Should You Learn Qigong, Tai Chi, or Both?

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In this video, I give 5 reasons to learn qigong, and 5 reasons to learn tai chi. Read the blog post here: flowingzen.com/19290/should-yo...

[@ravenoptima]

I'm a QiGong teacher, and this even gave ME chills of inspiration and refreshment.

[@sharonarnold1720]

This is explained so well, I started to do Tai Chi but I think at the moment I will stick with Gigong because I find it easier because my balance isn't very good at the moment. Thank you so much for this

[@1borisbad8]

I started some tai chi for beginners and those with arthritis. I found the exercises helpful but then got into qi gong and found it much easier to handle and less stressful.

[@TheSubwaysurfer]

Thank you so much for your eloquent thought-provoking and comprehensive explanation of why you should take both arts. I’ve dabbled in chi gong for the most part for the reasons you already outlined. The forms are easy, and user-friendly. But even with that, I never seriously gave it much consideration being much more interested in getting my tai chi form right and thinking incorrectly that chi gong exercises were somewhat inferior to the form. Boy was I ignorant! L O L. Having listened to this broadcast I am definitely now more enthusiastic about focusing on both especially that chi gong exercise

[@jojow8416]

I'm recovering from a traumatic brain injury that initially caused me to completely forget my entire life. I didn't know who I was or anyone else. My brain was in a baby state until my intensive therapy helped me get my memories back. I'm hoping that QiGong will help me recuperate my balance and help heal my brain further. If you have another art that is better for this healing please let me know. Thank you for your wonderful video and thank you for anyone who can answer my question.

[@FlowingZen]

Hi JoJo. I'm so sorry to hear about the TBI. It must have been scary to forget who everyone was! To answer your question, I think qigong will help you in a lot of ways. If there's a better choice out there, I haven't found it! I think m Qigong 101 program will be a good fit for you. It reopens in November. Details are here: flowingzen.com/101

[@nicholasheiendgemshei3949]

I have tbi but mild , I had to do Nuro plasticity I went to this share center in Atlanta I am a Purple Heart veteran but you sound like you had it way worse than I did as I didn’t forget my life,

[@jojow8416]

@@nicholasheiendgemshei3949 Thank you for sharing your story. I am 6 years out from the accident that I was so blessed to survive. Everyday is such a joy, even with all the challenges that I continue to face. I now the true value of life, it isn't the stuff we have, or how we look, but the beautiful people in our lives, and since the accident, I now have a deep relation with Jesus and am surrounded by beautiful people and that is all that really matter to me now. My husband took me to a clinic in Utah called CognitiveFX where their therapy gave me back my life. It only takes 5 days for their brilliant techniques to improve the lives of people who have had a TBI. They have clients from all over the world who have all had miraculous recoveries. One key word kept me going and that word was YET. I can't do something YET which implies that one day I will be able to. I can not drive YET, or see properly YET, but those are minor compared to still being alive to share my life with others. God Bless you dear Nicholas and keep focusing on what you can do, not on that which you can not. God Bless you and thank you for your service.

[@magnusgold4010]

Thanks so much, i appreciate your benefits and aspects of Qigong, im a great believer, and amateur practitioner of the art. I have paused my chi kung, for the a long while, but everyday when I wake up i continue with the breathing and mind control-self belief Qigong. Im just lagging behind in physically doing Qigong, and cause i work strenously everyday ive given up on my certain beliefs. I am just dormant, and i guess waiting for the right moment to rise and shine, but im always waiting to become more fluid like when I was younger lol. I always have hope and faith that Qigong will find me and restore the goodness i was into, so thanks again, and i wish to hear back from you.

[@RoelBaardman]

Thanks for posting this video! I've started Tai Chi a while ago and I'm having problems with learning all the moves and remembering. Like you describe, the QiGong excercises that we do give me so much energy and are less stressful.

[@mauronicolascanseco1643]

Just wonderful, been searching for "what does chi square measure?" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you ever come across - Fonebastian Unexpected Framework - (do a google search ) ? It is a good exclusive guide for learning powerful methods to build your Chi energy without the headache. Ive heard some super things about it and my cousin got great success with it.

