How to Use the Tai Chi 5 Elements Form

In Tai Chi, movements are slow and methodical to create peace and inner calm. Five elements correspond with different organs in the body. When they are in balance, the whole body is in harmony. These elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Use of the Tai Chi 5 Elements Form or the "Five Fists" refers to the five different stages of combat.

Instructions

1. Begin with your feet hip width apart. As you turn towards the left, bring your right arm across your body. Face center as you bend your knees and push your arms out to the side. Your hands face out to the right and left. This is called Fire because you are exploding outward.

2. Bring your arms slowly forward in front of you as if wrapping them around a big ball. Pretend that you are bringing that ball into your body as you lean your head and upper body slightly backwards.

3. Push your arms back out and repeat Step 2 two more times. The movements flow together in a horizontal pattern like "Water."

4. Keep your knees bent and press your arms down toward the ground as if hugging a tree. Lift your arms slowly up in the air and over your head. Maintain contact with the side of the tree. Plant your feet like roots and expand your arms again to the side like branches. This is "Wood."

5. Fold your right arm in and then your left arm. Cross them over each other and down towards the ground. Lift your arms back up with your hands facing down. Crossing the line of attack is "Earth."

6. Shift your weight to the left while you bring your right arm to the left side. Shift your weight back to the right and move your right arm to the right side. Push the air back and forth like chopping with an axe. This is "Metal."

7. Drop your left arm down and bring it quickly across your body to catch up to the right arm. You are back in "Fire."

8. Do this series to simplify the moves. Advance forward for Metal. Retreat back to form Wood. Look left for Water and then right for Fire. Come back to center and you are in Earth.