Tai Chi vs Qi Gong: What’s the Difference Between Tai Chi and Qi Gong?

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Learn the difference between Tai Chi and Qi Gong.
What is the difference between Tai Chi and Qi Gong?
This is a question Master Qi Gong Teacher Lee Holden gets quite often.
As it turns out, there are similarities AND differences between Tai Chi and Qi Gong.
One is over 5,000 years old…
While the other is just over 800 years old.
One is distilled down into three distinct styles…
While the other was created for one specific purpose.
Both, however, help you boost energy, increase vitality, and create more inner power.
In this 6-minute video, Master Qi Gong Teacher Lee Holden explains the difference between Tai Chi and Qi Gong, the history of Qi Gong and the history of Tai Chi, and the benefits of Qi Gong and the benefits of Tai Chi.
You’ll also learn which one Lee recommends to practice first if you’re just starting out.
Want more Qi Gong?
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qigo.ng/2wks-of-qi
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[@kesslermontijo6304]

20 years ago was doing morning Yang style Tai Chi, lady walking by asked me what I was doing. Said (with an attitude) "am doing Tai Chi." She replied "No you're not! Turns out she had been an instructor for years! She showed me how to do it correctly, What a difference. (I had learned what I knew in a V.A. Hospital!) Years later actually practiced Qi Gong inside the walls of the Forbidden City in morning with other seniors! What a TRIP!!!!

[@kennaflores5169]

I am sure that taught you something about humility haha

[@laurasmith6807]

Tanja Pesic totally agree :) your body tell you which way want to move.

[@brifit8672]

@@kennaflores5169 right lmaooo

[@WillowZeyphr]

Thank you for your service.

[@1Lightdancer]

What a great experience! I enjoy both Tai Chi and Qigong

[@victoriaescolar4162]

I started learning taichi when I was 40 and now I am doing it every morning in the park here in Canada, now I am 76, and I feel great , thank you taichi, it prevents pains in my body and helps in healing my sickness but very seldom I have, taichi helps

[@dogguyful]

Awesome👍👍👌👌🥊🥊🥋🥋Chi is a healing force. Nourish it daily. Good luck out there. Right now you are full of health and vitality-inner youth.

[@joshpickles9022]

The true value of tai ji Quan. Good for you :-)

[@tyreekb78]

Any tips on how/where to learn online and in reality

[@melaniefowler8841]

Victoria are you in the southern Ontario area by chance? I have been looking for outdoor Tai Chi

[@victoriaescolar4162]

@@melaniefowler8841 I will be in the Philippines this Monday and coming back March 2023, I do Taichi in the Philippines cus, I always join the Chinese group where I used to be a member before

[@RH-gl6vs]

Tai Chi was developed for fighting. Qigong was developed for healing. Period.

[@AhayahsDaughter]

Thank you for the shortened version. I wanted to know where to start. Qi gong is where I want to be. I want it for healing

[@TheGuitarChief]

^this is the only correct answer Tai Ji Quan = Great Supreme Fist Qi Gong = energy work

[@yelenasikorevich5049]

I would like to start with tai chi for this two weeks free

[@jonrhythm3686]

I've been studying for about 3 years. Qi Gong is an essential part of my everyday routine and has helped me the stress, anxiety and pain. Just to name a few. Tai Chi is awesome as well to sat the least.

[@Milliehippo]

This sounds exactly what I’ve been looking for. I found it hard to remember tai chi moves as a complete beginner. Qi gong sounds simpler. Thank you for your teaching

[@JE-western-rider]

Remembering what comes next is a challenge for many. Yet, this helps build brain functions in older folk. Try keeping your walk into Tai chi simple. Here are two suggestions: 1. You might investigate Tai Chi walking [ This is quite an accomplishment for beginners [ and me also ] as it involves coordinating your steps and shifting you weight. 2. You might consider working with the Yang 8 [ same as Yang 10 ] set. There are plenty of videos demonstrating this set. Once you learn this set, you can move to the Yang 16 set then the Yang 24 set. This is the most popular Tai chi set as it is practiced world wide. Once you can perform the Yang 8 start to finish, you have made an important accomplishment.

[@BalanCHIng]

I love offering Qigong. It's so versatile. It's possible to work with metaphors and archetypes. I can tailor it easily to all ages and tell a story. I also add Qigong walking. I'm so passionate about this healing art!

[@dianeborgia7331]

Thank you for the explanation. I have been taking Tai Chi for 3 or 4 months & am very happy with the calmness it has brought me. Qi Gong seems to be something I want to also add to my day.

