TAI CHI AND QI GONG

Tai Chi

The ancient Chinese routines is a combination of slow, gentle movements, meditation and breathing exercises. This routine was not designed to burn calories or increase the heart rate, instead it helps in blood/fluid circulation in one’s body, maintain balance and alignment. Also, Tai Chi helps in restoring energy in the human systems. The slow and low-impacting movements of the body serve as the best exercise for beginners and people with a history of health conditions. Below are some of the benefits:

  • Improves balancing and prevents a person from falling
  • Significant improvement in blood glucose levels
  • Improves blood circulation, bone strength
  • Improves the cardiac functionality, immune system


Additionally, the routines also have few mental benefits:

  • A person has improved sleep routine
  • Improves focus and concentration
  • Significant reduction in depression, stress, and anxiety
Qi Gong

Qi-gong is believed to have originated from as the form of “remedy-dancing” which was practiced to treat the abnormalities found in the human body. The ancients, after a long-time struggle realized that through gradual body movements, exclamation and different breathing techniques could have a huge impact on the body and helps in leading a better life. The development of the exercise was developed in four stages or four periods as stated below:

  1. Before 206 BC: The period was known for establishing a relationship between humans, nature and the earth. The relationship helped in developing qi energy which is vital for the body to function. Hence, the establishment of the relationship between each of them was considered as the first stage. The form of exercise became one of the roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine along with yin and yang, and five elements theory concepts
  2. Between 206 BC – 500 AD: This is the period during Han Dynasty where meditation was introduced by Buddhism which was imported from India. Implementing the breathing practices along with the exercises bought in lot of changes to the body by storing energy and regulating the functions of the body.
  3. Between 500 AD – 1911 AD: This is during Liang Dynasty where the exercise was used for martial arts purposes. Different styles of Qi-Gong were developed in this duration. For instance, Taiichi Nei Dan (Internal Elixir) and Shaolin Wai Dan (External Elixir) exercises
  4. 1911 AD – Present: The form of exercise gained high popularity because of its effects on the health. The practitioner and health professionals made the exercise as a prevention for diseases


In the history of Qi-Gong, the practice could have five major traditions:

  • Medical Qi-gong: The practice emphasizes on the free flow and balance of vital energy (qi). Aims at bringing an equilibrium throughout the body
  • Taoist Qi-gong: Aims at improving stress on the physical body and subsequent prevention of stress
  • Buddhist Qi-gong: Aims at deliberating mind, cultivating virtue and enlightening wisdom
  • Confucian Qi-gong: Aims at providing high moral character and intelligence
  • Martial arts Qi-gong: Trains the body for protection from cuts caused by the weapons or attacks
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