In class this week I talked about ch’i-kung (also spelled qigong) and Tai Chi.
Frequently, when people call me to inquire about Tai Chi, they ask me if I also teach ch’i-kung. It is a confusion that is common. The answer is: Tai Chi is ch’i-kung. Ch’i-kung is a very broad term which simply means disciplining the ch’i or breath energy. There are hundreds maybe even thousands of methods of ch’i-kung. Some, like Tai Chi Chuan, Pa Kua Chang, and Hsing-I Chuan, have martial arts function while others combine calisthenics with breath control and others are done while standing still (like when we hold posture and do standing meditation) and still others are done seated or lying down.
Frequently, when people call me to inquire about Tai Chi, they ask me if I also teach ch’i-kung. It is a confusion that is common. The answer is: Tai Chi is ch’i-kung. Ch’i-kung is a very broad term which simply means disciplining the ch’i or breath energy. There are hundreds maybe even thousands of methods of ch’i-kung. Some, like Tai Chi Chuan, Pa Kua Chang, and Hsing-I Chuan, have martial arts function while others combine calisthenics with breath control and others are done while standing still (like when we hold posture and do standing meditation) and still others are done seated or lying down.
My grand teacher, Cheng Man-ch’ing, who was the official representative of the traditional Chinese medical profession in Taiwan, said that Tai Chi was the best ch’i-kung because it was safe and used a natural method of breathing. It’s focus on strength through relaxation is also a marvelous quality.
Kim
Kim
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