T

t’ai ch’i (t’ai ch’i chuan) A combination of med-
itation and martial art, which originated in ancient
China. The discipline is named in the Chinese
words for “Supreme Ultimate Force” and based on
first learning to feel and then to direct an energy
known as chi(or qi). It is said that “where mind
goes, ch’ifollows.” The t’ai ch’i theories are gener-
ally taught after one has mastered the external,
dancelike moves. The practical exercises follow
Taoism, a reflective, mystical Chinese philosophy
first associated with the scholar and mystic Lao Tzu
(Laozi), an older contemporary of Confucius. Lao
Tzu wrote and taught in the province of Hunan in
the sixth century B.C.and authored the seminal
work of Taoism, the Tao Te Ching.
Although Taoism has many elements, the major
concept is that the world is steeped in beauty and
should be viewed and treated with great reverence.
T’ai ch’i also has, particularly among Eastern prac-
titioners, a long connection with the I Ching, a Chi-
nese system of divination. There are associations of
the eight basic I Chingtrigrams and the five ele-
ments of Chinese alchemy (metal, wood, fire,
water, and earth) with the 13 basic postures of t’ai
ch’i created by Chang San-feng. There are also
other associations with the full 64 trigrams of the I
Ching and other movements in the t’ai chi form.
The notion of “supreme ultimate” is often associ-
ated with the Chinese concept of yin-yang—the
dynamic duality (male/female, active/passive,
dark/light, forceful/yielding, etc.) in all things.
Force (or, more literally, fist) can be thought of
here as the means or way of achieving this yin-
yang, or “supreme-ultimate” discipline.
Dating to the third century A.D., t’ai ch’i chuan
consists of two schools, Wu and Yang. Depending
on the school, the number of exercises varies from

24 to more than 100. Movements are performed

slowly, softly, and gracefully with smooth, even

transitions between them. Many practitioners say

practicing t’ai ch’i offers improved posture, align-

ment, and/or movement patterns, all of which,

when impaired, can contribute to tension or injury.

(See http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Philosophy/Taichi/what.

html; and http://www.taichinetwork.org.)

See also FENG SHUI; QI; YIN-YANG.

tea, herbal Beverage made from various herbs,

such as chamomile tea to induce relaxation and

calm an upset stomach.

See also INFUSION.

Thai massage Dating back to ancient times and

originating in northern India, a combination of

yoga, meditation, acupressure, exercise move-

ment, and reflexology. Thai massage is worked on

a floor with the client dressed in comfortable loose

clothing. It is performed in gentle, rhythmic

movements designed to energize and balance the

body. Similar to acupressure and shiatsu, it has

been nicknamed “yoga for the lazy.” This method

focuses on the major meridians, also called energy

lines or Nadis, which run throughout the body. It

aims to harmonize the body, to loosen blocks, and

to recoup deficiencies along the energy lines. In

contrast to traditional Chinese medicine, which

uses acupuncture to manipulate the pressure

points, Thai massage stimulates these points with

healing touch and allows life energy, or prana, to

circulate. It can prevent illness by dissolving

blocks before they are manifested psychologically

or physically. Injured athletes may recover and

experience increased flexibility. More information

is available at http://www.ancientmassage.com.

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