Taiji or Qigong…Which is Best for You?
By Jason Ames
T
aijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) is becom- ing more popular across the western world due, in part, to recent and on- going medical research, which increasingly validates the therapeutic efficacy of such “mind/body” practices. An aging population combined with a necessary shift towards prevention-based healthcare, along with new insights into the field of psychoneu- roimmunology, has positioned Taiji as the activity of choice for people of all ages and abilities. A fun and engaging way to main- tain and enhance health, manage stress and develop greater personal well-being, it’s easy to recognize the wide appeal of this ancient practice.
Although this burgeoning popularity is
a very positive trend, an important question should be asked. “In order to yield the most benefits in the shortest amount of time, what are the most essential aspects of this diverse Chinese art, which has developed and evolved since the 17th century?” Put into medical terminology, what are Taiji’s “best practices”. As an 18-year practitio- ner and full time teacher of Taiji, I strongly believe that part of the answer can be found in two questions commonly asked by begin- ning students. What is Qigong? What does it have to do with Taiji? I offer the following overview with the intention of giving read- ers insight and perspective into the impor- tant relationship between these two distinct yet closely related arts.
What is Qigong?
A general, overarching term, Qigong can be simplistically translated as the cul- tivation, nurturing, or exercise of one’s Qi or life-force energy. There are thousands of practices and exercises that meet this broad
definition and so it is helpful to categorize Qigong exercises as characteristically either dynamic (moving) or static (still). Although distinctly different, both categories of Qi- gong involve the mindful, often meditative development of one’s awareness of, and relationship between, their physical body, emotions/heart, conscious mind and spirit. Static Qigong meditations are done either standing upright, sitting or in a supine position. The physical benefits of standing meditation include gentle strength training, (especially for the lower body), and foster- ing economy and efficiency of movement, which decreases fatigue. The practice also instills basic postural training, which is es- sential for improved balance and integral to all internal martial arts. This practice also contributes to balancing the autonomic ner- vous system and has been found to improve one’s quality of sleep. Dynamic Qigong exercises may include, silk reeling and agility practice, as well as Taiji forms. Benefits of dynamic Qigong include strengthening the body’s core function in horizontal, vertical, diago- nal, and circular trajectories, increasing one’s functional base of support, as well as gently and safely increasing flexibility of the joints throughout the entire body. It is easy to recognize the value of these skills as essential not only for combat, but in our daily activities, whether they are walking or hiking, kayaking, gardening, shoveling snow or any recreational sport.
What is Taiji?
Taiji form practices improve cognition and further the benefits gained through dynamic Qigong while introducing poten- tially unlimited variation of motor programs
pertaining to direction, intention of move- ments, and short, medium and long range power. It is important to understand that historically Taiji forms were developed as a fighting art, although today the practice is more commonly pursued as a way to foster and maintain physical, mental and spiritual health. Health focused Taiji forms are typi- cally slow and flowing movement sets that can vary widely in length and complexity. More martially oriented forms often include very rapid, agile and explosive movements. However, the foundation of the advanced aspects of Taiji rests within a deep under- standing of the slow, refined movements that have come to characterize the art to a Western audience. If one’s Taiji practice includes Qigong
it will have greater depth, as these diverse training components are interrelated and interdependent, one discipline informing the other. Whether pursued for martial/ath- letic enhancement or for improved health, the art of Taijiquan is ultimately concerned with deepening integration between one’s physical body and their mental, emotional and spiritual existence. For many, the prac- tice offers a path toward greater harmony and tranquility within themselves and the surrounding world. Whether you seek less stress, natural methods of pain management, improved functional integration, or are simply drawn to the beauty and grace of Taiji, I encourage you to give it a try. A knowledgeable teacher should be able to safely and efficiently help you achieve your goals.
Jason Ames is the founder and owner of Maine Center for Taijiquan & Qigong. For more information, call 207-780-9581 or visit
mainetaiji.com. See ad on page 6.
www.EssentialLivingMaine.com 21
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36