TAI CHI VS QIGONG: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?
Should you do Tai Chi or Qigong? Learn how the two arts are different and yet the same, for although both practices are Chinese in origin, promote good posture and deep breathing, they differ in some important aspects. Read on to discover which may be best for you.
WHAT IS QIGONG? A BRIEF EXPLANATION
Qigong (also written as Chi Gung) is a practice that focuses on developing Qi (or Chi as it is also written). Qi is fundamentally another name for energy, whilst gong means ‘work’ or ‘practice’. Both Tai Chi and Qigong focus on developing our awareness of different forms of energy in the body - such as the energy we are born with, or the energy acquired through specific practices. So in Chinese medical theory there are different energies - in the same way we talk about nervous energy, muscular energy, mental energy etc.
IS QI ENERGY SUPERNATURAL?
Some people claim that this energy is almost supernatural and that once activated it will cure all illnesses and grant immortality. You'll see photos of exponents emitting orbs of light from their throat or out of their palms. This is of course nonsense. It is fine in a martial-arts film where we suspend reality for an hour or two, but in real-life we need to come back down to planet-Earth.
In simple terms, by exercising and focusing on the body in specific ways, we can improve the immune system, digestive system, calm the nervous system, improve blood circulation etc. And that’s fine by itself. There is No need to claim superhero powers.
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HOW IS ONE DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHER?
Tai Chi is a practice that teaches many things, and differs from Qigong in that all the moves also have an "application". This application can be focused in different areas:
Martial (self-defence)
Structural (coordination, balance, footwork etc)
Philosophical (ideas related to Chinese philosophy).
Which is easier to learn, TAI CHI OR QIGONG?
The relative simplicity and high repetition of the moves in Qigong make the practice easier for beginners to learn, whereas the larger number and variety of moves in Tai Chi (may) take considerably longer to learn.
( Read more on how long it takes to learn Tai Chi.)
Tai Chi can also demand more in terms of co-ordination, balance, tensile strength and even a good sense of direction. Many beginners find this challenging to perform in a group with the sudden and dramatic directional changes. This is one of the reasons students often learn better at home.
On the other hand, Qigong has it demands too. Although the moves may be simple to copy, you will need to be able to focus and stay concentrated on the breath to gain the maximum benefit. Think of meditation as an example. The practice of meditation is of little benefit if instead of focusing on breath and clearing the mind, all you do is fall asleep (though insomniacs may disagree.)
Watch the 2 min introduction of Tai Chi energy and breathing course
Which is better for me?
If you ask a teacher which is "better" - they often (unsurprisingly) promote the one they are teaching. The answer however, depends - as in many things - as to what you are looking for.
If what you are looking for is an all round healthy exercise that offers additional long terms benefits in movement as well as standing, and that offers many applications and philosophical levels, then Tai Chi will probably be the better choice for you.
If however, it is an energy boost you want, and you are looking for moves that are simple and repetitive and that can be learned easily and performed with minimum movement (or even performed seated) then Qigong may be the answer you are seeking. Why not take out 5 mins and try out these sample exercises below?
Can I learn Tai Chi and Qigong together?
Of course. You do not have to necessarily decide between one or the other. Many Tai Chi classes will offer both (to some extent). Take a look and see what is on offer in your locality and go and speak with the instructor. Watch a class and see how you feel.
Or take a look at what is now offered online. In the Complete Course, for example, Qigong as part of every workshop and then that exercise is linked to related posture and coordination exercises as well as each Tai Chi move.
Where Can I Learn More about Qigong?
1 thing you can do right now that will set you on the path to good respiratory health:
Go through this simple, but powerful breathing exercise now!
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