Why Practice Qigong or Tai Chi?
It is no secret that stress is one of the leading causes of disease. It may manifest as an anxiety disorder, a chronic inflammatory disease, insomnia, all of the above, or a host of other ailments. Even for those of us who are relatively healthy, true relaxation is rare.
As part of acupuncture treatments, sometimes I incorporate tui na, a form of bodywork including acupressure. This pressure, even lightly to moderately applied, often triggers intense tenderness in otherwise pain-free people (myself included). Whether we are conscious of it or not, we hold tension all over our bodies.
The practice of qigong and tai chi also brings our awareness to this tension, because the movements are not about building muscle, but building qi. Strengthening qi requires two things:
paying attention to ourselves
relaxing
Qi does not flow as well through tense bodies, even if they are highly toned and otherwise considered healthy. It may seem counterintuitive, but learning to truly relax allows us to tap into an even deeper power than muscular strength. This is why tai chi is sometimes described as “iron wrapped in cotton.”
I remember meeting Grand Master George Xu, a man of no great size or stature, in his 70s. Boxers came to train with him in Golden Gate Park, and he threw them around like they were nothing. How is that possible? Because our qi can be more expansive than our bodies.
For most of us, that level of ability is not the goal (although it would be incredibly cool). Relaxation may be a more realistic, and very worthy, objective. Qigong is a great option for this.
What’s the difference between tai chi and qigong?
Both tai chi and qigong could be considered moving meditations, usually practiced slowly while standing. No particular equipment or style of dress is necessary, although some wear tai chi slippers or shoes to practice. While tai chi is an internal martial art, qigong was developed for healing. (However, tai chi can be practiced for healing purposes, and some styles of qigong are more like a martial art.) Tai chi consists of a specific sequence of movements, which varies depending on the style. All these postures have martial art applications, although the focus is usually on the internal experience. Qigong is simpler to learn because it consists of individual movements, some of which are part of the tai chi form.
What are the benefits of tai chi and qigong? Who are they best for?
Tai chi and qigong are not intended to be exercise classes, although they do provide a light to moderate form of exercise, and may be a good option for those who are older or have limited mobility and cannot work out like they used to. These practices can be of benefit to anyone, though, especially those who exercise vigorously. Why? Because these practices benefit the joints, creating more flexibility and fluidity in our tendons and ligaments, something that is often neglected when it comes to exercise. The slow movements may bore younger or higher-energy people at first — but if you stick it out, it gets more interesting once you start to connect with your qi.
Because of the focus on relaxation, tai chi and qigong can lower the stress hormones that are responsible for so much of our internal imbalance. The mindful, stretching motions of tai chi and qigong stimulate circulation and reduce inflammation. From there, we may experience many benefits:
Pain relief of all kinds
Improved joint flexibility, range of motion
Improved balance
Improved digestion
Improved sleep
Increased vitality
Improved immune function
Improved mental function & health
And it follows that tai chi and qigong may help with the following issues:
Pain — muscular tension, arthritis, nerve issues
Limited range of motion
Numbness, neuropathy
Digestive issues
Insomnia
Fatigue
Poor immune function
Brain fog, poor memory
Anxiety, depression
Another bonus is that the risk of injury with tai chi and qigong is extremely low, especially with a good teacher. In my decade of experience, I have never known anyone to sustain an injury from either — on the contrary, these practices can help us recover from or prevent injuries.
Want to experience it for yourself? Learn about in-person & online qigong classes here.