[@joannaoconnor9418]

I’m going to start Qigong tomorrow morning ❤️🙏thank you for the lovely explanation

[@cheilaho]

Thank you for explaining the differences. I think I'll start with QiGong.

[@malgorzatawasielewska4517]

thank you for giving this in dept insight into both techniques !

[@SgtJackRose]

In the class I take, we do both. We warm up with the Eight Brocade, standing meditation and then practice the form (108). We’ve done some other Qigong movements. I’ve always been a little skeptical about moving some force around my body, but my neck pain seems lessened. I missed my class on Sunday and I’m less calm. We did the walking - better than Zen walking (I get wobbly). I can feel the balance with the Tai Chi. And while it’s park Tai Chi, I am seeing the martial aspects revealed, sometimes in class, sometimes on KZbin and sometimes you can see where they are going with it. Fascinating.

[@markrazook7963]

Thank you Sifu Anthony for your insightful observations . I am suscribing . Peace and thanks again .

[@cosmopolitanbay9508]

Good point about them feeding each other. Usually, a good teacher would always add a simple Tai-Chi routine to the Chi-Gong and vice versa.

[@martas6317]

Thank you for this informative video. I've found it really helpful :)

[@chandler_short]

Great video! Thanks for your wisdom!

[@djnonnydaflame7240]

Thank you very much! This video was very helpful in helping decide btw both

[@ifiddle2]

I started learning Qigong a few years ago and found a local (Akron, OH) Tai Chi teacher who has studied both and incorporates both into our practice! Ends up we have both studied with the same Qigong master too! I get great benefit from both practices but tend to lean toward 2-3 Qigong practices for energy work and healing. Thanks for putting this up!

[@amylee9]

Hello, where can I find the qigong teacher in Akron, OH? Thanks

[@TheSubwaysurfer]

The fantastic thing about chi gong is that you can do the exercises immediately anywhere! While waiting for the bus while taking a stroll in the park while sitting in your chair watching TV whereas if you’re deciding to do tai chi you definitely need space

[@helibladerunner74]

Thanks for a clear and concise explanation of Qugong and T’ai Chi I have started self teaching myself the Yáng style 40 form and incorporated some Qigong stretches along with the Tai Chi Having studied Wing Chun several years ago T’ai Chi is a great addition to that I haved subbed your channel and will continue to explore your videos on there Keep up the good work

[@FlowingZen]

Good for you. And thanks for the sub. But just so you know, I'm not very active on YT. Better to grab some of the freebies from my website: flowingzen.com/1024/lifting-the-sky-best-qigong-exercise-ever/

[@debbiecameron-davis5938]

Brilliant explanation-Thank you so much!

[@ynyslochtyn]

Full blown tai chi is indeed very daunting but there are simplified, cut-down versions which are less complicated.

[@paulthomas8066]

Thank you for your great information...!

[@susanbloodgood3572]

Thanks for the inspiration , I started in the 70’s with “ATOFU” Tai Chi - Translation- Almost Totally Freaking Useless, Even that Tai Chi was Very beneficial, Immediately felt grounded, my center of gravity, Walking the halls of High school was such a great experience , felt like I was floating like a cloud avoiding everyone, 5 years later we got our crooked forms corrected , Everyone in this new school had been taught wrong stances etc, It just gets better with all of us contributing

[@aiden7274]

Great video, thank you!

[@m.fajarkurniawan643]

thanks for video master sifu, i will start learn qi gong from your blog

[@zenarobinson3851]

many thanks for this! i had been wondering what, if any, the differences were! :-)

[@Unrested123]

Thanks for having your channel. Subscribed!

[@FlowingZen]

You're welcome, Cody!

[@cacciato69]

the duration of tai ji also is key to the healing as with any meditation duration is important to health restoration and cultivation

[@momosmith8740]

Thanks a lot! I've found it really helpful and informative. Xie xie ni 🙏

[@lailamoe9157]

I like the way you teach - You are a very good teacher :) 🙏

[@maculiventris]

Thank you to help me make the right choice! I'll start with QiGong and then see for Tai Chi.

[@anthonykorahais2317]

Glad it was helpful! You can start learning some qigong for free here: flowingzen.com/free

[@shifushay]

Great video thanks a lot!