[@maureenezekiel3960]

What a lovely man,,, I do his 20 min morning exercise it is so kind of him and such a pleasure

[@angelaleehealwithcompassio6525]

2 days ago I felt this energy waving and flowing through me I was kind of startled but then I was like wow!!!

[@SnakeAndTurtleQigong]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! It's lovely to have such high-quality videos out there adding to the conversation.

[@blondelightning6200]

Thank you!! I just joined your free classes and did the first lesson and I can "feel" the energy flowing through me! I feel awesome! I am ever so grateful to yous for providing this to us. Hugs from Lake Simcoe, Ontario, Canada =o)

[@lindabruce2295]

Wow, how interesting, I did not know how to explain the difference between these two practices. Thank you Lee!!

[@jeffreyyounger5772]

He did a good job explaining the difference of tai chi and gi gong!

[@cautious1343]

Very good explanation. Thanks Holden. A few years ago, maybe 5 yrs, I watched a video or yours titled "7 minutes of magic", and started doing it. It is my morning mobility routine. Huge difference. It cleared up a problem in my neck that I suffered with for years.

[@TheMiriam333]

Do you have a link? I could really use that exercise.

[@vees4727]

Which video

[@cautious1343]

@@vees4727 on KZbin search 7 minutes of magic for health. With lee Holden. There will be ads for the dvd etc

[@wendyrual7179]

Not long found your channel, and thank you for explaining the difference so precisely & plainly! I now understand the difference between the two! Thank you 🙏

[@HoldenQiGong]

You're so welcome!

[@estheroehler3761]

That's just what I wanted to say! And besides, you speak so comfortably slowly and clearly that I easily could follow you - being no regular English-speaker ! :-D

[@austinchoi9802]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the history of Chi Gong. Excellent explanations.

[@tysquest4319]

I'm doing this through my spirit, started in the summer, I went to the beach and started meditation in the water then led with the sungazing and it all began best feeling ever 🙌

[@angelaleehealwithcompassio6525]

Yesss me too I feel free!

[@parikaamma]

Greetings from UK - Great intro video! I’ve been wanting to start these practices for a while, so I’ll be looking for some qigong teachers! Can’t wait! 🙌🏽🧘🏽‍♀️

[@surfcitiz]

Very clear explanation and historical overview. Thank you.

[@kimberlydeschamp6300]

It has been my understanding, not to detract from anything you mention and you've certainly been practicing longer than I, but my understanding from the Masters I've studied under, that Tai Chi or Tai Ji, is the 8th level of QiGong, whereas medical QiGong is the 9th and highest form. With thousands of years of history in this art form, I am sure there are many interpretations. I teach beginners QiGong (only for 6 yrs), so am not trying to spar, simply noting the difference in the teaching I've received. One thing is certain, energy healing, i.e. Qi= breath Gong= work, is an amazing intervention for anyone who wants to be limber, breathe easier, reduce inflammation, imcrease immune system response, exercise every part of your vessel, including internal organs, and realizing the benefits of meditation, without actually meditating is time spent well in self-care! Thanks so much for the video!

[@crystalrose1403]

Thank you, that’s answered a few questions for me 🙌🏻

[@morethanme]

Very enlightening Lee! Thank you!

[@myrrhis01]

Thank you for this! It makes focusing on the practice that might work for me.

[@dikshitadesai]

Thank you so much for this video. Beautifully explained 🙏👍

[@Dezzyyx]

I've been practicing Qi Gong for 2 years now and how you explain going from that to Tai Chi is exactly how I've thought about approaching it as well. I probably want a few more years of Qi Gong before I move to Tai Chi.

[@AhayahsDaughter]

Thank you for the review of both. I know know where to start😊

[@evangelinamccallum7331]

Thanks for my gift. I feel energized and connected to a wonderful world.

[@FortuneForecasts]

thank you for this channel, your Qi Gong: 7 Minutes of Magic (for Health) has been my go to video, it has brought me back to "home" so many times.

[@relaxbreathesleep1127]

What an interesting and informative channel. I'm very pleased to have found you. All the very best to you.

[@AlphaMindPowerChennai]

This video is really very enlightening. Thanks Lee... love your videos👍

[@HoldenQiGong]

Glad you like them!

