Tai Chi is about balance, harmony, and happiness.
Originally developed as a martial art, T'ai Chi (pronounced "gee") is a series of fluid movements that relax and stimulate every part of the body. The continuous flowing movements of T'ai Chi are based on the principle that running water never stagnates. The gentle movements relax your muscles and joints while strengthening your body.

T'ai Chi has a close relationship with another ancient Chinese healing art, Ch'i Kung. Ch'i Kung is the practice of controlling the flow of energy (ch'i) within the body through breathing and mental intension. Approaching T'ai Chi through Ch'i Kung allows students to experience the essential nature of T'ai Chi more fully and more rapidly than by other methods.

The Basic Principle of Tai Chi: Yin Yang Balance
The yin-yang circle is a symbol of nature for the Chinese philosophers known as Taoists. Translated literally, yin means "cloudy" and yang means "sunny". Yin is cool and yang is hot. Yin is damp, yang is dry. Yin is empty, yang is full.

The state of balance between yin and yang elements is dynamic, constantly changing. In humans, maintaining balance of yin and yang is essential to health.

The movements of T'ai Chi embody the dynamic relationship between yin and yang. The legs move slowly from solid to empty, the lower and upper body are coordinated, and the internal (mind, energy, breath, and organs) is harmonized with the external (muscles, joints, bones, and skin).

Ultimately, the art of T'ai Chi is about balance, both physical and emotional.

Benefits of T'ai Chi
T'ai Chi is an enjoyable path to relaxation and health. Individuals who practiced T'ai Chi regularly, experienced the following benefits:

o Stress relief
o Greater strength, flexibility, and freedom of movement
o Better balance
o Improved posture and relief of back pain
o Better circulation
o More energy and stamina
o Smooth and regular breathing
o Improved concentration and clearer thinking
o heightened general awareness
o A younger appearance
o Greater relaxation, inner peace, and joy

A Brief History of T'ai Chi
Originating in China, Tai Chi has over 1,000 years of history. Ancient writings on which the art is based date back to around 400 BC.
Of the two main theories concerning the beginnings of T'ai Chi, one claims it was developed by a Taoist master, Chang San-Feng, who lived about 1,000 years ago on the Wu-tang mountain. The other maintains that Chen Wang-ting, the founder of the Chen T'ai Chi family, was its creator.
Traditionally, although the existence of T'ai Chi was known, its teachings were kept secret, only to bepassed directly from teacher to student. This secrecy prevailed until a student of the Chen family, Yang Lu-San, spread the art throughout China.
It was Yang's willingness to accept students from outside the traditionally closed world of T'ai Chi that led to the Yang style being the most practiced form today.

Source: Stanford Prevention Research Center