Chi gong, also called quigong or chi quong, is similar to tai chi in the same way kung fu is similar to wushu. They are both different schools of the same basic fighting concept. Both use slow-motion martial arts movements, meditative breathing and energy work to exercise the body, reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Breathing
Breathing properly is a core chi gong technique that is used at the center of all other movements. Inhale deeply, filling your body from navel to collarbone. As you breathe in, visualize the air filling your body with positive energy, like pouring your favorite healthy fruit drink into a pitcher. Exhale completely, emptying your body from collarbone to navel. As you breathe out, imagine all the pollution, stress and negative thoughts leaving your body, like pouring tainted water out of a bowl.
Posture
While performing chi gong movements, your back and spine should be erect but relaxed. A common visualization is to imagine that your body is not standing on the ground but rather hanging from a string attached to the crown of the head. According to martial arts teacher Dave Coffman, a body is only as strong as it is aligned. Any bent posture can eliminate strength and cause undue strain on the small muscles that are forced to take the load.
Chi
Chi gong is referred to as an "internal art," meaning that it focuses on the development of internal energy as well as building external skills. Chi is central to that development. Chi is defined as life energy, a universal life force that surrounds and fills all living beings. It was the inspiration for George Lucas' "The Force" in his "Star Wars" movies. Some people claim chi can be used to accomplish supernatural feats. Others consider it a subconscious manipulation of the body's own systems. Either way, understanding and affecting the flow of chi is a central part of chi gong movement.
Benefits
According to Keith Jeffries, medical doctor and martial arts historian, chi gong practice can promote joint health, flexibility, balance, stress relief, relaxation, muscle strength and mobility. He especially recommends it for seniors or people recovering from an injury due to the low-impact nature of the exercises.
Learning More
Chi gong is less well known than its cousin tai chi. It can be found in most large cities or in smaller cities with a disproportionately large Chinese population. If your area only has tai chi classes, ask the instructor how much of his tai chi is actually chi gong. In some cases, the instructor may be offering chi gong or a mixture of the two, calling it tai chi because that's what the American public understands. This is very similar to how many kung fu and tae kwon do schools billed themselves as karate during the 1950s.
References
- Everday Tai Chi: Qigong Exercises
- "Easy Tai Chi"; Keith Jeffries; 2006
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