Qigong

Both Tai Chi and Qigong are beneficial mind-body practices. Although they have some
similarities, Tai Chi and Qigong have some key differences. So what are the similarities
and differences between them? Before I discuss the differences and similarities, let me
reveal a little more about what they are. 

Tai Chi is a system of exercise consisting of slow, gentle motions that are patterned
after movements in nature, and developed long ago as a martial art that is now widely
practiced for health and wellness. Tai Chi offers practitioners many health benefits of the
body, mind and spirit. Tai Chi is considered a type of Qigong practice, albeit a more
complex one as it involves a series of movements in a prescribed, memorized order. So
Tai Chi falls under the umbrella of Qigong practice. Pure Qigong, on the other hand, is
a simpler set of individual external movements, which like Tai Chi, offer both internal and
external components.

 

Qi means ‘life force’. This life force is the energy that makes us feel alive and helps us
experience emotions, health, strength and power. Gong means ‘together’ or ‘practice’.
Therefore, Qigong means a set of simple, repeated movements. These movements
paired with intention and mindfulness, enhance and guide Qi to make our Qi grow and
flow. The proper flow of Qi can result in a fit body, long life, and calm mind. My Tai Chi
classes always include Qigong movements as a warm up and basis for learning Tai Chi
principles of movement. 

 

To better clarify, you can think of Qigong as specific movements that you do for a certain
medical or health benefit. Say that you want to open up your lungs. You would do the
same Qigong movement over and over again until you felt the benefit starting to
emerge. Tai Chi on the other hand, is a series of more complex movements in a
prescribed sequence that work the entire body. Another analogy can be likened to going
to the gym. Say that you only want to concentrate on Glute muscles, then you might
only do squats for the day. Qigong is kind of the same, in that it focuses on a particular

issue of the mind, body or spirit with a targeted, single movement for that particular
focus. Tai Chi would be like going to the gym and doing a circuit of exercises to offer a
full body workout that does not focus on one single aspect. 

 

I have touched a bit on the Tai Chi classes I offer at Flowing Mobility Tai Chi. So, let me
talk about the Qigong classes I teach. 

 

Wuji Qigong

 

Wuji Qigong, physically, is easy Qigong. Wuji Qigong involves two major parts, the Taiji
or external part, which are the external movements, and the Wuji part, which is internal
emptiness. This combination allows us to connect to the universal energy that is
available to all of us. To realize Wuji is to feel the energy of the universe in you. It is an
earnest state of mental and physical relaxation and of the unification of mind/body/spirit.
Wuji is realized through deep meditation and is practiced in standing, sitting or lying
down meditation exercises. That is why, physically, it is considered an easy going. 

 

Shibashi Qigong

 

Shibashi Qigong is a set of individual Qigong exercises that are practiced in a fluid,
continuous manner. It combines elements from Yang Style Tai Chi and breathing and
movement exercises from Qigong. Elements of coordination of leg and arm movements,
weight shifting and controlled breathing are introduced in Shibashi Qigong. Shibashi is
great for all ages and agility levels and helps to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul, as
well as enhances flexibility and agility.

 

If you are ready to try some easy Qigong, come to Flowing Mobility Tai Chi. Classes are
conducted online and in person, so you can do Qigong in the comfort of your own home
or on site live with the instructor. Learn more about Flowing Mobility Tai Chi at
https://www.taichisusan.com/

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