Regular practice of Tai Chi Chuan provides the body with good exercise that results in a healthy body and an alert mind. Tai Chi Chuan can prevent illness and prolong one's lifespan as it reinforces bones and muscles and regulates blood pressure.

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Tai Chi Chuan benefits the body in two ways, firstly it provides physical exercise and secondly, it acts as a catalyst that causes certain beneficial bodily reactions.

A major part of Tai Chi Chuan is the deep, slow breathing method. The movements involved are relaxed and harmonious while all the postures are natural. This makes the breathing natural and not forced. When you exercise normally, your lungs and ribs expand only outwards upon inhalation. This puts a lot of pressure on your lungs and you will find that you tend to tire easily.

Deep breathing
Constant practice of Tai Chi Chuan relaxes the muscles of the diaphragm and teaches participants to breathe in a way that one's diaphragm will not only expand outwards, but also downwards towards the abdomen, giving the lungs more space to expand. Upon exhalation, the lungs contract inwards and upwards. The movement of the diaphragm gently "massages the liver and the intestines, stimulating digestion.

The deep breathing makes more oxygen available and this increases blood circulation and expands the blood vessels, preventing thrombosis and other heart and intestinal ailments.

Tranquil state of mind
The tranquil state of mind that is achieved through the practice of Tai Chi Chuan has a positive stimulatory effect on the central nervous system and this leads to better functioning of all the organs.

The graceful movements used in Tai Chi Chuan help one achieve the tranquillity of mind that Taoism aims for. This can make one more even-tempered and is great for anger management. The philosophy behind Tai Chi Chuan is to focus on the use of brain over brawn, in other words, thought should govern actions in not only Tai Chi, but life.
 

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