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.
Timestamps:
[00:02:19] How Cathy discovered Tai Chi at 14
[00:04:00] What Tai Chi actually is (it's a martial art!)
[00:09:07] Choosing between Tai Chi and Qigong
[00:15:58] Training in China (5-6 hours daily!)
[00:19:00] What chi/qi actually is
[00:24:11] The motorbike crash and acupuncture miracle
[00:28:00] Client success
[00:32:18] Finding peace in chaos
Connect with Cathy:

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

Insta: nixonShiatsu

Web: acupuncturezenshiatsu.co.uk

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

As Sarah reflects: "In a world that demands speed, the most powerful movement is the one done slowly with intention." Whether you're dealing with pain, stress, or simply seeking calm, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on ancient practices that are anything but outdated.

Thanks for listening.