No, Tai Chi and QiGong are not the same.
While they do appear similar, they do have some major differences that help to set them apart.
My years of practicing both techniques have taught me that they can increase energy and relieve stress.
And while they are both ancient Chinese traditions, learning what sets them apart will make it easier for you to choose the right one.
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What Is Tai Chi Compared to QiGong?
Tai Chi is a type of movement and exercise focusing on training and martial arts.
I generally use it for health and wellness purposes.
As a practitioner and teacher, I believe that anyone can practice Tai Chi, and you can do it in any situation you like.
Tai Chi is, in many cases, described as a form of moving meditation.
Practicing it will involve performing a series of slow, free-flowing motions.
Each move you make is patterned after a certain nature movement.
Furthermore, much of the work you will perform will require you to stand and take small steps in a given direction.However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t make adjustments to make the same motions even while seated.If there is anything it has taught me, you have to be willing to make adjustments to benefit from its offerings.
Dedicated practice and continued dedication to Tai Chi will allow you to enjoy numerous benefits, e.g., better mental and physical health.
Often, these are benefits you will begin to enjoy after the first few series of classes or lessons.
Qigong—What Is It?
I like to define Qi as a life force or the energy that powers our spirits and physical bodies.Gong is a term I use to refer to ‘gather’ or work.
When used together, you can refer to Qi Gong as a type of movement using mindfulness and intention to guide Qi in making Qi work.
Over the years, I have taken to describing Qigong as Tai Chi’s internal aspects.
Every physical aspect is characterized by a fixed motion performed numerous times.
Using this description, I would say Qi is a form of energy that enables me to experience motions and feel alive, regardless of my situation.
Traditional practitioners believed that you could shift focus to a part of the body, an emotion, or a goal using Qigong.
I have learned that the working idea behind this theory is that the energy in your body goes where your mind sends it.
As you continue to practice the same movements over and over, you will start to stimulate respiration, bone, and muscle growth.
The Primary Differences Between Tai Chi and Qigong
For a person interested in learning either or both of these forms, I would recommend you start by understanding their differences.
It’s the only way to know which is best for you.
Tai Chi Is More Complex
It can take several months to learn and master a single Tai Chi move.
This is because it involves a series of motions.Qigong involves performing a single motion over and over.
In some cases, you don’t even need to perform any movements.
Tai Chi Lays Emphasis on Form
Tai Chi requires you to have lots of self-discipline.
You can’t execute it without properly positioning your spine, feet, and knees.Qigong is
not rigid, which is why I consider it a free-form practice.
So, Are QiGoing and Tai Chi The Same?
Back to our earlier question, Are Tai Chi and Qigong the same? No!
While they are both ancient Chinese practices, they do have some differences that clearly sets them apart.
You can’t perform Tai Chi without proper self-discipline and without learning how to position your body. Qigong doesn’t have all these requirements, making it easier to master.