In Eastern culture, Tai Chi and Qigong have always been regarded as magic weapons for health preservation and physical fitness. However, many people are confused about the relationship between them. This article analyzes in detail what the difference between Tai Chi and Qigong is, and how Tai Chi has gone a step further on the basis of Qigong.

01 Qigong: The basis for practicing “Qi”

Qigong, as the name suggests, is to regulate and cultivate the “Qi” in the body through regulating breathing, meditation and simple body movements. It is a basic practice method in traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts, helping us to regulate the energy in the body and achieve the purpose of strengthening the body.

Tai Chi: More complex energy use

Tai Chi is not just a slow-motion “martial arts exercise”, it is actually an upgraded version of Qigong. On the basis of Qigong, Tai Chi introduces the intention of martial arts and more complex movements, allowing us to improve the balance, strength and flexibility of the body while practicing “Qi”. As Tai Chi Master Chen Weiming said: “Tai Chi is Qigong with martial arts intentions.”

Tai Chi Sword: The pinnacle of energy use

If Tai Chi is the advancement of Qigong, then Tai Chi Sword is the pinnacle of practice. When practicing Tai Chi sword, we must not only control the “qi” in the body, but also learn how to guide the “qi” outside the body, such as expressing it through the sword. This practice is not only about exercising the body, but also about improving our ability to control our inner energy.

02 Double improvement of health and health preservation

Qigong and Tai Chi both have significant benefits for physical health, helping us balance the “qi” in the body, improve immunity and the body’s self-healing ability. But Tai Chi, by combining breathing, thoughts and movements, can improve the health of the body to a higher level, especially in terms of spirit and mentality.

The philosophical height of Tai Chi

The practice of Tai Chi is not just physical movement, it is deeply rooted in the ancient Chinese Taoist philosophy – the balance of yin and yang. Tai Chi can not only regulate the energy in the body, but also help us find inner peace and harmony in daily life.

Conclusion

For those who want to practice health preservation in depth, Qigong and Tai Chi are both very good choices. If you have already started practicing Qigong, you might as well try Tai Chi, especially Tai Chi sword, which will take you to a higher level of physical and mental practice.