Deck 24: Tai Chi Chuan

Question 1

The Chinese view of health differs from the Western view in that the Chinese view is based:

A) on the Taoist philosophy.
B) largely on bacteria and viruses.
C) largely on a balance of yin and yang.
D) on the flow and impedance of chi.
E) both largely on a balance of yin and yang and on the flow and impedance of chi.

Answer 1

E

Question 2

Wu-wei is a term to describe:

A) an acupressure point.
B) harmony with nature.
C) a return to innocence.
D) acting without physical force.

Answer 2

D

Question 3

These are the four basic concepts of T'ai Chi.

A) Balance, harmony, integrity, and humbleness
B) Meditation, harmony with nature, Wu-wei, and winning by losing
C) Fasting of spirit, harmony with nature, Wu-wei, and winning by losing
D) Fasting the heart, Wu-wei, return to nature, and winning by losing

Answer 3

D

Question 4

Specifically, T'ai Chi and Hatha yoga proclaim this commonality as an effective relaxation technique.

A) They both deal with subtle energy.
B) They both unite body, mind, and spirit.
C) They both come from the Eastern culture.
D) They are both a form of aerobic exercise.

Question 5

The name Qigong refers to:

A) the person who developed T'ai Chi.
B) the supreme martial art.
C) a healing energy.
D) the tan tien source of power.

Question 6

This current area of research regarding the effects of T'ai Chi and health includes a focus on:

A) lupus.
B) irritable bowel syndrome.
C) Alzheimer's.
D) osteoporosis.

Question 7

The concept of chi is very similar to the concept of the pranayama in Hatha yoga.

Question 8

In T'ai Chi, one should hold his or her breath for 10 seconds through each respective position.

Question 9

Qigong is the most destructive of the martial arts whereby using energy, one can decimate his or her opponent.

Question 10

Research using Qigong has revealed significant results with hypertension, stroke, and cardiovascular efficiency.

Question 11

To date, T'ai Chi has not shown any effectiveness toward the treatment or relief of chronic pain.

Question 12

When performing T'ai Chi, it is important to perform the 50/50 stance by shifting weight from one leg to another to achieve even harmony and balance.

Question 13

"Crouching tiger" is the final position of the T'ai Chi meditation.

Question 14

Please define the following terms or concepts in no more than two sentences, and give an example to support your definition.
A. Beginning T'ai Chi position
B. Fasting the heart
C. Chi
D. Grasp the bird's tail
E. Left-hand ward-off
F. Lift hands
G. Single whip
H. Starting posture
I. Winning by losing
J. Return to nature
K. T'ai Chi ch'uan
L. Yang
M. Yin
N. Wu-wei
O. Qigong

Question 15

Explain how the philosophy of T'ai Chi is appropriate for dealing with stress.

Question 16

Which of the following provides the best explanation of Chi?

A) A harmony and balance with the vital life force of the natural world itself
B) A subtle energy that surrounds and permeates us
C) A type of preventive exercise to maintain the peaceful flow of energy throughout the body
D) A moving meditation

Question 17

The subtle philosophical concepts that are part of T'ai Chi were integrated into it in order to:

A) emphasize physical survival.
B) harmonize with aggressors.
C) teach and emphasize proficiency in mechanical skills.
D) maintain balance between agility and strength.

Question 18

All of the following are basic philosophical concepts taught in T'ai Chi, except:

A) fasting the heart.
B) Wu-wei.
C) losing by winning.
D) returning to nature.

Question 19

Qigong is:

A) a focus on self-defense.
B) a form of Chinese exercise and energy healing.
C) stillness-based meditation.
D) periods of physical movement alternating with periods of meditation.

Question 20

Which of the following is an integral part of T'ai Chi?

A) Implementation of this technique is suitable for the overt confrontation of stress.
B) This moving meditation acts to defuse emotions and disconnect us from the source of life's energy.
C) When balance is found, the physical arousal of stress is converted to force when faced with a perceived threat.
D) The benefits of this technique necessitate regular practice.

Question 21

The progression of movements in T'ai Chi should be even, not sudden or jerky.

Question 22

Breathing during T'ai Chi should be an intentional point of focus and done through the mouth.

Question 23

The movements of Qigong create a sense of balance by clearing congestion and closing meridian gates.

Question 24

In the practice of T'ai Chi, Wu-wei is described as the philosophy of all-doing, all-knowing.

Question 25

Research reveals that T'ai Chi is more effective at reducing stress than deep tissue massage.