Chi Kung combines body movements and postures that improve inner and outer body coordination.
It helps in spirituality, body health and meditation.
The Chi Kung rhythmic movements help maintain focus and control body functions like breathing.
These practices are widely used in Chinese medicine, body exercise, and self-healing.
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What Makes Chi Kung Stand Out?
It is a vital aspect in Chinese medicine as it controls respiratory processes, especially breathing.
This breathing helps in both body and soul awakening, a process that psychologically improves body functioning.
Traditional Chinese philosophy has traces of Chi Kung. The rhythmic movements created a sense of belonging among the Chinese, which improved self-discipline and “life energy.”
Chi Kung movements are body exercises that are instrumental in maintaining body balance and general body fitness.
It is a precursor training for martial arts.
When I wanted to delve into tai chi, my trainer instructed me to start with Chi Kung.
Setbacks Associated with Chi Kung
Although it helps calm the body, there is little evidence of its medical benefits to the body.
In essence, it is a short term remedy to health issues.
Also, without combining it with other martial art practices, Chi Kung cannot offer a complete wellness package.
Tai Chi
The initial development of Tai Chi was martial arts but has grown into improving human health and meditation.
Its pioneers designed it for self-defence and competitive wrestling.
However, Yang Shaohou and other Tai Chi enthusiasts came up with its health benefits in the early 20th century.
The practice has since spread worldwide, with Tai Chi practitioners promoting its usefulness to the body and soul.
The difference between these two practices is the process.
Chi Kung entails rhythmic movements whose primary focus is body wellness, while Tai Chi uses the Chi Kung movements in martial arts and other physical engagements.
Benefits of Tai Chi compared to Chi Kung
It is an improved and practical version of Chi Kung.
After learning Chi Kung, it was easier to transition into Tai Chi.
Tai Chi martial art taught me discipline and respect. I only apply it in rare situations when the opponent turns physical.
The practice is synonymous with the Chinese way of life, which many people around the world agree.
It propagates a unique view of life that informs social behaviour.
Rhythmic movements and coordinated punches strengthen the body, doubling up as physical exercises.
The Chi (inner strength) is a product of these movements.
Tai Chi movements enable seamless blood flow in the veins.
It burns out excess fats, which enhances normal body functioning.
Tai Chi Setbacks
Despite the numerous benefits of Tai Chi, most followers concentrate on martial arts.
It may be suitable for self-defence, but most students abuse it.
Furthermore, its application in medicine still needs more research, especially those related to physiology.
Correlation Between Tai Chi and Chi Kung
Chi Kung is a proponent of Tai Chi, which makes it necessary to learn both.
However, Tai Chi is wholesome and brings in more benefits compared to Chi Kung.
In my journey into Chinese philosophy, Tai Chi is more fulfilling, although I started with Chi Kung.