The essential principles of Tai Chi are based on the ancient Chinese philosophy of Taoism, which stresses the natural balance in all things and the need for living in spiritual and physical accord with the patterns of nature. According to this philosophy, everything is composed of the two opposite but complementary elements of yin and yang, working in a relationship which is in perpetual balance. Tai Chi consists of exercises equally balanced between yin and yang, which is why it is so remarkably effective.

• Qi — an energy force thought to flow through the body; tai chi is said to unblock and encourage the proper flow of qi.
• Yin and yang — opposing elements thought to make up the universe that need to be kept in harmony. Tai chi is said to promote this balance.

The misconception that Tai Chi is only for seniors is something that Sifu Peggy has worked hard to dispel.

Here are but a few results discussed in many articles expounding the health benefits of Tai Chi for all age groups:

• Encourages fat loss: for those who don't want to embrace high-intensity aerobic exercise for weight loss, Tai Chi may be the best answer. Research published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine found that people who had joined instructor-led one-hour Tai Chi workouts three times a week for 12 weeks experienced noticeable weight loss.
• Helps in relieving pain:In a study published in the Journal of Holistic Nutrition, participants took part in a 12-week Tai Chi course. The study determined that Tai Chi could be used as a treatment for musculoskeletal pain and post-traumatic stress disorder. Other studies showed that people with Fibromyalgia who participated in Tai Chi had equal or greater improvement in symptoms compared to those who performed traditional aerobic exercise.
• Strengthens cardiovascular health: a recent randomized controlled trial published in the journal Heart & Lung found adults with hypertension who trained in Tai Chi for six months had significantly lower blood pressure and body mass index compared to those receiving their usual care for hypertension.
• Improves mood and mental health: exercise has long been tied to improved mental health, and Tai Chi may be the mind-body workout you needed to boost your mood and encourage a healthy mental state. A recent study published in the European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing reviewed 15 studies that used Tai Chi to improve psychological well-being. When Tai Chi was compared to control groups, researchers saw an improvement in quality of life, mental health, and physical health. Additionally, they noted less depression and psychological distress among participants.