The Inner Structure of Tai Chi

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Exploring the deep internal work essential for effective tai chi practice, this book reveals the Taoist principles that originated the Yang-style forms and illustrates how tai chi circulates powerful healing energies throughout the body. Developed by Taoist adepts, tai chi serves both as a martial art and a means to cultivate the physical, energy, and spirit bodies. Its primary aim is to connect with chi, the fundamental energy of life. Until the early twentieth century, tai chi was a secretive practice, shared only within close-knit families and disciples. Despite its popularity as a martial art and health exercise today, many internal practices remain largely unknown. This work provides step-by-step illustrated instructions for mastering the 13 forms of early Yang-style tai chi, also referred to as Tai Chi Chi Kung, catering to practitioners of all levels. The authors elucidate the relationship between tai chi's inner structure and the absorption, transformation, and circulation of the three life-animating forces: the Universal force, the Cosmic force, and the Earth force. They reveal the principles and practices needed to access the full range of physical, psychological, and spiritual benefits that tai chi offers.