Background to Tai Chi and Qi Gong
What is Tai Chi ?(Taijiquan)
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Taijiquan or Tai Chi Chuan is one of the traditional Chinese arts of keeping fit, self-defence and improving physical and mental well being. It is known in the west as simply Tai Chi. Taiji chuan translates as supreme, ultimate fist and it is considered to be an 'internal' martial art form.
Tai Chi is an art suitable for people of all ages and all levels of physical fitness. Whether it's for self defence, health and fitness or stress and relaxation management, there are health benefits for everyone.
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Tai Chi - Health Benefits
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Improve the functioning of the nervous system and the brain;
Modern living and stress of work have adverse effects on our mental and physical wellbeing. When practising Tai Chi, we emphasise on using the mind to lead movements. This way of exercising gives the brain a good opportunity to rest, thus improving the function of the brain, reduces or improves stress related illnesses and gain better concentration, balance and coordination.
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Improve functioning Cardiac Vascular system and Blood Vessels’ elasticity;
The gentle and coordinated movements in Tai Chi encourage better blood circulation, improve elasticity of blood vessels and functioning of the heart. Long term practice of Tai Chi helps strengthen heart muscles, prevent or improve high blood pressure and Arteriosclerosis.
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Improve and strengthen the functioning of the respiratory system;
We use abdominal breathing (conscious expansion and contraction of the lower abdomen) when practising Tai Chi to boost the lungs’ capacity (increase intake of oxygen). It also helps strengthen the functioning of the diaphragm, in turn encourage better flow of blood and oxygen through various organs.
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A positive effect on muscles and bones;
Good practice of Tai Chi requires the body to be upright and centred, steps to be steady and light, joints to be flexible and relaxed. These help practitioners to build a good body postures, increase flexibility, improve coordination and minimise joint and bone related problems (osteoporosis, arthritis etc.).
Most of the movements in Tai Chi are performed in various stances, these stances have a positive effect on muscles in the lower limbs. Regular practice of the 24 step Tai Chi will help improve muscle tone, enhance stamina and delay the aging process.
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Yang Style Tai Chi uses large, expansive movements and the 24 Step is the most popular form practised worldwide. The saying goes: “When you know the 24 step Simplified Taijiquan; you will find friends in any corner of the Earth”.
What is Qigong?
Qigong (also known as Chi Kung or Chi Gong) is one of the oldest exercises in Chinese History, dating back more than a thousand years. It is also one of the most popular exercises in the world today, practised by tens of thousands of people.
Qigong is a mind and body workout, and seeks to stimulate the flow of Qi (energy) along the energy channels and meridians throughout the body. It offers a practical, effective and long-term solution to deal with the stress of modern living.
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Qigong is both relaxing and energising. It can also be adapted to different physical abilities, regardless of fitness level and age.
QiGong - Health Benefits
Significant benefits include:
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Increase muscle strength and flexibility
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Improve lower back pain
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Encourage blood circulation
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Helps combating stress and depression
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Better functioning of internal organs, beneficial to people suffering from Diabetes, Heart Problem, Kidney problems etc.
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Reduce high blood pressure
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Improvement on mental attitude and power of perception as well as overall physical fitness
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improvement on flexibility of joints, thus beneficial to people with Arthritis
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Reduce the loss of Calcium thus improve bone density, thus beneficial to people suffering from Osteoporosis
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The cardiovascular and respiratory functions are markedly improved
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There are many other Physical and psychological benefits apart from the ones mentioned above. Health Qigong is a truly amazing exercise system suitable for people of all ages and all levels of physical ability.