Though legends tell that some eight centuries ago, Emperor Xuanwu taught the art of taijiquan (taiji martial art) to an alchemist hermit in a dream, the available historical data seem to indicate that taijiquan was first devised in Henan province some 300 years ago, in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. In subsequent years, foreign invasions and domestic peasant uprisings stimulated the diffusion of martial arts among the people and a new form of boxing evolved. While earlier boxing styles emphasized quick movements and strong, vigorous punches, this new style followed the principles of " subduing the vigorous by the soft", " adapting oneself to the style of others" and " overcoming a force of 1,000 pounds with a force of four ounces. "

In the past century, taijiquan has undergone significant changes, with its movements becoming more relaxed and graceful. Many moves requiring explosive strength disappeared, as did excessive foot stamping. Eventually taijiquan became popular with men and women, young and old alike, and increasing attention was identified as to its therapeutic value.

There were, however, five main schools, and numerous subdivisions under each school. Although each of the five has its own special features, they share the following essentials:

• First, the posture is natural and relaxed. Motion remains even, fluid and consistent, with the muscles neither stiff nor rigid. Breathing should be deep and rhythmic. The practice of taijiquan requires a combination of vigor and gentleness-- neither inertness nor rigidity is allowed.
• Secondly, the mind should be tranquil and peaceful but alert, with consciousness commanding the body movements, in order to achieve a unity stillness in motion
• Thirdly, body movements are well coordinated throughout the entire exercise period. Though the movements are gentle and slow, each part of the body is in constant motion. While practicing taijiquan, the weight of the body is mainly borne by the waist and legs.

A characteristic feature of taijiquanis that all movements are carried out in a half squatting position. In 1956, a simplified set of tai chi exercises based on the most popular sequences of the Yang's school was issued. This series consists of 24 forms which progress logically from the easy to the more difficult, and which take five minutes to complete. "Simplified Taijiquan" has proved to be a great stimulus to the popularization of this sport both in China and abroad.

Taijiquan: A Medical Assessment
Taijiquan as one of the methods of treatment prescribed in hospitals and sanatoriums that has proven its efficacy in curing chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, neurasthenia and pulmonary tuberculosis. The healthy effects of taijiquan are closely related to its characteristic features, namely:
the exercises require a high degree of concentration, with the mind free from distractions
the movements are slow and uninterrupted.

breathing is natural, sometimes involving abdominal respiration, and is performed in rhythmic harmony with body movements.

The high degree of concentration required in taijiquan exercises also benefits the function of the central nervous system. Training the mind and the body at the same time, these exercises stimulate the cerebral cortex, causing excitation in certain regions and protective inhibition in others . This enables the cerebrum to rest and relieves the cerebral cortex of the pathological excitation caused by ailments , thus helping to cure certain nervousness and mental diseases.