Tai Chi: Benefits for Body and Mind in the Forest

An ancient martial art of Chinese origin, tai chi is practised like a choreography of slow, precise movements favouring suppleness over strength. Somewhere between gymnastics and combat sport, the characters of Tai Ji Quan translate as the ‘supreme combat’ — with an opponent or with oneself.

An active meditation

Slow, fluid, circular gestures and deep breathing make it an internal martial art close to mindfulness meditation. Unlike passive meditations, seated or lying down, tai chi is an active meditation in which performing the movements occupies the mind and keeps you fully in the present. At its foundations: breathing, posture and grounding, with every movement synchronised to the breath.

A pillar of traditional Chinese medicine

Tai chi is one of the pillars of traditional Chinese medicine: the qi, or energy, must circulate through the body to maintain good health. The practice engages muscle elasticity, joint suppleness and balance, while the breathing rhythm oxygenates the body, slows the heart and improves circulation. Thanks to its low intensity, tai chi is accessible to all ages and all bodies.

This is why Loire Valley Lodges offers sessions that can take place in the lodges or directly in the Duporterie forest, in Indre-et-Loire. By refocusing on yourself, your movements and your breath, you also become aware of your surroundings: the exercise turns into a complete, holistic experience.