Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Taichi Light also called Body-Mind Exercise?

Taichi Light is also called Body-Mind Exercise simply because it works on both the body and the mind. With the body, the exercise helps promote the “chi” (life force) circulation and improve flexibility. With the mind, the exercise help it to relax.

Who invented Taichi Light?

The traditional Chinese Tai Chi Chuan is estimated to have been developed by monks and recluses in China over many years during the Ming and Qing dynasties, some 400 years ago, as a self-defense regime. It was later modified by early practitioners into different styles with different movement sequences. Today, Tai Chi still exists as a form of martial art, but for the most part is practiced as a health maintenance exercise. In an effort to encourage more people to enjoy this practice, the Chinese government has developed several standardized exercises, including a simplified form of a combination Tai Chi and Qigong called Tai Chi Qigong in 18 movements.

Taichi Light was developed on the base of this simplified form for the benefit of the English speaking audience. While the various movements in traditional exercises use archaic Chinese names, in Taichi Light the names are in simple English and are geared to invoking events in Nature. Also, smooth transitions are built in between movements so that the entire exercise flows seamlessly.

Why the name is spelled sometimes Taichi and sometimes Tai Chi?

The traditional exercise is called Tai Chi, or Tai Chi Chuan, which is a phonetic translation of the Chinese name ??. Taichi Light is a registered trademark of ALC Communications.

How does Taichi Light work?

Taichi Light has three dimensions: the physical movements; the deep abdominal breathing to accompany the movements, and the mental imagery for each movement. The physical part consists of 18 movements, each repeated six times and is then flows seamlessly to the next movement. Each movement cycle is accompanied by a deep, abdominal breathing, for a total of 108 deep breathing. Each movement has an associated mental imagery designed to help the practitioner relax his/her mind and focus on the present. A half-minute of meditation before and after the exercise is recommended.

Who can practice Taichi Light?

Any able body person of any age, from a toddler to a senior, could practice and benefit from Taichi Light. People that are convalescing from physical illnesses, with the approval of their doctors, could also practice the exercise to the extent they are physically comfortable. The exercise may help them recover from their disability. Even a wheelchair-bound person could practice some parts of the exercise.

Who can benefit most from Taichi Light?

Busy executives and frequent travelers could calm their nerve and rejuvenate by doing the exercise during a brief break; senior citizens could practice the mild exercise to keep their body flexible and improve their sense of balance.

How does Taichi Light work on my body?

The mild and repetitive physical movements induce the practitioner to exercise various parts of the body, including some that are not frequently put to use. Examples are bending the knees, standing on the toes, stretching the arms and twisting the body at the waist.

How long does it take to learn Taichi Light?

That would depend on how dedicated you are to learn it. If you are committed to practice the exercise once a day by following the video and studying the description of the movements, you could become fluent within a month. But in order to be able to practice everywhere you go, with or without the video, you could memorize all the movements in two to three months.

What equipment do I need to practice Taichi Light?

There is absolutely no equipment needed to practice Taichi Light; that’s what makes it so convenient. Once you have memorized the entire procedure, you could do it anywhere, anytime you have 15 minutes and want to relax.

How often do I have to practice Taichi Light?

Generally, once a day, in the morning or in the evening, is sufficient. But you could also practice twice a day or at anytime you feel stressed.

How is Taichi Light different from traditional Tai Chi and Qigong practice?

Taichi Light takes some of the key movements of the traditional Tai Chi practice and simplifies them so that they are less physically strenuous. Then, while the traditional exercises include a series of up to 108 movements that are done in specific sequences, Taichi Light include only 18 movements, each one to be repeated six times. As a result, it is much easier to memorize.

How many Taichi Light practitioners are there?

Since Taichi Light is a fairly new form of the Tai Chi exercise, there are not a lot of practitioners in the U.S. But in China, there are quite a lot of practitioners for the “Tai Chi Qigong in 18 movements,” which is quite similar to Taichi Light.

Where can I attend a class on Taichi Light?

Currently, there are only two places where Taichi Light classes are held: 1. At the Morristown Unitarian Fellowship, on 21 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ 07960 (973-539-8218) Every first and third Saturdays of the month at 9:30, by invitation only. Interested practitioners could email Laurie McGeorge to inquire. (dlmacg10@aol.com). 2. At the annual “Life on a Star II” week-long family retreat at the Star Island, New Hampshire. For a week, participants could practice Taichi Light exercise every morning, and attend a workshop in the afternoon. There are also many other family-oriented activities for both adults and children.

How can I help spread the word on Taichi Light?

If you have practiced Taichi Light and feel it really help you improve your health, you are welcome to help recommend this exercise to your family, friends and the public. We have a website on FB

Can Taichi Light keep me strong?

Taichi Light, just as any of the traditional Tai Chi and Qigong exercise, is not about strength or speed. They are practiced very slowly and gracefully. By guiding you to look inwards, they promote the harmony of your internal body functions and strengthen your mental stability and your power of concentration. If you do a lot of running and weight training or other physical exercise, Taichi Light could serve as a counterbalance and makes your health maintenance routine complete.

I go to the gym regularly and I run and bike, do I still need Taichi Light?

At the gym, one ordinarily spends time on the treadmill or the stationary bike and doing weights: all about improving strength and speed and physical endurance. This is good for the physical and cardio health. For a person who are dedicated to improving his/her comprehensive health, Taichi Light, or the traditional Tai Chi Qigong exercise, can actually provide complimentary benefits of the “soft” kind: calming down the nerve, improving concentration, and inducing introspection, for just 15 to 20 minutes a day.