Qi Gong and Tai Chi

More and more I am drawn towards the ancient art and science of Chinese Tai Chi and Qi Gong and I am experiencing the benefits from my own daily practice. This exercise system allows us to discover and work with our own internal energy and strength. This system is rooted in nature and in the cycles of the seasons and the elements and internal organs associated with each season.

Qi Gung (Chi Kung) is a skill and vital energy work that is acquired over time. it is a form of self care through personal practice to protect our health and still our busy minds. It is an easy and accessible system of energy enhancing exercises and moves that coordinate movement with inner consciousness. If practised regularly it increases your energy, improves your health, boosts the immune system and lowers cortisol levels in the body, reducing stress and anxiety

Tai Chi (Taiji)

Tai Chi is one of the best known martial arts, based on Qi Gong and martial art techniques from thousands of years ago. It uses contrasting and complimentary movements, slow and soft and rather than fast and hard, thus balancing the qualities of Yin and Yang in the mind.

It is defined by a series of postures and movements which form a journey of graceful moment, flowing from one to the other until coming together in The Form. Tai Chi improves balance, coordination, flexibility, muscle strength, cardiovascular and mental health. It is gentle enough to be accessible to all as a standing practice or can be practised in a chair, however it can also be challenging for even the fittest!

The essential principles of Tai Chi are based on the ancient Chinese philosophy of Taoism (pronounced Daoism) which recognises the need for natural balance in all things and the need to live in spiritual and physical accord with the patterns of nature. Balancing Yin and Yang energies (activity and rest, balanced diet, mind and body)

With both of these practices the idea is to start slow, observe the movements and then practise them many times to experience the benefits deep within your body. Working with the mind to move the body, where the intention goes, the energy flows.

I recommend you find a practitioner to follow on You Tube and start your own exploration into the benefits of incorporating a short Qi Gong practice into your daily life. Repeated practice will benefit not only your internal wellbeing but also your mental wellbeing.

If you would like to try some Qi Gong and Tai Chi, the first 30 minutes of my Yoga classes contain exercises from both, you can join the class and then leave after 30 minutes if Yoga practice is not for you!

I would recommend you have a look at the following videos to whet your appetite.

Book recommendations

The Qi Gong Bible, Katherine Allan, is a useful, helpful and interesting book as is Wood Becomes Water , Gail Reichstein, which gives a more in depth insight into the 5 Elements and Chinese Medicine

I hope you enjoy your exploration of this fascinating subject.