The short tai chi form takes around eight minutes to do, and should be done daily. The aim of tai chi is to cultivate and circulate the body's vital energy. The movements are natural - like a floating cloud or running stream. In tai chi the arms move in a relaxed, circular fashion. Steps in tai chi are taken very slowly, or else the feet remain firmly rooted to the ground - the weight shifting gently from one side to the other as you go.
Breathing is centred in the abdomen.