[@christinasciortino]

Thank you for your channel! 🙏🏼 🙌🏼

[@melanders8796]

Brilliant video, very informative and well explained thank you 🙏

[@quanaramirasherman]

We love you Lee Holden! Thank you for your AMAZING teachings. Much love! 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️

[@HoldenQiGong]

Wow, thank you

[@quanaramirasherman]

@@HoldenQiGong You are so super welcome! We need your work now more than ever. 💕💕💕💕🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️

[@digital.rachel]

Great history lesson, explained well.

[@takefman]

Hi, decades ago when I took Tai Chi in Montreal I discovered it was much more than a martial art, but an integration of Taoism, Mediation, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Calligraphy, Martial arts (with and without weapons) and TaiChi Chuan (the slow moving training exercise/meditation). Not being of the Chinese culture I basically only learned the 108 movements, meditated and studied the Tao.

[@vees4727]

Which is good for chronic fatigue

[@user-on5lb9ew9x]

Thank you from the bottom of my heart !!!

[@dyansierra413]

Your enthusiasm is contagious and your dedication to this field is remarkable Lee. I am signing up to learn how to teach Qigong because I love it so much and I love how you educate us and how you have committed your life to helping others!

[@HoldenQiGong]

Love it Dyan, you can sign up for our Teachers Training Program here: www.holdenqigong.com/qigong-teacher-training-online-program/

[@christelmuziekful]

Thank you very much for this clear explanation!

[@angelaleehealwithcompassio6525]

Thankkkk youuuuu I always wondered and wanted to practice so I will. Thank you.

[@llllllllIIIIIIIIIII]

Thanks a lot, very instructive and helpful!

[@jessetimmmiller1870]

You're rad, Lee! Much love, dude.

[@human1821]

you're awesome Mr Holden!

[@ALLbyNis]

I've been doing yoga for years and just started with qi gong a week ago, the difference is amazing. I thought I knew my body and its energy, but just a week of qi gong has opened up a completely new level

[@HoldenQiGong]

Welcome to the community! We're so glad you're here.

[@seanfitton2687]

Excellent stuff, thank you. One mistake - Chen style started about 350 years ago, in the late 1600s after the Ming-Qing war, rather than 800 years ago. General Chen Wangting developed it from his own military training, Taoist principles and possibly some stuff borrowed from Shaolin. I've just discovered your channel and enjoying learning new techniques.

[@taichibali2773]

Overall good explanation. But I disagree with a few things: firstly Qigong is a new terms only been used since 1950's, before that these ancient practices were called Tao Yin and other older Taoist names. Secondly, Taijiquan did not come from Qigong. Qigong was added to an already existing (and still developing) system of Taoist martial arts around 1000 yrs ago, but Taijiquan can be classified as Martial Qigong. Qigong proceeds Taijiquan, but is not the mother of Taijiquan. New Age Tai Chi For Health ommits the martials aspect and therefore can be classified as Health Qigong or Taiji Qigong. Hope this helps clarify Holden's video. taichibali.com

[@frankmenchaca9993]

I really like the floral arrangements and greenery on your set; it lends a bit of serenity to your talk. Very useful in one's practice.

[@HoldenQiGong]

Thank you so much! We're glad it's having such good impact to the lessons! ♥

[@CClearly0]

Lovely explanation, thank you 🙏

[@dawnpeterson6698]

Thank you so much for the explanation I wondered for a while

[@drallcome100]

Thanks for a good explanation of this.

[@lesolei6549]

I'm 56 yrs old and been doing Yoga for awhile now. 3 yrs ago I got a shoulder problem and pain came. I took a break and just came back last year. And it's not been easy since I started again with Yoga. Keep on having shoulder, back neck and muscle pain. 2 weeks ago I started to try the Qi Gong, a Video from one Master whose been teaching this practice for a very long time. His explanation convinced me to practice it. And I am so thankful for doing it. I never thought that my pain will be lessen and it's getting better. I'm also a fan of Tai Chi and to have this kind of information about the difference btwn Qi Gong and Tai Chi, is really great. For sure. I'll continue practicing Qi Gong to feel better and get rid of this pain. And if my body will allow me, I want to deepen it with also practicing Tai Chi.

[@adim00lah]

You can take this with a grain of salt. But i had a similar issue. Your nipple, arm pit, and throat chakras are depleted. I would suggest getting a good quality rosemary essentially oil, and rub in 1 drop of the oil on all 3 of these areas, twice a day (morning and evening).

[@smileyjoe]

That was honestly the best explanation I've ever heard! Thanks!

