It is said that Tai-Chi martial art was created by Master Zhang Sanfeng more than 800 hundred years ago. Master Zhang, a Taoist, was himself an expert Shao-Lin martial art practitioner. Later in life he retired in seclusion in Wu-Dang Mountains. One day he witnessed a fierce fight between a snake and a crane in his backyard. The cunning snake twisted and hissed, avoiding the powerful speedy attacks by the crane's beak. There was no winner in this battle. From this observation Master Zhang discovered the soft side of martial art. Later on he invented Tai-Chi martial art.

From available historical data, it appears that Tai-Chi was first devised by General ChenWanting,a garrison commander in Wen Xian County, Henan Province some 300 years ago in the late Ming and early Qing dynasty. Chen Wanting is regarded as the creator of the Chen style Tai-Chi Chuan. Later on, Yang Luchan (1799 - 1872) of Hebei Province learned the art of Tai-Chi from Chen Chang-Him (1771 - 1853), a descendant of Chen Wanting at Chen Ja-Gou and devised his own Yang style Tai-Chi of today. In 1852 Yang Luchan brought Tai-Chi Chuan with him to Beijing and thereafter it spread rapidly throughout China. Wu Jianquan (1870 - 1942) a follower of Yang Luchan's disciple later created his own Wu style Tai-Chi Chuan. By late Qing dynasty there were five major styles of Tai-Chi Chuan namely - Chen, Yang, Wu, Wo and Soon.

Shao-Lin martial art is characterised by speedy and powerful punching and jerking movements whereas Tai-Chi concentrates more on defensive, calm inner strength. Tai-Chi, Pa Kua and Hin Yi (martial arts) are commonly grouped together as soft styles of martial art.

Tai-Chi martial art consists of a set of floor exercises, pushing hand, Qi-quong (a system of Taoist breathing exercise) and weaponry skills. Its practice is quite different from other types of martial art. It is undeniable that Tai-Chi exercises can improve health. It was claimed that Tai-Chi could cure tuberculosis, arthritis, and various diseases. These statements were made without scientific proof. From physiological and mechanical points of view Tai-Chi exercises can help to improve and regulate the function of various systems in our body in the following ways:-

a) Improving the cardiovascular system.

Tai-Chi floor exercises consist of a set of slow continuous flowing movements. The body posture and balance are maintained throughout the whole set of exercises. Upper limb and lower limb movements are co-ordinated and relaxed. The movements look like flowing water in the river without stopping. There are no sudden jerking movements. This enables the heart to beat at a constant and steady rate which in turn improves the blood circulation to vital organs, encouraging cellular metabolism. The cardiac muscle also receives constant blood flow and oxygen supply, therefore improving its function. Theoretically Tai-Chi is an excellent exercise for sufferers of angina pectoris and those with atherosclerosis.

A recent study in our group at CAV showed that during Tai-Chi exercises the level of urinary catecholamine was lower than in the control group. The blood pressure of the practitioners fell slightly during exercises. Tai-Chi could help to control hypertension (high blood pressure). However, more studies are needed to elaborate on this.

b) Increasing the vital capacity and therefore lung function.

Tai-Chi flow movements are graceful, continuous, relaxed and gentle, like swimming on land. Deep-breathing exercises co-ordinate with limb movements. Diaphragmatic muscles contract and relax in conduction with abdominal muscles. The Chinese description that there is air descending to the pelvic abdomen scientifically is merely part of diaphragmatic breathing with relaxation and strengthening of lower abdominal muscles to accommodate the descending intestines. Tai-Chi adopts the Taoist breathing technique which needs special training and instruction. After prolonged practice the lung's vital capacity will increase which helps to improve lung function. After completion of the whole set of floor exercises one would perspire profusely with a warm feeling in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Yet there is no shortness of breath or puffing unlike during other martial arts. This is an excellent exercise for asthmatic and bronchitic patients.

c) Helping the digestive system.

Like swimming, one should not practise Tai-Chi shortly after meals. In Tai-Chi QiGong there is constant diaphragmatic and abdominal muscular contraction and relaxation at a slow pace. Unconsciously it encourages blood circulation to the digestive system. Tai-Chi cannot cure peptic ulcer. It certainly can help to reduce the ulcer pain. During the exercise one must physically concentrate, and the mind needs to be relaxed. This unconsciously reduces excessive gastric acid secretion (cephalic phase of vagal stimulation).

d) Improving lumbar back and central nervous system function.

The ten commandments of Yan Chen-fu (1 883 - 1936), grandson of Master Yan Luchan (1799 - 1872), the. grandmaster of our style of Tai-Chi, were regarded as Tai-Chi secrets in the past. They included: relax lumbar muscles, drop shoulders and elbows, use mind and not force, maintain correct head and neck posture, etc. All this points to the fact that the lumbar back is the power-house of Tai-Chi movements and its internal strength. A good Tai-Chi practitioner should reach the point where externally he is soft as cotton, but internally as tough as steel. In fighting he behaves like a sharp scalpel in the middle of cotton wool. You will get hurt if you underestimate him. In every Tai- Chi movement the limbs are motivated by the lumbar back which in turn is controlled by the brain. Therefore, the rule is: 'use mind, and not force'. During practice, apart from numerous fine muscular relaxations and contractions the mind and mood remain relaxed and empty. Head and neck posture are maintained. In prolonged practice it helps to strengthen the trapezium muscle of the neck and the erector spinalis muscle of the back. One feels relaxed with a happy and warm inner feeling after Tai-Chi exercise. This exercise certainly could help patients with chronic lower back and neck pain.