Introduction to Tai Chi Chi Kung

Tai chi chi kung -- better known as chi kung or qigong -- is one of the pillars of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) along with acupuncture, massage and herbal remedies. Chi kung means "energy cultivation," and this low-impact exercise, which is suitable for all ages, combines aerobic conditioning with meditation and relaxation to prevent illness and promote a long life. It is not only a self-healing method, but also a path of spiritual development.

  1. What Is Chi Kung?

    • Tai chi chi kung is usually called chi kung or qigong to differentiate it from the related practice of tai chi chuan. Indeed, chi kung energy cultivation exercises form the foundation of both tai chi chuan and the more dynamic kung fu, and chi kung is the "parent" of both. Chi kung encompasses such a wide range of activities that you could say that walking, dancing and any physical activity are forms of chi kung. However, you are truly practicing chi kung when you make a conscious decision to follow a set of specific exercises with the aim of cultivating your personal energy. It is a form of moving meditation.

    Chi Energy

    • Chi is a fundamental concept of the TCM approach to health. The concept of chi appears in numerous cultures under different names, ranging from "prana" in yoga to "ki" in Reiki. Taoist philosophy -- the root of TCM and chi kung -- states that the entire universe is composed of chi. Chi is always in motion -- if it weren't, we wouldn't have night or day, birth or death or the seasons. Just as chi animates the universe, it also animates your body processes. Chi kung exercises promote the harmonious flow of chi through your body's meridian system.

    How Chi Kung Works

    • The meridian system underpins the energy anatomy of TCM. Meridians are invisible channels that carry chi around the body. Although meridians are separate from your "physical" body systems, such as the lymphatic or glandular systems, your meridians work in parallel with these systems. TCM teaches that if your chi -- which normally flows freely along the meridians -- becomes blocked or weakened, you will eventually experience the symptoms of either physical or mental illness. Chi kung combines gentle stretching exercises with breathing techniques and visualization to promote a balanced flow of chi and remove any blockages. Essentially, chi kung empowers you to take control of your own life force and your health.

    Chi Kung Benefits

    • Chi kung does not require extreme physical exertion, making it ideal for all ages and levels of fitness. Chi kung builds up your stamina and energy through regular practice, which may be daily or weekly and need not take longer than 15 minutes. Just know that chi kung is no quick fix, and the speed at which you experience the benefits of chi kung practice is highly individual. Compared to tai chi chuan, chi kung exercises are easy to learn and there are fewer steps to memorize. You don't need any equipment, and you can practice it almost anywhere. Practicing chi kung in the park or at the beach is a wonderful way to exercise while connecting with nature's chi energy. Advanced practitioners can learn techniques for transferring chi to others in a way that is similar to spiritual healing or Reiki.