympic Committee|accessdate=2007-04-13}}</ref>

==Health benefits==
]

Before tai chi's introduction to Western students, the health benefits of tai chi chuan were largely explained through the lens of ], which is based on a view of the body and healing mechanisms not always studied or supported by modern science. Today, some prominent tai chi teachers have advocated subjecting tai chi to ] to gain acceptance in the West.<ref name="Wang"/> Researchers have found that long-term tai chi practice shows some favorable but statistically insignificant effects on the promotion of balance control, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness and reduced the risk of falls in elderly patients.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Wolf|first=SL|coauthors=Sattin RW & Kutner M|title=Intense tai chi exercise training and fall occurrences in older, transitionally frail adults: a randomized, controlled trial|url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=14687346|journal=Journal of the American Geriatric Society|date=2003|volume=51|issue=12|pages=1693–701|accessdate=2007-04-13|doi=10.1046/j.1532-5415.2003.51552.x}}</ref> The studies also show some reduced pain, stress and anxiety in healthy subjects. Other studies have indicated improved ] and ] function in healthy subjects as well as those who had undergone coronary artery bypass surgery. Patients that suffer from heart failure, high blood pressure, heart attacks, ], ], ], and ] may also benefit from tai chi. Tai chi, along with ], has reduced levels of ]s 20–26 milligrams when practised for 12–14 weeks.<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-07-14|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/21/health/21brod.html?adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1190862080-FWYKVQhkU70Kz/P+y3V9pw|title=Cutting Cholesterol, an Uphill Battle |work=The New York Times|date=2007-08-21|author=Brody, Jane E.}}</ref> However, a thorough review of most of these studies showed limitations or biases that made it difficult to draw firm conclusions on the benefits of tai chi.<ref name="Wang">{{cite journal|last=Wang|first=C|coauthors=Collet JP & Lau J|title=The effect of Tai Chi on health outcomes in patients with chronic conditions: a systematic review|url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15006825|journal=Archives of Internal Medicine|date=2004|volume=164|issue=5|pages=493–501|accessdate=2007-04-13|doi=10.1001/archinte.164.5.493|pmid=15006825}}</ref> There have also been indications that tai chi might have some effect on ] and ] production with an effect on mood and heart rate. However, as with many of these studies, the effect may be no different than those derived from other types of physical exercise.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Changes in Heart Rate, Noradrenaline, Cortisol and Mood During Tai Chi|last=Jin|first=P|date=1989|journal=Journal of Psychosomatic Research|volume=33|issue=2|pages=197–206|url=http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T8V-46042FC-63&_user=10&_coverDate=12%2F31%2F1989&_rdoc=9&_fmt=summary&_orig=browse&_srch=doc-info(%23toc%235096%231989%23999669997%23320242%23FLP%23display%23Volume)&_cdi=5096&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_ct=21&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=62495c42abfefc92d2e998a153f93ff6|accessdate=2007-04-13|doi=10.1016/0022-3999(89)90047-0}}</ref>

In one study, tai chi has also been shown to reduce the symptoms of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (]) in 13 adolescents. The improvement in symptoms seem to persist after the tai chi sessions were terminated.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Hernandez-Reif|first=M|coauthors=Field, TM & Thimas, E|date=2001|title=Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: benefits from Tai Chi|url=http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6WHF-45BCC1C-15&_user=10&_coverDate=04%2F30%2F2001&_rdoc=7&_fmt=summary&_orig=browse&_srch=doc-info(%23toc%236849%232001%23999949997%23289835%23FLP%23display%23Volume)&_cdi=6849&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=f&_ct=10&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=4548a46f902e7d61309ba794e3a8857b|journal=Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies|volume=5|issue=2|pages=120–123|accessdate=2007-04-13|doi=10.1054/jbmt.2000.0219}}</ref> Tai chi's gentle, low impact movements burn more calories than surfing and nearly as many as downhill skiing.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nutristrategy.com/activitylist3.htm|publisher=NutriStrategy|title=Calories burned during exercise|accessdate=2007-04-13}}</ref> In addition, a pilot study, which has not been published in a peer-reviewed medical journal, has found preliminary evidence that tai chi and related ] may reduce the severity of ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Pennington|first=LD|date=2006|title=Tai chi: an effective alternative exercise|url=http://www.diabeteshealth.com/read/2006/07/01/4788.html|publisher=DiabetesHealth|accessdate=2007-04-13}}</ref>

