Tai Chi and Chi Gong are traditions that originated in China. Both are types of exercises that involve the use of breath to develop and balance the energy, or Chi, of the body. In fact, Tai Chi can be considered a type of Chi Gong. Some of the same health benefits can be achieved with both. Where they differ is mainly the applications for which they are used.
History
Chi Gong predates Tai Chi and has been practiced for thousands of years. It has its roots in Taoist philosophy and is actually part of Chinese medicine along with acupuncture and herbology. Chi Gong exercises are often prescribed by acupuncturists as part of the overall healing process. Tai Chi, on the other hand, is not as old as Chi Gong. Though it still has its roots in Taoism, it was developed as a martial art which focuses on yielding in the face of attack.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi exercises include several different elements. One element is a type of breathing exercise, also known as Chi Gong, that is specifically used to enhance the person's ability to perform Tai Chi by increasing his internal energy. The second element is the forms, which are made up of movements that are performed slowly in a prescribed order. In addition to these is the exercise known as Push Hands, in which two people will lightly touch hands together and rock back and forth into each other's space. It is also sometimes called sticky hands because they are to remain connected throughout. This helps to develop the practitioner's ability to sense the other person's energy and therefore improve his ability to defend himself.
Chi Gong
There are hundreds of different kinds of Chi Gong, but all specifically use breathing to affect the energy in the body. Some types of Chi Gong combine breathing with movement, while other types do not. Generally, any one Chi Gong discipline will include exercises of both types. When it is with movement, it is called Dong Gong or dynamic Chi Gong, and when it is the meditative type, it is called Jing Gong. Tai Chi can be considered a type of Dong Gong because it combines specific breathing methods with movement.
Benefits
Both Tai Chi and Chi Gong will help a person develop her chi. They also have general health benefits such as balancing energy, improving circulation, increasing vitality, boosting mental function and generally making the practitioner healthier. Some Chi Gong exercises are directed towards specific parts of the body and can be used to address just about any health problem that a person may have.
Differences
While both Tai Chi and Chi Gong can be used to improve health, Chi Gong is more beneficial in this regard. For a person who has distinct health problems, an acupuncturist may prescribe Chi Gong exercises as they can be more easily directed towards a specific purpose. For example, if a person has a gastrointestinal disease, Chi Gong exercises specifically for the stomach and intestines can be suggested. Tai Chi is excellent for keeping the energy balanced to improve health in a general way and as a preventative medicine. However, its primary focus is for self-defense while that of Chi Gong is enhancing one's health.
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