The hand positions and gestures of Tai Chi and Qigong have deep meaning and many benefits. Each movement in the Tai Chi form includes a hand formation or hand position that accompanies the movement of the arm. All of these hand positions share the qualities of beauty, strength, and function. When Tai Chi is performed well, it is not only beautiful to watch, but also highly beneficial for one’s health. Tai Chi also has an inner strength and power that can be useful for self-defense.

One often overlooked benefit of Tai Chi is its ability to heal the hands and wrists. Many people suffer from chronic issues with their wrists and hands, but the gestures of Tai Chi and Qigong can help. Each gesture should have a quality of openness and extension, with the hand opening and having a gentle spreading and expanding sensation. If the nerves in the hand are pinched by muscular tension, causing the bones to compress the nerves, it can lead to pain. The good news is that Tai Chi can help alleviate this.

Each of the hand gestures, including the Palm, Willow Leaf Palm, Bamboo Palm, Millstone Palm, Crane’s Beak, and Fist, can benefit the hands and wrists by building healthy function, strength, dexterity, and beauty. During the movements of the Tai Chi form and Qigong exercises, the hands open and close slightly, flexing and extending the palms and fingers. This movement helps to open and expand the center of the palm and all the acupoints located on the hands. This hand movement is also similar to the techniques used in Tui Na massage, so the Tai Chi form can help prepare the hands for this practice.

Proper wrist alignment is crucial for hand health, but it’s something that people often overlook until they experience an injury. By learning to align the wrist and create a strong, functional structure with the hand and forearm, you can avoid wrist problems. Finger alignment is also important, ensuring that the fingers create harmonious lines with the palm, wrist, and forearm. When done correctly, it feels as if the fingers, forearm, and wrist are solid and strong, able to withstand pressure or weight without collapsing.

The gentle opening, closing, rotating, and moving of the hands during Tai Chi and Qigong practice can have a direct positive impact on issues like arthritis, poor circulation, and weakness. These movements help to improve blood circulation, and the most important things to do are to relax the hands and keep the wrists well-aligned. The result of this practice is warm, pain-free hands, a benefit that can be easily achieved through regular Tai Chi and Qigong practice.