In ancient and medieval China, Taoist practitioners developed methods to cultivate qi, or vital life energy, and heal illness. Out of their efforts emerged qi gong --- "energy work" or "the study of qi." Legend has it that in the 13th century, Taoist monk Chang San-feng developed tai chi when he combined the martial arts skills of Shaolin monks with the internal power of qi gong practices. Tai chi is a form of qi gong practice with martial arts applications.
Origins
By the time he began to develop tai chi, San-feng was already an accomplished martial artist and Taoist alchemist --- a term for practitioners who studied the art of life extension, including qi gong exercises, meditation techniques and breathwork. Observing a fight between a snake and a crane, and noting the animals' softness, power and turning motions, San-feng saw an ideal way to apply Taoist theories about qi to a system of physical exercise and martial arts self-defense, according to the website of the Patience T'ai Chi Association.
Common Formula
Tai chi and qi gong share a formula for personal qi cultivation common to internal martial arts, notes Roger Jahnke, director of the Institute of Self-Initiated Healing and author of "The Healing Promise of Qi." When you practice the movements of tai chi or qi gong with focused mental intention, you create inner harmony. This harmony in turn allows the abundant flow of qi, which, over time, leads to improved health and longevity. However, the way qi gong and tai chi express this formula is quite different. While qi gong movements are relatively simple stretches, tai chi's moves are based on the complex blocks, strikes and kicks common to martial arts.
Skill Development
Tai chi and qi gong are ultimately interrelated. In order to perform tai chi well, you need to be familiar with the key elements of qi gong: working with a straight spine; breathing fully, deeply and evenly; and developing a strong mental focus. You can develop these skills through tai chi practice alone, but doing qi gong will help. Think of qi gong as a foundation for tai chi practice, advises the website of the Qigong Institute. In turn, learning the complex movements of tai chi can help you to appreciate some of the more subtle aspects of qi gong. The strong mental focus you develop through visualizing how you could apply strikes, kicks and blocks as you do tai chi will help you stay on track when you return to the more abstract mental focus of qi gong meditation.
Best of Both Worlds
In the West, tai chi classes are easier to find than qi gong classes. But don't despair: Many tai chi teachers are familiar with qi gong exercises and will dedicate some class time to qi gong practice. Ultimately, because tai chi is a form of qi gong, it offers relaxation and peace of mind while improving the circulation of qi throughout your body --- the ultimate goal of any Chinese longevity therapy, notes Jwing-Ming Yang, founder of Yang's Martial Arts Association and author of "The Essence of Taiji Qigong."
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