[@ezgicoskun5722]

Very good explanation thanks 🙏

[@Lugha-lt9vj]

great explanation, thank you !

[@MickeyOwenTM]

Very useful. Thank you

[@joansierra7507]

Thank you for this. This will help me and husband to move forward in our healing journey.

[@FlowingZen]

Glad it's helpful!

[@margiesanchez2906]

Thanks Master Anthony for the information about it margie Sanchez you know so much i love taichi and weapons i love both!

[@margiesanchez2906]

Oh it's me margie Master Anthony how many years have you been teaching taichi and the rest of it? I am just curious that's all. Now in my case if I ever wanted to teach i know it but I would have to ask my first taichi teacher Robert morning star but I am happy just being in to taichi form and the weapons forms.

[@1mataleo1]

I think one source of confusion about the meaning of “Chi” in Tai Chi is due to the fact that the spelling of the words Tai Chi are using the Wade-Giles spelling. The Pinyin system is much more popular now a days, and in Pinyin it us spelt “Tai Ji” which is also closer to the correct pronunciation. So the correct pronunciation is “Tai” as in Tie your shoe, and “Jee” as in the word Jeep. For anyone interested, I would highly recommend The Essence of Chinese QiGong by Yang JwingMing. That book really gave me a thorough understanding of the types of qigong and the theory behind the practices. In fact, almost anything by him is a good read

[@denisepadilla806]

Thank you! I chose quigong for now then I'll learn tai chi

[@FlowingZen]

Good for you, Denise!

[@junglejarred6366]

Thank you

[@esterk1592]

Thank You. :)

[@ahteechia2687]

I agree with cacciato69. Tai Chi Chuan is a Qigong as well as a martial art, if you have learned it properly. Tai Chi involves correct posture, correct movement, correct chi flow, and correct utilization of chi. Whereas Qigong for self healing only involve correct posture, correct movement, and correct chi flow. In Tai Chi the utilization of chi is the martial application. Qigong do have utilization of chi when you want to use chi to heal others. If you are learning it for self healing this aspect is missing. In Tai Chi correct chi flow is all about Qigong, ie developing awareness of the chi flow in your body and allowing this flow guide your movements. This is fairly advanced level Tai Chi after you have some mastery of correct posture and correct movement. I must also add that correct breathing is an essential element of both Tai Chi and Qigong. To conclude- Tai Chi is a Qigong as well as a martial art, whereas self healing Qigong does not involve the martial aspect. If the Tai Chi you are learning does not have qigong within it (not with a supplementary Qigong exercise) and/or a martial aspect, you are not learning Tai Chi but just waving your arms around.

[@FlowingZen]

I addressed this topic here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqnQg5lnrZKHf7c

[@cindycortez4633]

Ahtee, I disagree with you regarding utilization of qi. Take a step back and think about what you stated. You said qigong has utilization of qi when you want to use it to heal others but utilization is missing when learning it for self-healing. If you are able to utilize qi to heal others then you should also be able to heal yourself. I am a qigong instructor and I educate my students how to utilize qi for self-healing. Doesn't make sense if someone is going to learn how to heal others with qi and not learn how to heal his or her self first. By the way, there is a difference between Qi in Qigong and Chi in Tai Chi.

[@smileykai77]

If one can help, one can also kill. All rivers flow to the same ocean. Om ne du fu a om.

[@teshajie]

great video!!

[@jayumble8390]

This was was fantastic...thank you!!

[@anthonykorahais2317]

Glad it was helpful!

[@grantsorensen9768]

I'm taking up both :D

[@BR-cq2hm]

Most people, like myself, had never heard of Qi Gong until they tried Tai Chi first and found the learning curve a bit steep. That's when I discovered Qi Gong and have now been practicing for a year. It's a great foundation because after you become accustomed to cultivating qi, you will want to progress to tai chi or other martial arts.

