Wolistic ancient Chinese wisdom asserts that all things are connected. The enhancement of spiritual, mental, emotional and physical health relies on the flow of life energy (Qi or Chi – pronounced ‘chee’) through channels in the body called meridians. Equally important is the maintenance of a correct balance between our internal Yin (the body) and Yang (the function) forces.
Tai Chi and Qi Gong have evolved from ancient Chinese forms of exercise. They involve slow, gentle but firm movements with mental concentration and control; increasing energy levels, strengthening the body, clearing the mind and promoting personal well-being.
Interestingly, the essential elements used in these disciplines – that of body control training and mental approach (plus concerns about diet) – are synergistic with the mainstream fitness disciplines of weight training.
Tai Chi began in China thousands of years ago as a martial art and is sometimes referred to as ‘moving meditation’. Tai Chi exercises combine focusing the mind with slow, soft and firm movements that work the body and the mind from the inside to the outside, enhancing strength and energy.
Qi Gong (Gong – exercise or work – pronounced ‘goong’) involves a series of movements combined with breathing techniques and mental concentration (visualisations of the body) that enhance the flow of Qi (life energy). Different forms of exercise are used to stimulate different parts of the body. Both ‘Tai Chi and Qi Gong exercise the ‘inside’.
Tai Chi and Qi Gong exercises can be used on a daily basis to promote general health and fitness.
They also help to prevent and overcome specific medical conditions ranging from anxiety, stress and depression, to physical injuries and diseases. There are exercises that relate to general health, as well as different sets of exercises that are specific to men’s health issues (such as impotence and prostate cancer) and women’s health issues (such as PMT, menopause, post-natal stress and breast cancer).
Tai Chi involves more physical exercise. In ancient times, Tai Chi was used for deadly hand-to hand fighting without weapons. In contrast, Qi Gong exercises are gentler and are specially designed to promote health. If you have any health condition, it is recommended that you initially practice Qi Gong.
According to TMC, disturbances to the natural Qi can cause illness and lack of wellbeing. There could be too much Qi, or not enough, in particular parts of the body. Restoring the body’s natural yin-yang energy balance enhances physical health and fitness, and the sense of being well. In TCM this is achieved by acupuncture and Qi Gong.
Although the exercises of Qi Gong appear gentle and easy, they have considerable power in exercising the body. You will feel the eff ect of them afterwards. They effectively exercise the things you cannot see, such as your Dan Tian (below the navel inside the stomach area) which is a deep source of energy.
Another effect of Qi Gong is a subtle increase in intelligence, manifested by greater clarity of thought, powers of concentration and perception, and growing inner serenity. This consciousness- H
“Another effect of Qi Gong is a subtle increase in intelligence, manifested by greater clarity of thought, powers of concentration and perception, and growing inner serenity.”
raising aspect is what the Chinese call ‘noble spirit’ – the gaining of wisdom.
These forms of exercise may be undertaken regularly to build and maintain health and fitness, and minimise the risks of serious illness. Importantly, though they address both the mind and the body. In TCM particular sets of exercises are used to help cure specific complaints, oft en in conjunction with acupuncture or herbal remedies.
Acupuncture is the insertion of sterilized, fine stainless steel needles at selected pressure points on the surface of the body. These stimulate the fl ow of Qi to or from that area and increase blood fl ow and oxygenation of the body. This provides renewed energy; helps remove aches and can reduce pain.
Similarly to most fitness work, while it may be possible to learn Tai Chi or Qi Gong exercises from a book, an educational video or from a website, it’s wise to start by first taking classes from a qualified instructor in your area. Look on the internet for an instructor in your local area.
Most instructors provide both group classes and individual sessions. Th e instructor will teach you how to perform the exercises correctly, and can help you select exercises that are particularly helpful to your needs. This way you will obtain the maximum benefits from the exercises.
Once you’ve learned the basic exercises you can practice them at home each day – or wherever you want – no special clothing or equipment is required. It only takes a few minutes each day to help balance your Qi and build strength in both your mind and body.
“Tai Chi and Qi Gong have evolved from ancient Chinese forms of exercise.”
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