Stress, body aches and the pressures of modern life, sound familiar? What if learning simple techniques could help you relax your mind and keep your body moving? That is what Tit Tar and Tai Chi is all about. A training in Thimphu is bringing these traditional practices to participants.
Master Leonie Leong from Malaysia is the trainer. She is the elder sister of Chris Leong, a leading Tit Tar practitioner.
Tit Tar is an ancient Chinese healing practice used to treat physical injuries, particularly those affecting bones, joints and muscles. It involves hands-on techniques to treat pain, stiffness and certain injuries.
Tai Chi combines slow, gentle body movements, controlled breathing and mental concentration. It is a low-impact activity that can help improve flexibility, coordination and physical balance, and is also associated with stress reduction and mental well-being.
“Tai Chi and Tit Tar: one is a martial art, and the other is a treatment. Tai Chi is a form of self-defense rooted in softness. The new generation mostly use it for health, as Tai Chi represents the balance between Yin and Yang,” said Master Leonie. “In our daily lives, we face so much stress from work and family. Everything moves so fast that we forget who we are. Basically, Tai Chi steps in to reset our lives, restoring balance between Yang and Yin, softness and hardness.”
Some 45 participants from various professional backgrounds are attending the training, which is in its second batch.
Sangay, a participant from the National Traditional Medicine Hospital, said introducing these therapies and techniques into the healthcare system would be extremely beneficial.
“If similar opportunities come in the future, people from health and medical backgrounds should also be given the chance to attend, because it is a useful skill to treat bone-related problems anywhere, and it does not need additional space during treatment,” he said.
Participants can practise at their own pace without expensive equipment. With about 70 people trained so far across the batches, more people could seek help to improve balance, flexibility and well-being.
Pelden Wangchuk
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