[@starpause]

I appreciate your elaboration forms of self defense since the blocking punches aspect doesn't hold water (Xu Xiaodon vs Wei Lei, dishonorable as it was). A few words around the broadness of medicine could be helpful too: it's not just pills but all kinds of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Great video! 🙏

[@anthonykorahais2317]

Hi there. Sorry, but I'm on very active on KZbin. I'm much better at responding on my blog and on Facebook. Anyway, Wei Lei is a good example of what happens when you don't pressure test your tai chi. He was operating in an echo chamber with his students, and he thought he was more skillful than he actually is. Tai chi can absolutely be used for self defense, just like any martial art. But it has to be practiced just like any martial art, and that includes sparring against people from other schools. Anyone who watched the fight can see that Wei Lei has absolutely no response to basic boxing. He was totally unprepared. That's his fault, not Tai Chi's fault.

[@margiesanchez2906]

I margie Sanchez my first taichi teacher Robert morning star taught me taichi cheng man ching style yang style i didn't know about taichi Gunn until i went to the white dragon SCHOOL. I like both i now have been practicing cheng style of taichi and taichi gung . I still practice cheng man ching style yang or yin form now I am learning taichi weapons forms that's so good and cool to learn to and it's fun.

[@ravenoptima]

I have to say that something about my QiGong has a self-defense aspect, but it arises from the nature of the Chi itself, which is protective and defensive....For the most part, it is more likely to prevent me from going into a dangerous or combative situation to begin with, though. I also used to wrestle with someone who was totally superior to me physically. He went away for a year once, and i continued my QiGong for a year, which evidently connected me with PENG energy (Earth). Unexpectedly, when my wrestling partner returned to challenge me again, i nailed him effortlessly, and kept him pinned until he gave up, despite the fact that we were still mis--matched physically. My motto really is "Never-say-never" with QiGong.

[@weezen11]

I love both

[@Maria.Ferreira27]

I have been doing taichi , Qi gong for 20 years and it has been a wonderful practice with a lot of benefit. For my experience I agree that beginners start Qi gong first and then switch for taichi and keep practicing both. Discipline is a key to experience the healing part and the flexibility and more good things from this practice. The more we do it the better. But I disagree that taichi should be practice with another person, It could be done alone o with another person if you want. I practice my forms alone and in group. Well that's what I been doing. Nice video by the way.

[@tommysheehan8874]

I love tai chi and kung fu I tried quite gong

[@marybrown8376]

Great video.

[@anthonykorahais2317]

Thanks Mary!

[@cacciato69]

over the years i have significant experience to warrant tai ji over qi gong (i do both; have for 40 years). 1; Dynamic movement of the whole body is central to tai ji, for older people balance becomes a real issue and tai ji helps to protect against falls, 2; the spiral energy of tai ji is key to good circulation of lymph, we don't have a heart to pump lymph, but cloud hand stepping and bending kwa massage the many glands in the inguinal (kwa) channels not found in most qi gong practice which benefit immune system; and 3 martial applications and movements help us to ward off, redirect and counter many energy events that may impact us ... i have had 1500 # cows run into me and successfully avoided injury because of tai ji reactions. So all tai ji needs to include nei gong and qi gong but the benefits of tai ji are manifestly greater than qi gong in my opinion.

[@FlowingZen]

Thanks for watching, cacciato69. It's great that you've been doing qigong and tai chi for so many years. I'd like to point out that the qigong I teach has dynamic, whole-body movement, including balance exercises. We also have exercises that pump lymph fluid. But I agree with you about the martial applications. That's something that you just can't get without taijiquan, or some other martial arts practice.

[@TheSubwaysurfer]

I personally don’t care if tai chi is used for martial art I can see it’s martial arts aspects in the movements but if I need to learn combat techniques and principles there are other arts one can practice that are comparatively speaking, easier to learn like kickboxing, Muaythai, western boxing, or wrestlingThat just about covers it tai chi is my art I use for Relaxing

[@jphoenix1639]

I want to thank you I’ve been trying to learn tai chi an was frustrated. I am now going to start with QiGong do you have any or recommend an beginning class?

[@wadebritton7307]

Hi Sufi Anthony. What is Qigong Sickness? What are the causes? Does make one reticent to practice Qigong when you read the impact of this condition..Would appreciate your valued comments...Wade

[@jdaywork2693]

It would be interesting to hear the parallels between Yoga and Qigong.

[@FlowingZen]

Yoga is not my forte, so you would have to ask my students.

