When you picture Tai Chi, you probably imagine elderly people in a park moving slowly through graceful forms. But what if I told you it's actually a martial art taught to the Chinese military centuries ago?

In this fascinating conversation, host Sarah Gorev chats with Cathy, who started practising Tai Chi at just 14 years old - making her the youngest person in pretty much every class she's attended. What I love about Cathy is how she combines the scientific with the spiritual, weaving together movement, energy, recovery, and finding peace in the chaos.

Cathy shares her remarkable journey from Chinese martial arts at age nine to training intensively in the mountains of China for five to six hours daily. But this conversation goes deeper than technique - it explores what Tai Chi and Qigong actually do for your body and mind.

You'll discover:
• Why Tai Chi works as meditation for people who don't get on well with meditation
• What chi (energy) actually is - and why it's more tangible than you think
• How slow movement builds tendons and ligaments, not just muscles
• Why Tai Chi improves recovery time for athletes
• The difference between Tai Chi and Qigong (and when to use each)
• How training in China transformed Cathy's practice
• The motorbike crash that led to discovering acupuncture
• Why acupuncture brought feeling back after six years of numbness
• How one client went from walking 10 minutes to two hours without pain
• Why Cathy's classes are the only peace many students get all week

This conversation explores how ancient practices are being validated by modern research - from Korean scientists mapping meridian lines to clinical studies showing remarkable results. Cathy explains how these practices work preventatively rather than waiting until our bodies crumble.

Perfect for anyone curious about Tai Chi but thinking it's "just for elderly people," people who struggle with traditional seated meditation, athletes looking to improve recovery time, those dealing with chronic pain or mobility challenges, and anyone seeking one peaceful hour a week away from chaos.

Connect with Cathy:

FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/176TCzEqYE/

Insta: nixonShiatsu

Shop for digital acupressure guides: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/AcupressureForYou?ref=shop_profile&listing_id=1565153711

FHT: https://www.fht.org.uk/users/swallow204751

Tai chi membership listing: https://taichi18.com/instructors/catherinenixon/

YouTube: @NixonQigongTaiChi

Curious about EFT tapping? If you've been feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or just not quite yourself lately, it could be just the thing. Host Sarah Gorev offers EFT and energy sessions via Zoom, plus virtual EFT tapping card decks if you'd like to explore at your own pace - find everything at tapintoyou.co.uk. Come and say hello on Instagram too @sarahgorev

This podcast is here to inform and inspire curiosity, not to tell you what to do. Everything discussed reflects the personal experiences of our guests, and Sarah doesn't personally endorse any particular practice or approach. You're always in the driving seat — it's entirely your choice whether to explore further. Where guests offer the chance to try things for yourself, you'll find links below. And as always, nothing here is suggested as a substitute for personalised advice from your own healthcare professionals.

Thanks for listening.