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WHAT ABOUT THAT ENERGY FROM THE PALMS?​
Some people like to make out that this energy is almost supernatural and that once activated it will cure all illnesses and grant immortality. You'll see photos of them with orbs of light at their throat or coming 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, exercising and focusing on the body in specific ways can improve the immune system, digestive system, calm the nervous system, improve blood circulation etc etc.
Fake energy qigong
Spot the fake energy from the palms
SO WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TAI CHI AND QIGONG?
​Tai Chi is a practice that teaches many things, and differs from Qigong in that the all the moves also have an "application". This application can be focused in different areas: 
  1. Martial (self-defence)
  2. Structural (coordination, balance, footwork etc)
  3. Philosophical (ideas related to Chinese philosophy).​ ​​

WHAT TO DO NEXT?

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 tales 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 can 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. 

WHAT TO DO NEXT?

Tai Chi vs Qigong: Which is better for me? 

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​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. 
  1. 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.
  2. 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.

WHAT TO DO NOW?

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 is taught in every workshop and linked to each Tai Chi posture as well as the posture and coordination exercises. The good part of online teaching is that you can try out a session first and find out if you get on with the teacher. 
​

Where Can I Learn More about Qigong?

3 things you can do right now that will set you on the path to good respiratory health:​
  1. Free: Try this basic introduction to breathing techniques with THIS SIMPLE BREATHING EXERCISE
  2. ​Budget: Try this short but intense  30 Day Breathing course
  3. Full Course: Enrol in the COMPLETE TAI CHI COURSE - that links each of the Qigong breathing moves to a warm up exercise, coordination, posture work, applications and finally to a posture from the Tai Chi Form. 
learn Qigong and Tai Chi at the same time
Read more: Beginners Tai Chi Breathing Course

MORE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ON TAI CHI IN THE FAQ

Read the top questions asked by all students of Tai Chi  - answered in the candid and comical way of the teapotmonk. 
You can read the FAQ here or download an new and extended version that includes links to deeper study, videos and articles as well as suggestions for study and practice
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