Students in the winter '25 Religion and Science class went to the UCI Susan Samueli Integrative Health Center (SSIHI) on March 6 for a tour and Tai Chi demonstration.
As a part of the tour, undergraduate students were able to try a Tai Chi practice with J. Matthew Brand. Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art rooted in Daoist perspectives of universal balance that has evolved into forms of exercise and wellness. According to Professor Jacob Feng, "This tour highlights the importance of religions and Daoist religious practices in the form of Tai Chi and their importance to providing holistic care for health concerns."
Students also weighed in about their experience:
"The Tai Chi at SSIHI really showed how Daoist practices connect with health in a meaningful way. Seeing how movement, breath, and balance work together made me think about how these traditions aren’t just spiritual but also really practical for physical and mental well-being. It was interesting to see how something so ancient still fits into modern ideas of health and wellness." (Vincent, Philosophy, '27)
"Based on the demonstration on Tai Chi, I came to define chi as one’s life force, specifically the energy that sustains oneself. Similar to chi, the Jain term jiva refers to an individual’s consciousness or soul. While jiva is considered constrained with living beings, chi permeates everywhere. However, both concepts are classified with their relation to energy, indicating a connection between Jainism and Taoism. (Gagan, Psychological Sciences and English, '25)
"I greatly enjoyed the Tai Chi demonstration as well as the tour of SSIHI. I learned about all the different types of Tai Chi and its physical and mental benefits. In terms of its relation to religion, it seemed very positive in connecting the body to the mind spiritually and physically." (Ben, Political Science and Economics, '26)
"Visiting the UCI Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute reshaped my view of Tai Chi, which I once saw as a cliché tied to my grandparents' generation. Growing up, I found martial arts dull compared to more active sports, but now, overwhelmed by college life . . . in the Tai Chi class, I experienced a similar sense of grounding—moving with my breath, I felt my body relax and flow easily. It is indeed an invaluable experience to me. Thank you for offering me and our class this chance." (Shuchang, Philosophy, '26)
"At first, I didn’t find a strong connection while exploring the medical facilities and experiencing Tai Chi. However, upon reflecting on the differing medical approaches of science and religion and recognizing the contrast in perspectives, I realized that I still held certain preconceptions. I was surprised by how their distinct treatment approaches offer patients a wider range of therapeutic options and possibilities." (Seungjae, Film and Media Study, '25)
Professor Feng reflects on "the fact that an advanced health institute such as SSIHI provides a Tai Chi class suggests the lasting value of religion and their contribution to physical, physiological, and psychological health."
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