What is Tai Chi? What is Qi Gong?
Tai Chi, also called Tai Chi Chuan, originated in China as a martial arts. Tai Chi Chuan means Supreme Ultimate Boxing and is a slow motion meditative exercise. It is often referred to as “meditation in motion”or “medication in motion” and helps integrate body, mind and breath into one. It is a series of controlled, slow, movements which integrates the mind and the breath.
Qi Gong pronounced (chee-gong) also originated in China and means practice (gong) or cultivation of vital energy (qi). It is a type of mind-body medicine that combines movement, meditation and regulation of breathing. It enhances the flow of energy in your body.
What are the benefits of mind/body exercises?
- helps reduce stress by calming and focusing the mind
- helps reduce anxiety and depression
- improves balance, flexibility & muscle tone
- lowers blood pressure
- relieves chronic pain
- improves feeling of well-being
- improves sleep
- enhances immune function
Because both of these practices are very similar I have combined them in this post. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine offers an introductory video on both of them.
If you are interested in experimenting with this type of exercise, try it here for free. The videos are less than 15 minutes. Click HERE
References
The Health Benefits of Tai Chi. Harvard Health Publications. Harvard Medical School. Accessed on October 4, 2011.