The original meanings of Tai Chi are largely connected with the yin-yang & Wuxing theory. In addition, the Bagua theory is also usually used as a means to explain it. These formed the initial natural beliefs of the ancient Chinese.

The ancient Chinese believed that Tai Chi represented the universe, the process of the birth and evolvement of all things in the universe, and the state of chaos before the division of yin and yang. According to Zhouyi, Tai Chi can be divided into Liang Yi (Two Instruments), namely yin and yang, and everything in the universe comprises two sides, namely yin and yang, inside and outside.

The ancient Chinese believed that all things in the world arose from the interplay between yin and yang. The yin-yang theory played a key role in ancient Chinese philosophy and blended with other theories and thoughts. Ancient Chinese philosophers observed all things on earth as generative without ceasing, in constant flux, and growing in the eternal cycle of birth and death, a point quite similar to the unity of opposites in modern philosophy. They also believed that all things were comprised of five basic elements, namely, Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth, and that these elements generated and overcame each other and moved in ceaseless circles. “Generating each other” means that the five elements generate and promote each other, that is, Metal carries Water, Water nourishes Wood, Wood feeds Fire, Fire creates Earth, and Earth bears Metal. “Overcoming each other” means that the five elements exclude and restrict each other, that is, Metal chops Wood, Wood parts Earth, Earth absorbs Water, Water quenches Fire, and Fire melts Metal.