The Chi Clinic

29/12/2025

We hope you are enjoying this time between Xmas & New Year……we are preparing for the New Year & classes starting the week beginning 5th Jan.

13/12/2025

We’ve been discussing mind-body connection in our classes recently….. ☯️

TAIJIQUAN’S MIND-BODY CONNECTION

One of the often-cited benefits of Taijiquan is that it builds a strong mind-body connection. That’s true, but how does it happen? I don’t think we have to resort to mystical thinking to explain it. Neither do I think it takes decades to establish. Rather, I think it happens every time we practice and that it proceeds in many small and ordinary ways. It doesn’t take some lofty “mastery.” It works for everyone, as long as they practice.

The most basic idea is that we have to direct our body to move. While that’s happening, we have to monitor our actions. We have to relax, move slowly, keep our balance, and maintain an upright posture. As we check ourselves moment-by-moment, a feedback loop is created. That is the very mind-body connection that so interests us.

Some teachers believe that breathing during Taijiquan will come naturally. I think there are basic guidelines to bear in mind. Roughly speaking: exhale when you punch or kick, inhale when you bring your limbs back; exhale when you lower your body, inhale when you rise. Coordinating that is another layer of the mind-body connection.

There’s a lot to remember—the poetic names of the postures, whether in Chinese or English; the sequence; the philosophical ideas (primarily the play of yin and yang); stories of the old masters; the need for softness and grace; Daoist theories of internal alchemy; and the fighting applications. All that gets mixed in too, again strengthening the mind-body connection.

Finally, Taijiquan has immediate effects: one feels calmer, healthier, and invigorated. That surely improves body and mind together.

Taijiquan offers tremendous health benefits and psychological balance to everyone who practices through a mind-body connection that builds with the completion of every set.

__________

Chen Zhaokui (1928–1981)

27/11/2025

Another interesting study on the benefits of practicing Tai Chi ☯️

The ancient martial art outperformed talking therapy for people who struggled to sleep, a study found

17/11/2025

We are starting a new Tai Chi Evening Class in Banstead on 27th November 2025. If you wish to join Tony on a Thursday evening please message or email him direct ☯️

15/10/2025

Our Zoom group are getting together in person to practice in Cheam Village. We have been learning Health Qigong forms in class for a while. Anyone who practices these forms & wishes for a review & update is welcome to join us. Booking is necessary to reserve your place as numbers are limited. ☯️🙏

29/08/2025

In celebration of World Health Qigong Day we will practice a variety of HQ within our classes on Thursday 11th Sept & Friday 12th Sept at St Andrew’s Church, Cheam. If anyone would like to join us, please message me. ☯️

27/08/2025

We are celebrating World Health Qigong Day…….all welcome to join us ☯️

At The Chi Clinic we teach Tai Chi Classes & Health Qigong Classes, Workshops, Seminars & Events for Health, Relaxation & Martial Arts.

22/08/2025

After a break for the summer we shall be restarting our Monthly Zoom Daoyin Yang Sheng Gong Workshops starting on 20th September…..booking now!

21/08/2025

New Taiji Health Qigong Stick Monthly Zoom Workshops start on 6th September. If you wish to learn or develop this Health Qigong Form, we are booking now!

26/06/2025

Summer is here & our classes are ongoing throughout the warmer months where our bodies become more supple with movement, mindfulness & relaxation.
See our website for details of all classes, in person &/or Online. Weekly classes are one of the best ways to learn & develop with regular practice we attain the necessary skills to realise the health & wellbeing benefits 🙏☯️❤️