Balanced and free-flowing ‘qi’ results in health; while stagnant or imbalanced ‘qi’ leads to disease. Tai Chi and Qigong both work to clear blockages and enable ‘qi’ to flow freely around the body, nourishing the internal organs and keeping us healthy.
Qi translates as ‘energy’ or ‘breath’. It is what the Japanese call Ki (like in AiKiDo) and Hindus call Prana. Qi Gong means “working with the qi.” It is the ancient Chinese practice of becoming aware of this life energy and learning how to control its flow.
Tai chi has many myths about its origins. One of those myths says that one day the Taoist monk Chang San-feng was disturbed by the sounds of a snake and a crane fighting in his courtyard.
Tai Chi is both a martial art and a form of meditation. As a system of exercise it is suitable for people of all ages and requires little or no special equipment. It will help you improve your physical health, it can give you skills in self defence and will teach you how to relax.
