There is a smaller group of experts which thinks that the very name, i.e. expression has a different meaning. Namely, if we know the fact that T'ai Chi Ch'uan was created as a martial art and that its basic intention was self-defence by means of punches that were directed at specific places on the human body, the very term "supreme finite” can be interpreted as a sort of perfect "final” punch. It is known that such a punch can only be performed by superior martial arts masters who are very well acquainted with human anatomy and know where certain acupuncture points on the human body are placed. These points were also known to the Old Chinese under the name dim mak (点脉) and in Japan by the name kyusho (急所). These are the terms by which they called the knowledge of attacking vital points on the human body. These spots are acupressure and acupuncture points that, under a certain angle, were to be pressed or punched in order to cause unbearable pain which can paralyze or even kill an opponent.
Although various experts cannot agree about many things regarding T'ai Chi Ch'uan, they agree about one thing- the fact that the exercize itself is very beneficial to human health. Although everyone agrees with this, it becomes a problem for those who are not adept once it needs to be scientifically explained. Namely, in order to explain the health benefits of T'ai Chi Ch'uan with scientifically- based facts, we need to have knowledge of kinesiology, kinesitherapy, physiotherapy and many other medical areas, specifically sports medicine. It is necessary to read about different research around the world and have a certain experience which will confirm that knowledge in practice. In order to do that, we must compare T'ai Chi Ch'uan to other physical activities and, by the help of scientific evidence, establish the advantages of exercizing T'ai Chi Ch'uan.
Each physical activity, as well as its scientific effects, can have its positive and negative sides to the human organism. People usually take into consideration only the advantages of taking up a physical activity because it is always a positive thing in comparison with a non-active lifestyle. The negative sides of a physical activity are usually talked about less often and lightly. Here are some of the recommendations of taking up a physical activity which many experts, i.e. kinesiologists, doctors, physiotherapists, trainers and instructors will tell you.
One of the most often recommended activities is walking or slow running at a moderate distance or walking on easier hiking trails. However, if you haven't worn quality and comfortable shoes, you will have many blisters on the way back. After longer walking or running periods, some individuals will experience pain in their feet (at the sides of the foot or oftentimes under the heel). It is possible to have pain in your shins. Because of a bad walking or running technique (a bad posture), pain in the spine can also appear. This is the reason you might experience headaches later on. Walking or running during cold weather is not recommended. Breathing in cold air during physical activity rises the body's need for oxygen which can be fatal for those with a heart condition. Exercizing during Winter can be very risky for them and a risk of a heart attack is higher even for healthy people. This explains why the number of heart attacks is larger during Winter. Long-lasting walking or running during warmer weather can also be deadly unless you've taken a refreshing beverage. By exercizing T'ai Chi Ch'uan you will avoid all the abovementioned risks.
The next physical activity which doctors will recommend to you is swimming. However, as refreshing it can be to jump into a pool and cool down your body or enjoy the water, pool water can leave unwanted effects on the skin, hair and the overall health. Pool water is safe, i.e. clean thanks to chemicals which are added to it in order to disinfect it. Most often it is chlorine. It is used to kill off bacteria and germs, to oxidate organic waste from sweat and body oils as well as to kill any algae. However, even small and admissible amounts of chlorine in pools can cause side effects and can negatively effect the body, dry out the skin, cause itchiness and a sense of tightness in the skin as well as cause potentially strong or mild eye irritations, redness or tingling in the nose and mouth. Numerous research has shown that swimming in chlorinated water can be linked to many serious health issues. It raises the risk of allergies and asthma in children and, among adults, it is connected to the development of bladder and rectal cancer as well as a higher risk of coronary heart disease. Chlorine water can destroy the good bacteria in our digestive system and cause an array of digestive problems. Also, thanks to a bad swimming technique, spinal pain can emerge and the water that is left in the ears can cause an ear inflammation, i.e. an inflammation of the ear canal. You will avoid all of these issues if you train T'ai Chi Ch'uan instead.