A recent study evaluated the effects of two types of behavioral intervention, tai chi and health education, on healthy adults, who after 16 weeks of the intervention, were vaccinated with VARIVAX, a live attenuated Oka/Merck ] virus vaccine. The tai chi group showed higher and more significant levels of cell-mediated immunity to varicella zoster virus than the control group which received only health education. It appears that tai chi augments resting levels of varicella zoster virus-specific cell-mediated immunity and boosts the efficacy of the varicella vaccine. Tai chi alone does not lessen the effects or probability of a ] attack, but it does improve the effects of the varicella zoster virus vaccine.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Irwin|first=MR|coauthors=Olmstead, R & Oxman, MN|title=Augmenting Immune Responses to Varicella Zoster Virus in Older Adults: A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Tai Chi|date=2007|journal=Journal of the American Geriatrics Society|volume=55|issue=4|pages=511–517|url=http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1532-5415.2007.01109.x|doi=10.1111/j.1532-5415.2007.01109.x|accessdate=2007-04-08}}</ref>

Now that the majority of health studies have displayed a tangible benefit to the practice of tai chi, some health professionals have called for more in-depth studies to determine mitigating factors such as the most beneficial style, suggested duration of practice to show the best results, and whether tai chi is as effective as other forms of exercise.<ref name="Wang"/>

== Tai chi chuan in fiction ==
Tai chi and ] in general play a large role in many ] novels, films, and television series; among which are ] '']'' starring ], and the popular '']''. Maybe the film that covers best Tai chi chuan is '']'', directed by ]. It is also used as the basis for fictional "]" in '']''. Internal concepts may even be the subject of parody, such as in '']'' and '']''. Fictional portrayals often refer to ] and the ] monasteries on ].

==See also==
* ]
* ]
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* ]
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==Notes==

{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==References==
* {{cite book|last=Eberhard|first=Wolfram|title=A Dictionary of Chinese Symbols: Hidden Symbols in Chinese Life and Thought|publisher=Routledge & Kegan Paul, London|date=1986|isbn=0415002281|ref=CITEREFEberhard1986}}
* {{cite book |last=Fu |first=Zhongwen |translator=Louis Swaine |title=Mastering Yang Style Taijiquan |date=] |publisher=Blue Snake Books |location=Berkeley, California |isbn=1583941525|ref=CITEREFFu2006}}
* {{cite book|last=Wile|first=Douglas|title=Tai Chi Touchstones: Yang Family Secret Transmissions|publisher=Sweet Ch'i Press|date=1983|isbn=978-0912059013|ref=CITEREFWile1983}}
* {{cite book|last=Wile|first=Douglas|title=Lost T'ai-chi Classics from the Late Ch'ing Dynasty (Chinese Philosophy and Culture)|publisher=State University of New York Press|date=1995|isbn=978-0791426548|ref=CITEREFWile1995}}
* {{cite book|last=Wu|first=Kung-tsao|title=Wu Family T'ai Chi Ch'uan (吳家太極拳)|publisher=Chien-ch’uan T’ai-chi Ch’uan Association|date=2006|isbn=0-9780499-0-X|ref=CITEREFWu2006 }}

==Further reading==
*{{cite web|url=http://www.worldtaichiday.org/WTCQDHlthBenft.html|title=Medical Research on T'ai Chi & Qigong (Chi Kung)|accessdate=2007-04-13|publisher=World Tai Chi Day}}
*{{cite journal|url=http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/archives2003/nov/11taichi.html|title=Tai Chi Boosts Immunity, Improves Physical Health in Seniors|journal=Acupuncture Today|date=2003|volume=04|issue=11|accessdate=2007-04-13}}
*{{cite journal|url=http://ww2.arthritis.org/resources/arthritistoday/2000_archives/2000_07_08_taichi.asp|title=Tai Chi: With slow movements as fluid as silk, the gentle Chinese practice of Tai Chi seems tailor-made for easing sore joints and muscles.|journal=Arthritis Today|accessdate=2007-07-09}}
*{{cite web|url=http://www.worldtaichiday.org/HeadlineNews.html|title=World T'ai Chi & Qigong Day's Headline News|accessdate=2007-04-13|publisher=World Tai Chi Day}}

== External links ==
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{{Commons}}
{{wikiquote}}
* at ''The New York Times''
*
* at Scheele
* at BBC

;Videos of the major family styles
<!-- Misplaced Pages isn't a link farm. A link should be here if it is of a deceased representative of one of the styles, not simply to promote business, or just a popularity contest, for only the well known styles.-->
* at YouTube
*
* at Google Video
*
*

{{Wushu (sport)}}
{{Martial arts}}
{{manav by country}}

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Revision as of 22:13, 19 July 2008

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