[@HoldenQiGong]

So glad that you think so! :)

[@MsPridi]

Thanks for explaining so clearly ❤️🙏🏿 sir

[@harmony4687]

Thank you very much for this video Lee. It has answered some questions I have had!! For a while now I have been enjoying your exercise videos and practicing QiGong with them on a daily basis. I feel so much more invigorated, calm and healthy. Your energy is delightful!!! Thank you my friend!! Namaste

[@HoldenQiGong]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for your feedback :-)

[@jeanhunt2215]

Thank you for your information. You explained it wonderfully

[@robertapettigrew2497]

Thank you,, very interesting,, love these videos.

[@mariadorothea9506]

Ha ! Great explanation... I always wanted to know. I'm a qigong devotee through and through 😊

[@todddenen]

Good stuff... thanks for sharing.

[@sourwitch2340]

just got this as an add. very informative. thank you.

[@mstenson4]

Great info! Going to try Qi Gong today!

[@abhishekkulkarni9626]

Thank you so so so much, I just love your videos, I am new to this channel but it's so wonderful and calming to watch your videos, I have a question for you, Can a pregnant woman do all Qigong exercise? Plz guide me

[@Rosannasfriend]

Thanks for this simple explanation

[@DavidGonzalez-ns5tx]

You are an excellent teacher. As you explained the differences, you outlined the ideal approach to studying Tai-Chi or any martial art. Much respect

[@HoldenQiGong]

Glad it was helpful!

[@vees4727]

@@HoldenQiGong which is good for chronic fatigue 2 decades

[@melmjetset1876]

woe awesome intro. Thanks for posting vid!

[@Tinksmeadow]

I have never heard the differences explained so well, thank you.

[@JP-tq7ni]

Agree 100%

[@lakshmipatricia108]

That's very interesting explanation, thank you 🙏😊

[@DragonRyderNyx]

Lovely, simple and clear explanation of the differences, thank you! 🙂

[@HoldenQiGong]

Glad it was helpful! :)

[@ANDY22291]

Beautifully clear and careful teaching - thank you, brother! 🙏

[@HoldenQiGong]

Glad it was helpful!

[@emelinedeleon7488]

Thank you 💝☺️ now I know what tai chi and qi gong are...

[@luismplg]

Deeply grateful to you Lee this powerful deliver! Your teaching is greatly necessary and appreciated in now a days

[@HoldenQiGong]

I appreciate that!

[@maitreyand7876]

This is a very good explanation...!! 😇👌👌🌼🌻

[@Mcman-nf9dz]

This explanation was helpful for me. Thank you.

[@HoldenQiGong]

You are welcome!

[@sarahbenjamins]

Thank you, for answering this so clearly 🙂

[@HoldenQiGong]

Thanks so much for watching 😊

[@aniciasollestre3515]

Hi Sir, I am following your Qigong practice. I selected your channel because I knew you through my Shifu! Rene Navarro. When I teach acupuncture to students on line, I play your short Qigong Sessions for them to follow

[@ProgessivesBwhitetho]

so you can fix my empath electricity jolts around toxic woman who cant be happy when others are happy, mainly minorty women in their 50s

[@billymcswain6320]

Just started studying tai chi, had no idea before I started that it had a martial application to it. I always thought that it was just about meditation like yoga sort of.

[@libertylizard_]

The problem is that without the martial application/component, the health benefits don't even fully manifest. This was the teaching of Chen Wangting the creator of Chen family style. Being that he was a military garrison commander. His point about Yang being more martially aligned in this video is utter nonsense. The lineage holders of Yang don't even spar anymore. Aside a basic internet search proving the point; you can also examine the concept of 發勁 which is fully present in Chen alone. The argument is that without the martial application, it cannot be fully determined that you understand the principles (and can apply them properly) or style without this practice. Thus the transmission of the martial art of Taijiquan would not be complete.

[@SumZonedCat]

The diference: Qigong - Meditation is used to combine yin and yang between the dian tian and hui yin. Tai Chi - is the tool used to align and awaken the meridians along the 72 levels of the Mo Zi.

[@vees4727]

Whicj one for chronic fatigue?

[@SumZonedCat]

@@vees4727 High protein diet, DA Mo Yi Jin Jing (muscle-tendon washing classic), yoga, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and swimming is what i would recommend.

