Qigong is the practice of cultivating the body’s internal energy which the Chinese refer to as Qi (Chi). Gong means ‘to work’ so the literal definition is to “work with the Qi”. This practice has been around for thousands of years and is considered to be an effective way to improve life by cultivating a healthy flow of Qi and bringing the body, mind and spirit into balance.

As humans we forget we are actually part of Nature and can experience the same peace and ease of Being that other living creatures accept and enjoy.

Tai Chi Chuan is a practice that combines martial arts movements with Qi circulation (chi energy) and breath. It’s a holistic practice integrating the mental, emotional and spiritual states. The focus on Qi circulation was initially used to increase internal strength for combat. However, it was realised these same techniques also promote longevity.

So what is the ‘magical’ power behind these practices? The slow, relaxed movements exercise the total body – not just the arms and the legs but also the spine and internal organs. The movements massage the organs, stimulating their function and increasing blood circulation, keeping them healthy. Integrating the breath with the movements makes the lungs relax, promoting increased oxygen intake.

Mentally, tension is released from the head and other areas where it may have stagnated; the soft focus on the movements helps to re-distribute the energy to regain balance and clarity. The practices are connected to Traditional Chinese Medicine, which places prevention as the highest importance, correcting health problems before they manifest in a more chronic form.

When practising the form, you learn to understand your body. One maintains a centred and relaxed posture while the movements are light, agile, dynamic, alive and circular.

Here is a link to a two-minute summary of a segment on Michael Mosley’s – Trust Me I’m a Doctor – where he tests Tai Chi regarding health benefits. (SBS On Demand – Series 8, Episode 6)

There are many theories regarding the creation of Tai Chi. Various Chinese sages such as Lao Tzu, Zhang San-Feng, Wang Zong-Yue are all credited in some way in influencing the practice and the philosophy behind the foundational principles.

Tai Chi is grounded in Taoist philosophy where the Universe is viewed as one interrelated organism, not separate entities. Everything resonating with each other in a state of balance and harmony. The human body is considered a smaller universe mirroring this larger cosmos. The concept of the Tao, which is generally translated as ‘The Way’ has a much deeper enigmatic meaning: The One which is the sum total of all reality, also referred to as the Great Mystery. The Tao being mysterious, in that it is both everything and nothing at the same time. Lao Tzu who is credited with writing the Tao Te Ching, which are the teachings on which Taoism is established, describes it as such in the first Chapter

The Tao that can be described
Is not the eternal Tao.
The name that can be named
is not the eternal Name.

The Yin-Yang and Five Elements Theory also make up the core of this ancient Chinese philosophy of Taoism. These concepts also help understand the deeper, multiple layers of Tai Chi and Qigong practice.

The Five Element Theory classifies everything into five categories represented by the five elements of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth. The Ancient philosophers believed that these five elements interacting with each other, giving and receiving nourishment in a cyclic way, create the Universe as we know it. For example the Wood element (tree) is nourished by Water and Wood in turn nourishes Fire. There is also a neutralising of the elements to keep them in check, referred to as mutual restraint. For example Water is capable of extinguishing Fire, Fire can melt Metal, Earth can absorb Water. This mutually nourishing and restraining system promotes the natural rhythms that keeps Nature in balance.

In a similar way this Five Element Theory pertains to the relationship between our organs and the way Chi energy travels through the meridians during Tai Chi and Qigong practices, to nourish them in an integrated way.

The movements of Tai Chi and Qigong while cultivating a healthy flow of Chi also massage the organs nourishing and stimulating their function. In particular, the kidneys are considered to be of great importance as this is from where the flow of Chi is said to originate. The repetitive circular motions and rotation of the abdomen (lower dan tian) during the practice, assist in keeping these vital organs healthy.

By understanding how these five vibrations operate within us, we also begin to understand how they express outwardly in healthy and balanced ways.

Generally we place so much attention on the attractiveness of the external part of our bodies, we forget the importance of our internal organs. The Western perception of exercise is focused on building muscle strength and improving endurance. Tai Chi and Qigong focus on the body as a whole, not just on building physical strength but internal strength as well. Regular practice not only promotes healthy functioning of our internal organs, but also enhances the flow of the cardiovascular, digestive and nervous systems. The slow movements integrated with the breath promote relaxed vitality. The goal is to improve overall health, including bringing our mental and emotional states into harmony. The slow integrated movements of Tai Chi also make an excellent recovery exercise to regain full fitness after a major health issue. Anybody of any fitness or skill level can do Tai Chi and at any age.

Studies indicate that Tai Chi and Qigong can assist all aspects of health and fitness:

• Improves Balance
• Strengthens bones and muscles
• Promotes joint mobility and flexibility
• Improves range of motion
• Moderates the circulatory systems
• Aids in fall prevention
• Assists in manging arthritis
• Balances blood pressure
• Increases vitality and energy
• Improves sleep
• Increases clarity and mental focus
• Elevates your spirit.

Email : angela@eartheartsoul.com