An Overview of Qigong and Tai Chi

The origins of Tai Chi date back some 3000 years to a form of exercise called Qigong (translation “energy work”). Developed to help relieve the aches and pains associated with working in the field all day, Qigong became very popular. Over the last three centuries, Qigong exercises have evolved, and become an integral part of the Traditional Chinese Medical System’s preventative maintenance programs throughout China. As western scientists explore these ancient training modalities, research is showing extremely positive results in treating many of the illness and disease we experience in our high stress, demanding world.

Tai Chi, while a martial art at its core nature, takes the healing principals of Qigong and applies them to each technique in a sequenced set of movements called forms. There are five main styles (“houses”) of Tai Chi (Chen, Yang, Wu, Hao and Sun) with some choosing to focus on healing and others on the more martial aspects of the art. When practicing Tai Chi for health, the martial roots of the movements are present but softened to allow the healing properties to be more fully expressed.

Each style of Tai Chi is based on the same collection of principals, which bring focus to precise movement, intense concentration and spiritual awareness. Here is a brief description of these principals for your consideration:

·Grounding Energy – Solid connection with the ground through all movement
·Smiling Energy – Opening the heart center and allowing the form to be enough
·Minding the Breath – Full, expressive breath with focus on relaxation
·Needle in the Cotton – Fully managed posture for core strengthening
·Commanding from Dan Tien (our physical center, just below the naval) – Beginning and
ending all movements from the center / core.
·Sinking Energy – Relaxing / releasing the muscles not necessary for movement
·Silk Reeling – Allowing the Dan Tien to establish a relationship with the extremities
·Present Moment – Mental awareness of the NOW. No future, no past
·Listening – Drawing mental attention internally, allowing for complete focus on principal development through intense concentration
·Connection – Total body connectivity, nothing moves independently, core stabilization
·Separation – Allowing for Yin / Yang Separation within the body for strength development, muscle isolation and development
·Absorption / Expansion – Mentally drawing energy inward and outward based on the flow of the movement

Tai Chi is a complex art which takes years to develop but can begin to provide benefits within just a few training sessions. It is a different, yet very effective way to train the body for strength, coordination, balance, muscle control and postural alignment. Mentally, Tai Chi is excellent for developing high levels of concentration, calm and clarity. Spiritually, Tai Chi can open the heart channel and release a peaceful, loving expression of self through gentle movement and internal growth.