[@unicorntamer2207]

That's like asking for parallels between a space documentary and Star Wars. Both Qi Gong and yoga are about benefits for the mind and body but they go about it in completely different ways. I do yoga on KZbin and I know it's Americanized so it's completely different from it's Indian origin. The stuff I do is mostly stretching, working on posture, and breathing and relaxing the muscles and the mind. (It's kind of like a full body massage that you can give to yourself.) The original yoga consists of a small number of poses and focuses on calming the mind and meditating. If people are folding themselves into crazy knots, it's completely Americanized. Like how Taco Bell is far from authentic Mexican food. I stick with basic videos and avoid anything that feels unnatural. Listen to your body. I also do a Qi Gong routine after my yoga and I like how I feel afterwards.

[@XyZ-de8be]

I used to do Shaolin Quanfa and Qi gong, now im practicing Qi gong, Shorin Ryu Karate and some Chen Taiji. I think because you use a universal principle you can combine Qi gong very well with some more external oriented martial arts like kung fu, some karate styles or whatever you are practicing. Would you agree? Thanks for the nice video

[@anthonykorahais2317]

The idea that you can't combine qigong with other arts is just weird. And wrong. A Western boxer who adds qigong to their regimen will get tons of benefits. So why wouldn't you be able to add it to Shorin Ryu Karate too? You can.

[@XyZ-de8be]

@@anthonykorahais2317 thank you for your answer!

[@jdaywork2693]

I want to tell folks that they can learn Qigong and continue practicing their martial art of choice. A school in my area has people do both Qigong and Wing Chun.

[@FlowingZen]

I totally agree. In fact, that's what happened to me. I was a black belt in karate, but I needed healing. My search led me to tai chi, but I wasn't interested (at the time) in abandoning my karate. Thankfully, I found qigong, and this enabled me to start healing without learning a new martial art.

[@jdaywork2693]

Flowing Zen Ok great! It's good to hear voices of much greater experience confirm my personal theories! Thanks again Sifu!

[@hoantran041975]

@@FlowingZen Once your practicing in Qigong be so naturally ,you can apply Qigong in karate to exploit when to withdraw chi or to force chi to the maximum potential.. and you can take taichi class to learn how to move chi to different part of your body...Qigong is the inner strength and it is an art to move that strength to different movements.

[@SI-ln6tc]

Tai chi and chi gong is one.

[@kimberlystevens3020]

I've already started Tai Chi but I think I will try both.

[@FlowingZen]

If you want to learn some qigong, I've got a free online workshop that just opened on Thursday: flowingzen.com/workshop

[@kristinabliss]

Tai Chi is a form of Chi Kung.

[@FlowingZen]

@@kristinabliss I address that in the video, and also here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqnQg5lnrZKHf7c

[@RocknRollkat]

This is not even a question. Chi Kung develops and strengthens your chi, Tai Chi Chuan is the martial application of that strengthened and developed chi. You can NOT practice Tai Chi correctly without Chi Kung training. The problem is that most "teachers" of Tai Chi have no idea what I just said.

[@FlowingZen]

Out of curiosity, did you watch the video William?

[@javiertrevino5535]

Thanks for this, based on what you said I think Qigong is the right option for me, I find Tai Chi to be amazing but too intricate sometimes, I am extremely busy all the time and the complexity can be overwhelming to remember sometimes... Anyway, Thanks again, Great video!

[@bcssylf]

so i went to your web page and i only see qigong classes. where are the tai chi classes?

[@brankaskoko1543]

Fantastic! Do you run any workshops in Australia

[@FlowingZen]

I've never been to Australia, but I seem to have more and more students from there and also New Zealand. I'd love to teach there one day.

[@christiancontreras6665]

what style of tai chi do you practice or recommend? I'm young, very active and fit. I do chakra balancing/cleansing and T.M. too so I'm somewhat familiar with mind, body, and spiritual balance and interconnection. I wanted to start meditation in movement while martial art training, tai chi seems perfect but I'm not sure where to start or with what style.

[@FlowingZen]

Hi Christian. They key is to find a good teacher. Don't worry about the style. But if you just want a moving meditation practice to add to your existing martial arts, you don't need tai chi. Qigong will probably work better. Check out my free workshop, which is available now for a short while: academy.flowingzen.com/qigong-mastery-for-everyone-with-sifu-anthony

[@laotzu32852]

Please explain the Yin Yang of the Tia Chi - Tia Chi Chuan, Chi Kung please(?)

