Difference Between Qigong and Tai Chi

I am constantly asked by people, "What is Qigong?". I often start by asking them if they have ever heard of Taiji (Tai Chi). If they have then I can use their level of understanding of Tai Chi to explain what Qigong is.

In the video above I'll be answering the question, "What is the difference between Qigong and Tai Chi?".

Janice Tucker is a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Medical Qigong, and the founder of the Space To Relax online programme of Qigong video lessons.

Please don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel by clicking the red "Subscribe" button above so you don't miss my regular videos which are full of useful health enhancing tips. These videos will help you to benefit your health and prevent illness from arising in the first place. Also please give this video a "Like" if you found it informative.

The 7 Main Differences Between Qigong and Tai Chi

1. Tai Chi is a form of Qigong Qigong is the basis of Tai Chi. The focus of the breath and mind which are cultivated in Qigong practice are the underlying foundation of Tai Chi.

2. Tai Chi is a martial art and Qigong is used for wellness and healing Qigong utilises specific exercises for healing. Tai Chi does not do this, even though many people practice Tai Chi for healing and wellbeing purposes. Qigong does not involve any attack/defence or fighting movements as Tai Chi does although Qigong techniques can help you to improve your power and self defence techniques if you are practising Tai Chi or Kung Fu.

3. Tai Chi and Qigong make use of different movements Qigong includes movements which can be performed from a sitting or lying down position whereas Tai Chi generally uses standing movements. Both focus on slow movements in general, although not always.

4. Tai Chi and Qigong may work with Qi differently Often, in Qigong, separate movements focus on specific Qi functions, especially in medical Qigong. In Tai Chi the movements tend not to do this and work more on whole body function and movement of Qi.

5. The complexity of movement in Tai Chi and Qigong is different Qigong uses very simple movements whereas Tai Chi uses more complex stances, movements and forms.

6. Tai Chi utilises forms whereas Qigong does not Qigong does not make use of the forms used in Tai Chi but instead is based on a series of exercises tailored to the individual health needs of the practitioner at any particular time.

7. Qigong is more adaptive than Tai Chi Some Tai Chi movements and stances can be difficult to perform for anyone with any physical restriction or injury. Because Qigong is more of a free form practice then the individual can adapt the simple movements of Qigong to their own needs and abilities.

So, if you would like to learn some Qigong for yourself why not give it a go by heading over to the Space To Relax homepage (www.spacetorelax.com)? There you can sign up to receive three free video lessons which will be delivered to you by e-mail over the course of a few days. Also, for a free audio meditation "Calm Your Busy Mind In 8 Minutes" scroll to the bottom of the Space To Relax homepage to sign up for that.