What is Tai Chi and Qi Gong?
It is an ancient Chinese art and method of exercise - a technique of training energy flow, and effectively combining exercise with deep breathing and healing.
Translated from Chinese the word Qi or Chi refers to the life force or energy that flows around the body in definite pathways or meridians. You cannot see it or touch it, but it has potential energy capable of doing work. It can generate heat and perform healing.
Gong is the hard work or effort that is put into balancing and enhancing the energy, or training, and directing the control of energy or Qi (chi)
Qi Gong is also often translated as energy meditation.
Tai Chi means supreme ultimate, short for Taijichuan, which neans supreme ultimate fist, a reference to the martial art from which Tai Chi originated.
The word chi in tai chi is not to be confused with the chi or qi which is the life force energy. Although they are pronounced the same, they are represented by two entirely different characters in Chinese.
Tai Chi is often referred to as moving meditation, because of its beautiful, slow, rhythmic movements.
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