# Ai Chi

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**Ai Chi** is a form of aquatic exercise used for [recreation](/source/Recreation), [relaxation](/source/Relaxation_technique), [fitness](/source/Physical_exercise), and [physical rehabilitation](/source/Physical_therapy). Clinical Ai Chi is distinguished as a specialized, active form of [aquatic therapy](/source/Aquatic_therapy). In essence, Ai Chi uses breathing techniques and progressive resistance training in water to relax and strengthen the body, based on elements of [qigong](/source/Qigong) and [tai chi](/source/Tai_chi).

## Overview

Ai Chi is a total body relaxation and strengthening progression used for [aquatic therapy](/source/Aquatic_therapy).[1] This aquatic technique is characterized by slow movement coordinated with deep breathing, based on elements of [qigong](/source/Qigong) and [tai chi](/source/Tai_chi).[2][3]

Ai Chi was developed in 1993 by [Jun Konno](/source/Jun_Konno) (Aquadynamics Institute, [Yokohama](/source/Yokohama), Japan) as an exercise to prepare for [Watsu](/source/Watsu). The term Clinical Ai Chi distinguishes a more specialized form used for specific therapeutic applications.[4][2]

## Technique

Typically, Ai Chi is practiced standing in shoulder-depth water in group classes, one-on-one therapy sessions, or individually. Initially, Ai Chi focuses on deep breathing patterns. Simple breathing techniques are then combined with gentle movement in a progression from the upper extremities, trunk, lower extremities, and finally to involvement of the full torso, with a gradual narrowing of the base of support. Movement is slow and continuous, with attention to body alignment, and accompanied by deep diaphragmatic breathing and a calm meditative state of mind. Mental focus is on flowing movement, proper body alignment, and coordinated breathing, and can also involve attention to philosophical or aesthetic concepts.[1][2][3]

Ai Chi consists of 19 movements or katas, performed while breathing at a rate of about 14-16 breaths per minute. The first six arm movements are based on qigong, with a relatively static and symmetrical body posture. The subsequent movements are based on tai chi, with continuous shifting of the center of gravity. The progression moves through a series of "regulatory conditions" of increasing difficulty, from static to dynamic, symmetrical to rotatory and asymmetrical movement, and visual to non-visual (vestibular) control.[2]

## References

1. Dutton, M. 2011. Orthopaedics for the physical therapist assistant. Jones & Bartlett Learning. p 187, Ai Chi. ISBN 978-0763797553.

1. Bommer A and Lambeck JF. 2011. Ai Chi: applications in clinical practice. pp 171-191, Chapter 7 In: Becker, BE and Cole, AJ (eds). Comprehensive aquatic therapy, 3rd edition. Washington State University Press. ISBN 978-0615365671.

1. Sova R. 2009. Ai Chi. pp 101-116. In: Brody, LT and Geigle, PR (eds). Aquatic exercise for rehabilitation and training. Human Kinetics. ISBN 978-0736071307.

1. Use of the term Clinical Ai Chi has been granted by Jun Konno to the International Aquatic Therapy Foundation (IATF), Switzerland.

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