[@FlowingZen]

This article will help: flowingzen.com/7966/tai-chi-qi-gong-and-chai-tea/

[@SarahHarveyExpatOfTheWorld]

Hello! Newbie here. I practice and teach yoga, so to help me understand the point further, would it be right to say Qi Gong in yoga would be 'hatha' in the sense that its the fundamentals, foundations, and then Tai Chi would be like 'Ashtanga', which takes asanas of hatha yoga into complex sequences or 'series' and although Ashtanga can be modified, it's not generally something suitable for complete beginners- which I feel you suggesting about Tai Chi. Also Ashtanga is a disciplined practice, a bit like how Tai Chi is a martial arts. From my understanding I would like to start with Gi Gong- but you say there are hundreds, thousands of types!!!! Eeeeek!! Do they all have different names? Or named after teachers like a lot of traditional (non western) yoga paths are? Which one should i start with?! Thanks in advance!

[@FlowingZen]

Hi Sarah. Remember that most tai chi schools will also teach qigong even if they don't use that word. So I don't think that your hatha/asthanga analogy fits. Tai chi is suitable for beginners, and so is qigong. Qigong has incredibly advanced techniques, and so does tai chi. Don't worry about all the styles of qigong. Just find a teacher that you like. If you want to try my teaching style, you can do so for free here: flowingzen.mykajabi.com/p/learn-the-best-qigong-exercise-ever

[@dimis2800]

I learned some wild goose forms maybe you like to learn this type of qigong , there is a dvd I thing, I want to learn taichi also.

[@laotzu32852]

The Tiger shows it's form; impressive! Yet it fails to expound its virtue!

[@qilde]

Qigong for ever :) 💕

[@debbieramsaran910]

Good you tried to speak neutral about qigong and tai chi ..but the message was directing people to qigong , which is what you're about ...yoga , qigong and Tai Chi are all spiritual practices ..all are connected , yoga is the first level then qigong then taichi..as a person practice & grows they evolve into each..Tai Chi and the martial arts are the highest level..without the spiritual process practitioners will be loosing out on the full benefits of each..

[@FlowingZen]

Hi Debbie. I teach both qigong and tai chi and have done so since 2005. So it's not true that I'm directing people to qigong. I would be happy to teach more tai chi, but the truth is that most people prefer qigong. As for tai chi and the martial arts being the highest level, I disagree. Highest level of what? Health? Then why do so many seasons tai chi practitioners come to me for healing? Highest level of spirituality? Then why do so many meditators get better results once they add qigong? I'm not sure why you included yoga in there. Yoga is an Indian art, not Chinese. I think yoga is great, but it's not a good fit for many people. I certainly wouldn't ask students to start with yoga. In fact, many people come to me precisely because yoga didn't work for them.

[@iflotaichi]

better question, should you teach Tai Chi or Qigong, or either?

[@FlowingZen]

In general, I think the world needs many more skillful teachers of qigong and tai chi. I talk about this in more depth here: flowingzen.com/17925/why-the-qigong-revolution-will-fail/

[@SlackKeyPaddy]

Tia Chi is qi gong (energy work)

[@FlowingZen]

I discussed this in the video. Did you watch it? I also have an entire video on the subject: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqnQg5lnrZKHf7c

[@gerardlibero597]

I WOULD LIKE TO EVENTUALLY BECOME A QIGONG TEACHER...ARE THERE QIGONG TEACHER COURSES ON LINE TO BECOME A CERTIFIED QIGONG TEACHER?

[@fairessreid7200]

Try looking up Zen Wellness. They offer at home classes.

