Tai Chi and Qigong

Qigong, also known as ch'i kung or ch'i gong, is an ancient Chinese discipline that involves the mind, breath, and movement to create a calm, natural balance of energy that can be used in work, recreation or self-defense. Qigong exercises have a reputation in China for aiding in thetreatment of heart disease, high blood pressure, pulmonary emphysema, arthritis, digestive disorders, arteriosclerosis, skin diseases, depression, cancer, and many other illnesses. For those seeking physical fitness, qigong loosens the joints and increases flexibility and suppleness, while strengthening the sinews and tendons. It has been known to improve the function of the internal organs, delay aging, and prolong life. Qi, or ch'i, is an intrinsic energy in the body that travels along pathways in the body called meridians. At certain points along the pathways, acupuncture points, acupuncturists may place needles to cure or alleviate a patient's conditions. The purpose is to restore the flow of qi to a natural, healthy balance. Qigong exercises are intended to achieve the same goal through use of the mind, breath and movement. There are thousands of qigong exercises, some for specific purposes. One of the best kinds of qigong exercises is T'ai Chi Ch'uen, which can also be used for self-defense. Treating people with qigong can be traced back 2,500 years in China to the Warring States Period. People found out by accident that when a man, with qigong, released his energy on an injury, the affected part would heal quickly. From then on, qigong was often used to treat war injuries. It was later extended to various diseases.

Tai Chi or "Taiji" developed in China in about the 12th century A.D. It started as a martial art, or a practice for fighting or self-defense, usually without weapons. Over time, people began to use tai chi for health purposes as well. Many different styles of tai chi, and variations of each style, developed. The term "tai chi" has been translated in various ways, such as "internal martial art," "supreme ultimate boxing," "boundless fist," and "balance of the opposing forces of nature." While accounts of tai chi's history often differ, the most consistently important figure is a Taoist monk (and semi-legendary figure) in 12th-century China named Chang San-Feng (or Zan Sanfeng). Chang is said to have observed five animals--tiger, dragon, leopard, snake, and crane--and to have concluded that the snake and the crane, through their movements, were the ones most able to overcome strong, unyielding opponents. Chang developed an initial set of exercises that imitated the movements of animals. He also brought flexibility and suppleness in place of strength to the martial arts, as well as some key philosophical concepts. A person practicing Tai Chi moves their body in a slow, relaxed, and graceful series of movements. One can practice on one's own or in a group. The movements make up what are called forms (or routines). Some movements are named for animals or birds, such as "White Crane Spreads Its Wings." The simplest style of tai chi uses 13 movements; more complex styles can have dozens. In Tai Chi, each movement flows into the next. The entire body is always in motion, with the movements performed gently and at uniform speed. It is considered important to keep the body upright, especially the upper body-many tai chi practitioners use the image of a string that goes from the top of the head into the heavens-and to let the body's weight sink to the soles of the feet.

In addition to movement, two other important elements in tai chi are breathing and meditation. In tai chi practice, it is considered important to concentrate; put aside distracting thoughts; and breathe in a deep, relaxed, and focused manner. Practitioners believe that this breathing and meditation have many benefits, such as:

• Massaging the internal organs.
• Aiding the exchange of gases in the lungs.
• Helping the digestive system work better.
• Increasing calmness and awareness.
• Improving balance.

People practice Tai Chi for various health purposes, such as:

• To improve physical condition, muscle strength, coordination, and flexibility.
• To have better balance and a lower risk for falls, especially in elderly people.
• To ease pain and stiffness--for example, from arthritis.
• For health benefits that may be experienced from meditation.
• To improve sleep.
• For overall wellness.

Learn the exciting ancient Chinese martial art of fitness, wellness, and longevity. Tai Chi is a soft, light and agile martial art system suitable for both men and women. It is particularly beneficial for mature adults. This slow, gentle, rhythmic exercise has the following benefits: Learn the exciting ancient Chinese martial art of fitness, wellness, and longevity. Tai Chi is a soft, light and agile martial art system suitable for both men and women. It is particularly beneficial for mature adults. This slow, gentle, rhythmic exercise has the following benefits:

• Manages stress
• Regulates blood circulation
• Tones the heart muscles
• Clears the mind
• Improves concentration
• Enhances wellness
• Rejuvenation
• Improves coordination
• Lowers blood pressure
• Self defense
• Improves balance
• Enhances vitality

The practice of Tai Chi is to foster a calm, tranquil mind, focused on the precise execution of these exercises. Learning to do them correctly provides a practical avenue for learning about such things as balance, alignment, fine-scale motor control, rhythm of movement, the genesis of movement from the body's vital center, and so on. Thus the practice of Tai Chi can contribute to the improvement of one's quality of life.