- Work with gravity and body structure
- Correct alignment to allow proper muscle and organ function
- Good habits replace bad by repetition

RELAXATION- In T'ai Chi Ch'uan exercise, relaxation of the body is a dynamic relaxation. It means moving the body using only those muscles, which are absolutely necessary.

- Identify and eliminate all excess tension
- Eliminate excess effort to create better body awareness
- Strength with ease comes from relaxation

BREATHING- Breathing is an automatic function over which there is limited voluntary control. In Tai Chi Ch'uan breathing is natural and includes movement in the chest, ribs and abdomen.

- Coordinate breathing with movement
- Emphasize abdominal breathing and movement of the diaphragm
- Slower, deeper breathing is the way to serenity

CIRCULATION- Complete circulation is dependent not only on the action of the heart but also on the movement. Studies have shown that Tai Chi Ch'uan exercise leads to only mildly elevated heart rate but does not lead to a larger increase in stroke volume.

- Utilize the body's largest muscles
- Alternate tension and relaxation
- Complete, efficient circulation is essential for health

YIN & YANG- According to the Chinese philosophical system called Taoism; every thing is formed by the interaction of opposites. Opposites of any kind are termed Yin Yang.