[@jeffdocherty]

Although this does make a useful distinction.... what actually happened with Taiji is far more nuanced and more typically Chinese in its non-linear development. Taiji certainly began as a martial art traceable from the 17th century. But with the growth of modernization in China and the promotion of Western fitness and sports by the early 1900's, the Chinese Government wanted traditional forms of martial arts to change, keep pace with the times and to make the teachings more accessible to all members of society. The governmental powers wanted Taiji an an emblem and to forge it as a national sport for all. Taiji masters Yang Shao-hou, Yang Chengfu, Wu Chien-ch'üan and Sun Lu T'ang were all invited to teach Taiji on the faculty of the Beijing Physical Education Research Institute to the public as long ago as 1914. This was a seminal period in the development of modern Yang, Wu and Sun Taiji styles. The Family members in charge of the five orthodox styles of Taiji made great strides to make it more accessible to all-comers as a health practice. The traditional vigorous training methods were toned down, altered or eliminated. As Taiji became popularised it became simplified. They found ways of retaining the benefits and essence whilst removing the overly demanding techniques. Sun Lu T'ang's daughter and son for instance continued to make a significant number of technical changes in the 1950's and also decided to reduce Sun Lu T’angs teachings of classical Chinese Philosophy. Qi and Yin Yang theory that he had embedded in each posture were significantly abbreviated. This was felt to be for the common good and facilitate mass public teaching, allowing open access to Taiji. This was strongly supported by the Government. Chengfu, grandson of founder Yang Lu Chan is known for also having softened the more vigorous training routine he learned from his family. His smooth, evenly paced large frame form and its hundreds of offshoots has been the standard for Yang style ever since. This simplification and softening of Taiji Forms continues.... Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang created two condensed forms of the Laojia and Xinjia forms, telling Kung-Fu Magazine in 1991, "I have tried to do away with all the repetitions and simplify the exceedingly difficult moves without destroying the characteristics of Chen Style Taijiquan...." Having reached its greatest Yang development and potential as a martial art, Taiji was now beginning its journey back into Yin as a Life nourishing practice. And this cyclic transition of Yin Yang and sense of retaining a unified whole perfectly encapsulates traditional Chinese thinking. There is no contradiction-conflict here Chinese logic is syncretic, it weaves and unifies things together in a complementary dance....Qi Gong Yin Taiji Yang. Sun Lu Tang wrote ‘A Study of Taijiquan’, 1921, p. 60). "All people - men, women, the old, the young - may practice in order to replace temerity with bravery, and stiffness with pliability. Those who are extremely weak, who suffer from fatigue and injury or illness, or who have weakened your Qi from the practice of other martial arts to the point that you no longer have the strength to train, all of you may practice Tai Ji Quan. With practice, the Qi will quickly come to a balanced state and will become strong, while the spirit naturally returns to a state of wholeness. Disease will be eliminated, and the length of life increased."

[@FlowingZen]

Nice historical summary. You may be interested in this article of mine: flowingzen.com/9277/how-tai-chi-lost-its-mojo/

[@YuLiQigong]

If you are learning real Taijiquan, it includes Qigong. As stated by Chen Zhenglei, Taijiquan has three legs, Forms, Qigong and Push hands (sparring). If you don't have all three, you are not doing Taijiquan.

[@shewhoknowszz]

Would medical qigong be beneficial if you have a collapsed lung?

[@FlowingZen]

Hi Menubian. Sorry to hear about the collapsed lung. This article will help you to understand what qigong can and can't heal: flowingzen.com/9287/what-we-can-and-cant-heal/

[@shewhoknowszz]

Hi Flowing Zen, yeah it ain't no fun. I was getting in my daily yoga rhythm and now I can't do anything according to the doctor. Thank you so much!

[@FlowingZen]

The name is Anthony. :) I imagine it ain't no fun at all! But to give you some hope, a student who attended our recent retreat in Costa Rica had a collapsed lung years ago. He had surgery to re-inflate etc, but for years, he has used qigong to stay healthy. He is in great shape, and he hikes regularly! So hang in there and keep healing!

[@shewhoknowszz]

Hi Anthony 😊 I just downloaded something from the index and said to myself that I would read it in a bit. Thank god they didn't drain me, but I have to be back on Monday for another xray and checkup. It was so scary this spontaneous collapse of my lung. Funny how things work out because It is been a while since I wanted to do this. Yesss I am so happy to hear that....so there is hope. Now I just need the right one to start of slow. Thank you so much! 💚 Denise

[@RGTomoenage11]

Medical Qigong is for what kind of disease?

[@FlowingZen]

This article may help explain it: flowingzen.com/9287/what-we-can-and-cant-heal/

[@chrismorse7630]

Qigong is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine. All Taiji Chuan is Qigong, but not all Qigong is Taiji Chuan.

