Self-reported benefits of participating in the Lee Style Taijiquan.

A brief exploration is undertaken of the origins of the Daoist walk in the Lee Family Style Taijiquan. This walk is situated within the Chinese perspective of a subtle body, and a survey of the internal landscape of the body, its deities, and its relationship with the cosmos is identified. The phenomenon of qi is investigated in relation to the subtle body and Taijiquan. The value of Taijiquan and meditation is then examined, for these techniques have been practised to facilitate health promotion and self-defence for many years. A brief account of the Taijiquan of the Lee family system in the west is also provided. Evaluation of the growth of Taijiquan in the west and its alleged health benefits is reviewed, identifying the contrast between holistic eastern notions of health and western approaches of mind and body dualism. Analysis of a Healing Manual produced by the Lee Family System Taijiquan was undertaken to identify the focus of health intervention. This was then compared with data gathered from diaries kept by Taijiquan participants and afocus group of Taijiquan participants, in order to ascertain their reasons for attending Taijiquan classes and the benefits they felt they gained from attending, in order to identify any correlations. It was identified that the Taijiquan participants had different motivations for attending the class, some having a strong belief in energies and healing, whilst others attended purely as a leisure activity. However, whatever the reason for attending the classes it would seem that the practice of Taijiquan, the Daoist walk, and breathing exercises have an important role to play in enhancing the coping mechanisms of its participants. Giving participants enhanced mood, peacefulness, calmness, and de-stressing them. The value of Taijiquan for these participant is to provide a haven for peace and relaxation which is beneficial for spiritual and general well-being