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Overview
T’ai Chi Chih is a series of 19 movements and 1 pose that together make up a meditative form of exercise to which practitioners attribute physical and spiritual health benefits. Research studies have found the practice to reduce stress and improve certain conditions.

Developed in Albuquerque, NM in 1974 by Justin Stone, T’ai Chi Chih has spread mostly through word-of-mouth in a grassroots fashion among practicing individuals. It is now taught and practiced in the US and Canada, France, Italy, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and other countries.

T’ai Chi Chih has visual similarities to T’ai Chi Ch’uan, but does not share that discipline's focus on martial arts principles. T’ai Chi Chih focuses on "circulating, developing and balancing the chi." (A fundamental concept of traditional Chinese culture, chi is believed to be part a kind of "life force" or "spiritual energy" residing in every living thing.)

Movements
Rocking Motion

Bird Flaps its Wings

Around the Platter

Around the Platter Variation

Bass Drum

Daughter on the Mountaintop

Daughter in the Valley

Carry the Ball to the Side

Push Pull

Pulling in the Energy

Pulling Taffy

Pulling Taffy - Variation #1 - Anchor

Pulling Taffy - Variation #2 - Wrist Circles

Pulling Taffy - Variation #3 - Perpetual Motion

Working the Pulley

Light at the Top of the Head / Light at the Temple

Joyous Breath

Passing Clouds

Six Healing Sounds

Ho     Hsu Hu     Hsi Szu    Chui Cosmic Consciousness Pose

Demonstration
Justin Stone introduces the principles of T'ai Chi Chih

Justin Stone gives instruction on how to move for "Bass Drum"

Research
Researchers at the Neuropsychiatric Institute at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles reported in 2003 that doing T’ai Chi Chih improved immune system functioning and helped protect elderly people from outbreaks of shingles. Irwin, Michael R., MD et al: “Effects of a Behavioral Intervention, T’ai Chi Chih, on Varicella-Zoster Virus Specific Immunity and Health Functioning in Older Adults,” Psychosomatic Medicine 2003 65: 824-830.

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse reported in 2006 that T’ai Chi Chih practitioners reported feeling a greater sense of well-being and less stress. Detert, Richard A. et al: “Reducing Stress and Enhancing the General Well-Being of Teachers Using T’ai Chi Chih Movements: A Pilot Study,” California Journal of Health Promotion 2006: 162-173.

Research published in the Journal of Gerontological Nursing in 1996 found that T’ai Chi Chih improved balance among seniors. Schaller, Kevin J.: “T’ai Chi Chih, An Exercise Option for Older Adults,” Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 1996: 22&#040;10&#041;, 12-17.