[@vees4727]

@@SumZonedCat thank you so much, I will start protein shake tomorrow I got a 20g shake just sitting in the cupboard since I bought it, I will have 1 a day, Yoga too tiring, can you recommend specific yoga exercises, I think I have pituitary gland dysfunction with adrenal gland, adaptogens herbs are not helping. Colloidal silver is amazing, but I don't want to become reliant on it, can I email you Thank you

[@SumZonedCat]

@@vees4727 if you complete the yi Jin jing which is equivalent to level 3 in mo pai then u will fix all of those problems

[@vees4727]

@@SumZonedCat Brazilian jiu jitsu no wayyyy

[@martinb1121]

From UK - Good explanation, thank you :)

[@susanbloodgood3572]

Imagine a Car- Tai Chi is the Moving Parts, The transmission is the waist, Chi Kung is the engine, valves, fluids, air, coolants, electrical system - You are the Driver

[@sevenstarsofthedipper1047]

Tai Chi Chuan is a martial art. Chi Kung is breath training for health. Tai Chi Chuan contains breath training but it is for the express purpose of developing internal conditioning and power needed to animate the martial techniques. At its highest levels Tai Chi Chuan is also a spiritual practice with includes chi kung.

[@HoldenQiGong]

Thanks for your insight! :)

[@danplasma]

thanks for sharing this History, this is a spiritual practice, I do it all the time, focus on my dantien! Cultural treasure!

[@bikinggal1]

30 years of practice!! And I am just learning about it now!

[@HoldenQiGong]

Welcome, if you are new to Qi Gong check out Introduction to Qi Gong here: www.holdenqigong.com/product/introduction-to-qi-gong/

[@bibipersaud9018]

U have changed my life! Thank u so much.....I live by Qichong.

[@HoldenQiGong]

Happy to hear that! Keep up the Qi work

[@joseperlera3718]

¡ Excelente explicación! ¡Gracias!

[@thegirlwhospeaks236]

Great description

[@RayRemillard]

Nice video. You stayed about 10 classes on your two week trial. The webpage your link goes to says two week trial five classes. Please explain the discrepancy.

[@celestevasconcelos3536]

Wonderful thanks for explain so well💚💚💚😍

[@HoldenQiGong]

Glad it was helpful!

[@11TruthAssassin]

I love your 20 min morning Qi Gong! it makes me feeel sooooo goood ! have been doing it for years! :) Im about to buy your DVD series :)

[@Daoistify]

😍 Both are awesome🙏

[@levisnotjeans]

I've been trying to figure this out for months now and you managed to kill the articulation so succinctly. Thank you the fact they were so similar always fucked with me

[@andreasmoor4969]

Answered exactly my question of wether to start Qigong or Tai Chi as a complete noob. 🙏 Thank you

[@HoldenQiGong]

Happy to hear it! Thanks so much!

[@delvana111]

Fascinating info.

[@Jayadevan365]

Master, I am interested in Qi Gong only. With your permission, I am joining for the free Qi Gong ,

[@ceciliasoto8943]

Holden QiGong: Very well explained. I like it.

[@HoldenQiGong]

Thank you! We appreciate your kind comment :)

[@divergentmind2023]

thank you for sharing

[@djones1662]

Terrific explanation!

[@HoldenQiGong]

Thank you!

[@kiikat]

Ahh thank you for the 3 categories of Qi Gong explanation.

[@HoldenQiGong]

Happy to help!

[@1965KUNGFU]

THÁI CỰC QUYỀN VỚI KHÍ CÔNG,CÓ GÌ KHÁC BIỆT.CÁM ƠN VIDEO CỦA BẠN

[@learnalickaday7272]

beautiful. thank you.

[@abitupthehudson]

This was an excellent video. I have been practicing Qi Gong on and off for about 5 years and I don't want to stop. Some people suggested that I should think about giving classes but I haven't been consistent enough partly because I have been traveling internationally as a musician. I found out about the approximate birth of Qi Gong and I have been mildly interested in mixing in some Tai Chi.

[@HoldenQiGong]

Keep up the QI work!

[@mattnobrega6621]

Great information. Thanks for sharing 😁👍

[@HoldenQiGong]

Thanks for watching!

[@katijahlivindalife7488]

I'm 42.5 years old and I'm starting my Qigong/Taichi practice today! The first video I watched said I should commit to 100 days. Wish me luck. And recommend any great KZbin tutorials I may benefit from

[@HoldenQiGong]

Good luck Katijah! You got this :) Feel free to check out our other videos on our channel to find more!

[@TheFunkyKitten]

Very useful thank you!

[@yuliushantono1846]

I am yulius from indo...at this time i learn about meditation . And yesterday my teacher ask me to learn Qi Gong..and after first excersice Qi Gong i feel more better..

[@HoldenQiGong]

Thanks for sharing!

[@required.]

thank you so much.