Tai-Chi flow movements are graceful, continuous, relaxed and gentle, like swimming on land. Deep-breathing exercises co-ordinate with limb movements. Diaphragmatic muscles contract and relax in conduction with abdominal muscles. The Chinese description that there is air descending to the pelvic abdomen scientifically is merely part of diaphragmatic breathing with relaxation and strengthening of lower abdominal muscles to accommodate the descending intestines. Tai-Chi adopts the Taoist breathing technique which needs special training and instruction. After prolonged practice the lung's vital capacity will increase which helps to improve lung function. After completion of the whole set of floor exercises one would perspire profusely with a warm feeling in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Yet there is no shortness of breath or puffing unlike during other martial arts. This is an excellent exercise for asthmatic and bronchitic patients.

c) Helping the digestive system.

Like swimming, one should not practise Tai-Chi shortly after meals. In Tai-Chi QiGong there is constant diaphragmatic and abdominal muscular contraction and relaxation at a slow pace. Unconsciously it encourages blood circulation to the digestive system. Tai-Chi cannot cure peptic ulcer. It certainly can help to reduce the ulcer pain. During the exercise one must physically concentrate, and the mind needs to be relaxed. This unconsciously reduces excessive gastric acid secretion (cephalic phase of vagal stimulation).

d) Improving lumbar back and central nervous system function.

The ten commandments of Yan Chen-fu (1 883 - 1936), grandson of Master Yan Luchan (1799 - 1872), the. grandmaster of our style of Tai-Chi, were regarded as Tai-Chi secrets in the past. They included: relax lumbar muscles, drop shoulders and elbows, use mind and not force, maintain correct head and neck posture, etc. All this points to the fact that the lumbar back is the power-house of Tai-Chi movements and its internal strength. A good Tai-Chi practitioner should reach the point where externally he is soft as cotton, but internally as tough as steel. In fighting he behaves like a sharp scalpel in the middle of cotton wool. You will get hurt if you underestimate him. In every Tai- Chi movement the limbs are motivated by the lumbar back which in turn is controlled by the brain. Therefore, the rule is: 'use mind, and not force'. During practice, apart from numerous fine muscular relaxations and contractions the mind and mood remain relaxed and empty. Head and neck posture are maintained. In prolonged practice it helps to strengthen the trapezium muscle of the neck and the erector spinalis muscle of the back. One feels relaxed with a happy and warm inner feeling after Tai-Chi exercise. This exercise certainly could help patients with chronic lower back and neck pain.