In the 5000-year evolution of Chinese martial arts, it was discovered that superior speed and strength could only be achieved by total relaxation of the body. What the Chinese learned was that any stress carried in the body is really just wasted effort. Muscle stress occurs when the agitated mind internally "fights" one muscle group against another. This tension not only reduces available strength, but can also lead to many degenerative health problems.
TaiChi training focusses on identifying and eliminating internally held muscle tension. Although this change is motivated by the desire for a superior self-defense strategy, it has the side-effect of wide ranging health benefits.
When muscles are chronically held in a tensed state, they have poorer blood perfusion and less flushing of waste products. Through TaiChi techniques, many students report relief from neck, shoulder and lower back pain, plus improvement in repetitive stress complaints.