Difference Between Taichi & Qigong
- 2500 BC – Around this time Qi Gong (pronounced chee kong) – meaning energy practice – began in ancient China with breathing, stretching and energy meditations inspired by nature and animal movements to improve health and longevity, and cultivate spiritual growth. Qi Gong was originally known as Dao Yin and Tu Na.
- 1000 AD – Around this time Qi Gong began to be practiced by Internal Martial Artists to enhance combat skills and fighting power, using more mind/qi power and less brute force/muscular strength. Tai Chi Chuan (pronounced tie jee chuen) – meaning fist of the mind – was one of the earliest Internal Martial Arts systems to emerge from Qi Gong at this time.
- 1920’s – For the first time Tai Chi Chuan was simplified and taught to the general public in China.
- 1950’s – Qi Gong and Tai Chi Chuan were simplified & standardized specifically for hospitals, schools and competitions in China.
- 2000’s – Since the millennium, Qi Gong and Tai Chi Chuan have become very popular around the world, and added to the menu at many western commercial Yoga Centers. These New Age hybrid versions include Yogic stretching exercises, resulting in a confusing gymnastic clutter of 2 great philosophies with little focus on actual Qi meditation.
- To conclude – Originally, Tai Chi Chuan and Qi Gong have the same root philosophy in the Tao and TCM , and similar benefits for health and relaxation. However, authentic Qi Gong classes focus mainly on Qi training, while Tai Chi Chuan classes can also include self-defense training.
Tai Chi Chuan and Qi Gong are two forms of mind-body exercise from ancient China that have more similarities than differences. Most people who practice Tai Chi Chuan also incorporate Qi Gong into their practice as they result in similar benefits including increased oxygenation of the whole body, mental calmness and renewed strength and vitality. Tai Chi Chuan and Qi Gong both centre around the philosophy of cultivating Qi, the life force or vital energy in our body. Both involve good posture and gentle movements. Both practices integrate breath with movement and use cognitive skills such as imagery and visualization to heighten awareness of energy circulation.
One major difference is that Tai Chi Chuan was originally created as a martial art with all its movements being either attacking, defensive and neutralizing. Tai Chi Chuan also has partner exercises known as Pushing Hands for developing advanced techniques, self-defense and martial power. Health Qi Gong is not a martial art and does not have any self-defense movements or Pushing Hands exercises. Health Qi Gong can be practiced sitting, standing and moving, but Tai Chi Chuan only has moving exercises. People get confused because when practiced slowly for health and relaxation Tai Chi Chuan is categorized as a form of Health Qi Gong.
However, both are easy to do, benefit everyone, and the results can be extraordinary. Each lesson builds on the next which helps to create a conversation of sensing, feeling and relaxing that engages your whole being in a process where old habits can be replaced by new awareness and skill. To train the mind to deeply connect with the language of the body is an art that requires guidance form a teacher and regular practice. As your own inner wisdom awakens it guides you through your healing journey and beyond.
