Dr Wen Zee, a cardiologist at the University of Hong Kong, has studied the health effects of Tai Chi since 1949. He has documented the benefits of regular practice for people with hypertension, ulcers, heart disease and other chronic disorders. According to Dr Zee, Tai Chi works by regulating the activities of the autonomic nervous system and releasing endorphins into the blood stream, thus calming the body and the mind. Tai Chi bridges the gap between the stillness of meditation or yoga and the frenzied activities of daily life and most forms of exercise. Tai Chi can be thought of as simply conscious movement.
Most people move unconsciously, developing habits that drain energy and keep the mind distracted.
Bob Klein, author of Movements of Magic, likens chi to money. If we waste it, we won't have enough left for essentials. Tai Chi shows us how we waste energy. Through it, one becomes aware of unconscious muscle holding patterns and tension. Tension pulls the body out of alignment.