[@FlowingZen]

Yes, all of this is true, and all of it has been discussed many times on my blog. Here's an example: flowingzen.com/15937/the-15-most-frequently-asked-questions-about-qigong/

[@nicholasheiendgemshei3949]

Man ineee a teacher so bad

[@easterbuny2226]

Is it not Tai Chi is a form of Qigong

[@elenirum2020]

πολύ καλή ανάλυση , ευχαριστώ

[@FlowingZen]

Ευχαριστώ!

[@BDBD05]

The part I find funny is you teach CHINESE internal arts and you have a Japanese name for your website!!! flowingZEN!!!

[@FlowingZen]

Interesting that this bothers you. The word "zen" is an English word now. In other words, my URL has no Chinese or Japanese in it. " a state of calm attentiveness in which one's actions are guided by intuition rather than by conscious effort" Of course, there's also a pun in there because the arts that I teach trace back to Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen (Chan) Buddhism. It's true that "zen" was originally a transliteration of a Japanese word. However, that word cannot be written in our alphabet anyway. And the Japanese word originally came from a Chinese word, which we transcribe as "chan". In both Japanese and Chinese, it is written: 禪. But even that word comes from another word -- the Sanskrit word transcribed as "dyana". Anyway, it's true that I teach Chinese internal arts. But I also studied Japanese Zen and Okinawan Karate. So I like having the "zen" there for many reasons. Let me ask you this: What was your main point? What did you really mean to say with your comment? And why all those exclamation points?

[@BDBD05]

@@FlowingZen Just because it is written in English alphabets, it doesn't become English. The meaning and philosophy comes from Japan whereas Qigong and Tai chi are both Chinese arts. You yourself admit it. Certainly doesn't bother me but it's definitely interesting. However, the essence is the same and therefore I agree whether it's zen or the tao...it's the Way. It's just that the video content and website name might sound a slight mismatch.

[@FlowingZen]

@@BDBD05 I'm sorry, but you are incorrect. "Zen" is an English word. I copied one of the definitions from Webster for you, but go look it up yourself. You're also incorrect when you say that the philosophy comes from Japan. Japanese Zen masters would never say something like that. They would say that the teachings of Zen come from India via China. For example, Dogen, one of the most famous Japanese masters, traveled to China to learn from the Zen (Chan) masters there. Furthermore, all schools of Japanese Zen honor Bodhidharma as the 1st Patriarch. As I'm sure you know, Bodhidharma was an Indian Monk who traveled and taught in China. I'm fascinated that you find it to be a mismatch. I disagree. I think it's a perfect match with what I teach. In fact, hundreds of people have told me that the name "Flowing Zen" perfectly describes what we do. Even people who know nothing about qigong or tai chi often say things like, "I don't know what flowing zen is but I want more of it in my life!" If you are new to my teachings, you should know that I emphasize the internal, meditative aspects of qigong. I believe that the physical form of the art is the least important aspect. What we do is moving meditation, first and foremost. That's what turns it into a healing art. So what we do is a form of meditation (zen) that flows. Flowing Zen. If you want to start a website called Flowing Chan, go for it. But I don't think it's a very catchy name!

[@FlowingZen]

@@BDBD05 by the way, this article may be of interest: flowingzen.com/17381/how-to-invent-your-own-style-of-qigong/

[@yoleedance5136]

Your talking doesn't sound like the Qi Gong teacher,

[@FlowingZen]

What does the qigong teacher sound like? 😆

[@cacciato69]

WRONG ... most of all it depends on selecting a teacher who is patient and relates to the student ... tai ji consists of forms and qi gong and nei gong. the core of all healing is the breath body integration. Learn tai ji from a good teacher and you will get the qi gong you need for healing and longevity cultivation .. tai ji 40 years now 77 and various qi gong ba duan jin etc

[@FlowingZen]

Hi there cacciato69. I'm not sure what you're saying is "WRONG", and it's not clear if you watched the video or not. In any case, this article may help explain things: flowingzen.com/9544/the-number-1-mistake/

[@jamesc7277]

As I understand it, Tai Chi is a subset of Qi gong which began as a Martial Art based on qi gong movements.