About Tai Chi & Qigong
About Tai Chi
Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan), more commonly known as Tai Chi (pronounced
tie-jee, or tie-chee) is an ancient internal Martial Art.
Tai Chi is a member of the martial arts family which all belong to the family called Wushu, which basically means self-defence activities practiced with or without weapons.
Over time, various styles of Tai Chi have evolved. Among the most common styles are Chen, Yang, Wu, Hao and Sun. Each of the five styles is named after the founder’s family name. All the styles have their unique characteristics.
However now most people in the West practice Tai Chi for the peace, inner calm, focus, energy, balance, stress relief and body control. This can be achieved through the unique combination of slow, flowing movements and deep breathing.
Tai Chi is becoming increasingly popular around the World as a health-promoting exercise.
About Qigong
Qigong (pronounced chee-gong) is an ancient system of exercise, originally developed in China over 3,000 years ago. It is also occasionally called Chi Kung or Chi Gung.
It is a system of co-ordinated body-posture and movement, breathing and meditation, which is used to improve one’s physical and mental health.
It has roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and it can be translated as Qi (pronounced Chee) meaning ‘energy’ and Gong meaning ‘cultivation’.
Qigong exercises help to optimise the natural healing energies in the body by regulating the chi through the meridians (energy channels).
There are three major types of Qigong which are Moving Qigong, Standing Qigong and Meditative Qigong.
It is becoming more well known and recognised and is practiced by millions Worldwide for its healing qualities.
Getting Started
Tai Chi and Qigong are suitable for most people.
However, get advice from your GP before starting Tai Chi and Qigong if you have any health concerns, an existing health condition, or haven’t exercised for some time.
