What is Taiji and Qigong?

Qigong and Taiji are accessible meditative exercises and healing systems that offer many benefits. Many simple Qigong and Taiji exercises can help change how people feel in a matter of minutes.

Qigong is an ancient Chinese healing art that dates as far back as 600 AD and is widely practiced across the world. Qigong focuses on subtle energy and life force known as Qi (pronounced Chee, think cheese without the s) that is gathered and harnessed through different exercises and meditations. Taiji is a form of Qigong with a martial art history that moves the Qi through a series of choreographed movements that flow into each other.

Qigong movements are simple and consist of mostly standing. Sometimes we walk, we sit, and on occasion we lie down like savasana in yoga. There is much focus on the breath, core and pelvic breathing and movement, and coordinating any sort of leg and arm movement with the core, pelvis and breathing. Qi is the life force that exists in all life. It can be felt as circulation, vibration, tingling, heat. Qi can feel nurturing and relaxing but also energizing and empowering.

Some benefits of Qigong and Taiji include:

● Stress Reduction

● Relief of Muscular and Joint Pain

● Greater Range of Motion of Lubrication of Joints

● Release and Movement of Blood and Lymph

● Better Balance with Leg and Core Strength

● Increased Mental Awareness with Mental Relaxation

● Greater Sense of Emotional Well Being

● Nervous System Balance

● Better Posture

● Better Breathing

● Better Digestion

● Better Sleep

● Better Motor Function and Coordination

● Feeling More Grounded, Focused, Centered

● Very Beneficial to Those Who Feel They Struggle to Meditate and Concentrate

● Increases Ability to Listen Better to Your Body

Some Personal Benefits I Found from Qigong and Taiji:

● With consistent practice, I can engage in repetitive motion and manual labor while aspiring to work without forcing the effort

● I can practice strengthening exercises while preventing strain and injury

● I can relax my neck, shoulders and neck while gaining core and leg strength

● I’ve learned to pace myself with life in general

● I have a gained sense of acting intuitively and find an innate rhythm and flow, making more parts of my life into a meditation

● I have better balance and mental coordination

● I have quicker access to states of relaxation with various stressors and situations

● I feel more grounded and energetically contained while channeling subtle universal energy ● I feel less affected by unwanted energies in my environment

● I apply more of a patient outlook towards interpersonal challenges and health, self care and spiritual goals

Education

I was certified by Dr. Yang Yang’s Organization, Waqi to teach Evidence Based Qigong in 2020. I also teach the Chen Style Taiji 7 Form as taught by Master Yang. WaQi (wa-qi.com) Book a Class | Maine Center for Taijiquan & Qigong | Portland, ME (mainetaiji.com)