Harmony Tai Chi Qigong Tai Chi is a series of continuous, circular, slow, relaxed, smooth, flowing movements that has numerous health benefits for people of all ages and health conditions. It is not just a form of physical exercise; it also generates and circulates Chi (vital energy) around the body by following certain principles of movement, posture and breathing.
Tai Chi improves the circulation of blood and brings about a balance of Chi around the body. Tai Chi opens joints, relaxes muscles, flexes tendons and ligaments, eases tension, strengthens and energizes the organs, resulting in a healthier body and a state of relaxation. Tai Chi movements are also designed to enhance circulatory systems, to boost the immune systems, to increase vitality, and to develop balance, flexibility and coordination, leading to a harmonious balance of mind, body and spirit.
How is this achieved?
In accordance with Chinese traditional medicine, Chi flow and balance are at the root of all health conditions. When the balance of Chi is disrupted, ailments and illness occur. When the balance of Chi is restored, health is re-established. Tai Chi heals both the body and mind by unblocking, balancing and improving the flow of Chi through the acupuncture energy pathways called meridians that run through every part of the body.
About Qigong
On the surface, most Qigong looks similar to Tai Chi. It uses natural, physical movements with coordinated breathing, visualisation, and mental concentration, just like Tai Chi. So how are they different? Well, Tai Chi is one of the more complicated forms of Qigong.
The term Qigong (pronounced chee gung - sometimes spelled Chi Kung) means ‘working with vital energy‘. It refers to a family of practices for health, fitness, energy development and stress relief.
Qigong includes more than just movement exercises like Tai Chi. It also includes standing and sitting meditations, massage, therapeutic healing techniques, and other health and energy-building practices.
Qigong has been practiced in China for thousands of years as an internal breathing and healing art. It is a powerful tool for balancing and revitalizing the physical body and strengthening the mind.
There are over 2000 different styles of Qigong, ranging from the easy-to-learn to the complicated. The easy-to-learn styles contain relatively few movements, and the movements may be repeated several times. The movements may often be practiced in any order. The complicated styles contain a great number of movements (some styles have 200 or more) with very few repetitions. The movements are often performed in a precise order that cannot be altered.
