Tai Chi & Qigong: the ancient exercises you need to practice.
Tai Chi & Qigong involve performing gentle movements that are correlated with the inhalation and exhalation of the breath.
Tai Chi & Qigong are suitable for all ages and stages of life.
Eastern practitioners have known about the benefits of qigong for centuries, and today Western scientific research is following-suit, confirming that qigong can help prevent and manage many different health problems. The ancient practice is especially beneficial for older adults and people who are chronically stressed out.
Qi Gong (often spelt Chi Kung) is a powerful type of health exercise, which has been practiced for centuries by millions of Chinese people. It is based on repetitions of very precise sets of movements, specifically designed to benefit health on many different levels.
Tai Chi & Qigong are easy to learn and enjoyable to do. Even a few minutes of practice can have an invigorating and rejuvenating effect. Regular practice brings about a deep strengthening effect for the whole body and its various systems (nervous, digestive, respiratory, skeleton-muscular, hormonal, gynecological, etc). Its ability to help in healing a large variety of chronic and acute injuries and illnesses has been the subject of various research programs led by the Chinese medical authorities.
The aim of Qi Gong is to promote the movement of Qi (energy) in the body; this is done by opening certain gates and stretching and twisting energy channels. A key point in Qi Gong practice is relaxation and deep breathing, both of which are prerequisites to allow Qi to flow.
Some Qi Gong movements are very gentle, others more vigorous. Some movements are very large and expansive, others are more subtle, almost imperceptible. All are different and have a very specific effect on body and mind. The deeper one practices, the more one can understand the purpose of each movement, allowing the Qi Gong practice to become ever more enjoyable.
Feedback from past and current students shows that, with a little bit of regular practice, Qi Gong can have a powerful effect on mind, body and spirit. Reported benefits have included increased general health and well being, reduced levels of stress, and a brighter and more balanced outlook on life’s possibilities.
Yoga vs. Qigong
Yoga and qigong are both ancient practices. Yoga comes from the Indian tradition while qigong is Chinese in its heritage. Both are also movement practices, though their movements are generally different in function. Yoga tends to be moderate to fast-paced, includes strong movements that are held for a period of time and requires a certain amount of athleticism. Qigong, on the other hand, is slowly methodical, flows from one movement to another, and can be easily practiced by nearly anyone.