Introduction of Taichi太极概述

Anitwang

Tai chi, which originated in China as a martial art, is a mind-body practice in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Tai chi is sometimes referred to as "moving meditation"—practitioners move their bodies slowly, gently, and with awareness, while breathing deeply.
Please refer to http://nccam.nih.gov/health/taichi/#intro
太极，起源于中国武术，是辅助性医疗中内外兼修的功法。太极有时也被叫做运动着的冥想。练习者在深呼吸的同时，有意识地轻柔活动肢体。

Anitwang

Many people practice tai chi to improve their health and well-being.
Scientific research is under way to learn more about how tai chi may work, its possible effects on health, and chronic diseases and conditions for which it may be helpful.

Please refer to http://nccam.nih.gov/health/taichi/#key
许多人练习太极来强身健体。
科学正在研究更多关于太极是怎么起到改善健康状况和慢性疾病及症状的。

Anitwang

Tai chi developed in ancient China. It started as a martial art and a means of self-defense. Over time, people began to use it for health purposes as well.
Accounts of the history of tai chi vary. A popular legend credits its origins to Chang San-Feng, a Taoist monk, who developed a set of 13 exercises that imitate the movements of animals. He also emphasized meditation and the concept of internal force (in contrast to the external force emphasized in other martial arts, such as kung fu and tae kwon do).
The term "tai chi" (shortened from "tai chi chuan") has been translated in various ways, such as "internal martial art" and "supreme ultimate fist." It is sometimes called "taiji" or "taijiquan."
Tai chi incorporates the Chinese concepts of yin and yang (opposing forces within the body) and qi (a vital energy or life force). Practicing tai chi is said to support a healthy balance of yin and yang, thereby aiding the flow of qi.
People practice tai chi by themselves or in groups. In the Chinese community, people commonly practice tai chi in nearby parks—often in early morning before going to work. There are many different styles, but all involve slow, relaxed, graceful movements, each flowing into the next. The body is in constant motion, and posture is important. The names of some of the movements evoke nature (e.g., "Embrace Tiger, Return to Mountain"). Individuals practicing tai chi must also concentrate, putting aside distracting thoughts; and they must breathe in a deep and relaxed, but focused manner.
Please refer to http://nccam.nih.gov/health/taichi/#overview
太极产生于古代中国。最早是一种武术和防身方法。后来，人们也开始用它来健身。
太极的历史说法不一。比较流行的传奇说法是起源于张三丰，一个道士，他模仿动物的动作发明了十三式，也就是原式太极拳，又名长拳。他还强调了冥想和内功的概念。（与此相反的是其他武术里的强调的外功，例如：功夫和跆拳道）
太极是太极拳的简称，译法也不尽相同，比如 internal martial art, supreme ultimate fist, 有时直接称作taiji 或 taijiquan.
中国人的概念是太极由阴阳和气组成，而阴阳是体内两种对立的力量，气则是关键的能量或者生命的力量。据说打太极保持体内的阴阳平衡，因此帮助气的流通。
人们打太极有的自己打，也有的群打。在中国，人们普遍在附近的公园里打太极-经常在上班之前的清晨。他们打的类型也不一样，但是都以慢，放松，行云流水一般。身体运动连贯，身形也很重要。一些招式唤起自然，例如抱虎归山。个人打太极必须集中精神，排除杂念，深呼吸，放松，但是要讲究方法。

Anitwang

A 2007 survey by the National Center for Health Statistics and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) on Americans' use of CAM found that 1 percent of the more than 23,300 adults surveyed had used tai chi in the past 12 months. Adjusted to nationally representative numbers, this means more than 2.3 million adults.
People practice tai chi for various health-related purposes, such as:
For benefits associated with low-impact, weight-bearing, aerobic exercise
To improve physical condition, muscle strength, coordination, and flexibility
To improve balance and decrease the risk of falls, especially in elderly people
To ease pain and stiffness—for example, from osteoarthritis
To improve sleep
For overall wellness.
Please refer to http://nccam.nih.gov/health/taichi/#use
2007年国家健康统计中心和国家辅助医疗机构对美国的辅助医疗调查发现，在过去12个月内，23，300成人中有百分之一利用太极保持健康。按照这个比例，就是说全国超过2，300，000的成人都在练习太极
人们练习太极为了不同与健康有关的目的，比如：
降低不良影响，负载体重，有氧健身。
增强体质，肌肉力量，身体的协调性和灵活性。
保持身体平衡，以防摔倒，尤其是老年人。
减少骨关节炎引起的疼痛和僵硬，
提高睡眠质量
全面健康。

Anitwang

Scientific research on the health benefits of tai chi is ongoing. Several studies have focused on the elderly, including tai chi's potential for preventing falls and improving cardiovascular fitness and overall well-being. A 2007 NCCAM-funded study on the immune response to varicella-zoster virus (the virus that causes shingles) suggested that tai chi may enhance the immune system and improve overall well-being in older adults. Tai chi has also been studied for improving functional capacity in breast cancer patients and quality of life in people with HIV infection. Studies have also looked at tai chi's possible benefits for a variety of other conditions, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and osteoarthritis. In 2008, a review of published research, also funded by NCCAM, found that tai chi reduced participants' blood pressure in 22 (of 26) studies.

In general, studies of tai chi have been small, or they have had design limitations that may limit their conclusions. The cumulative evidence suggests that additional research is warranted and needed before tai chi can be widely recommended as an effective therapy.
Please refer to http://nccam.nih.gov/health/taichi/#status

Anitwang

Tai chi is a relatively safe practice. However, there are some cautions:

As with any exercise regimen, if you overdo practice, you may have sore muscles or sprains.
Tai chi instructors often recommend that you do not practice tai chi right after a meal, or when you are very tired, or if you have an active infection.
If you are pregnant, or if you have a hernia, joint problems, back pain, fractures, or severe osteoporosis, your health care provider may advise you to modify or avoid certain postures in tai chi.
Please refer to http://nccam.nih.gov/health/taichi/#risks