All About Chi Blog

When I was younger, I didn’t believe that tai chi could do my body any good. Unlike soccer games or track meets, I couldn’t feel my body gaining muscle or endurance during a tai chi class. It just seemed like nothing was happening. But my teacher told me to just stay with it. I’m glad I did. At some point much later,  I started to feel energy and focus by the end of the class. No, I did not undergo a magical transformation, but for a low-intensity fitness class, I came out with some surprising benefits. I learned how to increase my energy level without a lot of work. And I found a peace of mind that comes in handy in my stress filled world. I also gained a sense of balance and flexibility.

Tai chi, chi masters, chi running, chi walking, chi machines—they all have the term chi in them. But what does “chi” actually refer to? In order to use chi products and engage in chi activities, I did some research to find out what chi is all about. Chi is universal energy. Chinese philosophy suggests that every living thing possesses chi. Their belief is that chi takes shape in everything that surrounds us, both living and non-living.

The idea of chi grounds many other familiar ideas about energy, like feng shui. In China, many people refer to a living space as ‘feng shui.’ Feng shui, an ancient Chinese art and science, basically refers to methods of balancing the energies within any given space. By using the principles of feng shui the people within the space have good health and good fortune.

There is also the term Sha Chi, which literraly means negative energy. It’s mostly man made, and has to do with noise, clutter, etc.

Strong chi leads to good health. Everyone has some energy, strength, and balance. As a result of directing their chi, chi masters or chi practitioners are exceptional at directing their chi and have exceedingly good health. You can practice different physical and mental exercises that include chakra exercises. Kundalini yoga is another possibility. Chi visualization , and chi relaxation.

Chi proves stronger and more enduring than muscles. (Mind over body ring a bell?) Located just below your belly button and in toward your spine is the point at which chi resides. Your life energy comes from this central core that’s also referred to as your dantian or hara. Your dantian or hara is the ideal location for centering your chi so that you remain balanced.

Not a material you can buy, sell, or trade, chi represents an invisible force within yourself that you can use to promote your health. While my surge of energy from tai chi classes didn’t come until the term was over, there are faster ways to achieve the same results. The easiest and quickest way to experience chi is to try a chi machine. After five minutes on the machine, you’ll experience an amazing surge of energy. It feels like a tingle that goes up your legs into your body. Depending on your health and flexibility, it can go all the way up to the top of your head.