When you start practicing Qigong and Tai Chi, you may want to know which one is better and have some questions about Qigong vs Tai Chi. Now, the following content will help you understand the similarities and differences between them. It will also give you an idea of how to start practicing.
1. Qigong vs Tai Chi – The Similarities
Tai Chi: A Soft Martial Art
- Definition: Tai Chi is categorized as a “soft martial art” and encompasses specific movements, basics, partner exercises, free sparring, and routines with equipment.
- Evolution: Originally used for defense and attack, Tai Chi’s role has shifted towards fitness and traditional art performance in contemporary society.
- Fitness and Qigong: Tai Chi’s fitness aspect closely aligns with Qigong, integrating ancient health techniques such as breath control and meditation.
- Integration: Tai Chi combines various martial arts styles and incorporates essential Qigong practices, emphasizing mental focus, relaxation, body coordination, and breathing techniques.
- Qigong Practice: From this perspective, Tai Chi can be viewed as a form of Qigong practice, highlighting its holistic approach to physical and mental well-being.
Do you know which type of Qigong is good for you? Read:
2. Qigong vs Tai Chi – The Differences
Differences Between Qigong and Tai Chi:
- Origins and Development:
- Tai Chi emerged from combat practice, evolving gradually to fulfill the need for victory on the battlefield.
- Qigong primarily originated from medical practices, aiming to promote health and wellness.
- Methods and Principles of Exercise:
- Qigong focuses on achieving a calm Qi state through relaxing the body and mind, emphasizing body alignment, breath control, and mental focus.
- Tai Chi begins with body movements, cultivating a flexible, continuous, and penetrating force known as “Jin.”
- Ultimate Purposes and Effects:
- Tai Chi aims for the integration of intention, Qi, and strength through continuous practice, guiding Qi to harness power.
- Qigong primarily aims for therapeutic effects, enhancing health and longevity through Qigong exercises.
If you are going to learn Tai Chi, you should read:
Can Qigong and Tai Chi be practiced together?
- Generally, Tai Chi is seen as seeking stillness within movement, while Qigong seeks movement within stillness. They complement each other despite their contrasting essence.
- Tai Chi involves physical movements of the limbs and body, whereas Qigong focuses on guiding internal Qi through mental intention.
- In Tai Chi, the stillness refers to a calm state of mind, while in Qigong, the stillness is reflected in the outer appearance of the body.
- Qigong seeks movement within stillness by encouraging internal Qi movement, whereas in Tai Chi, the aim is stillness within movement, a means of using stillness to respond to movement.
- Stillness isn’t the ultimate goal. The true aim is the internal movement of Qi, enabling the effective use of intention and guiding internal Qi movement within the movements.
- As both practices aim to facilitate internal Qi movement, they mutually benefit each other. Therefore, for health purposes, not only can they be practiced together, but it’s actually preferable to practice them together.
The Benefits of Practicing Qigong and Tai Chi Together
- Tai Chi takes time to master the internal Qi circulation. It takes years of dedicated practice to fully grasp the movements and forms, especially for casual learners.
- On the other hand, Qigong focuses solely on internal energy without physical movements. It involves relaxing, staying calm, using mental focus, and guiding internal energy through breath control within the body.
- When you experience the sensation of Qi during Qigong practice, it helps during Tai Chi sessions. Relaxing, using intention rather than force, and coordinating with breathing become easier, allowing you to feel the internal energy movement along with your Tai Chi movements.
- Conversely, due to the holistic, diverse, and dynamic nature of Tai Chi forms, it requires significant coordination with internal energy movements.
- This comprehensive internal energy circulation facilitates expanding Qi throughout the body during Qigong practice, aligning with the body’s overall movement.
