Following are frequently asked questions from patients and students about Tai Chi and Qigong
Q. How are health enhancement methods like Stationary Tai Chi and Tai Chi Easy™ different from Tai Chi Chuan?
A. Tai Chi Chuan originated as a martial arts form and evolved into a qigong form when compassionate monks realized its health value for humanity. The most well known forms of tai chi chuan in America are the Yang, Wu, Chen, and Sun forms. To learn a Tai Chi Chuan form takes serious investment in time and study with a knowledgeable teacher. Health enhancement methods of Tai Chi are easy to learn and designed to benefit you from day one!
Health enhancement methods of Tai Chi are not a substitute for Tai Chi Chuan and the two may be practiced concurrently. I maintain a contact list of local Tai Chi Chuan instructors for those of you who wish to pursue this noble avenue.
Q. How is qigong different from other forms of exercises?
A. Qigong emphasizes coordinating breath and movement along with visualizing or sensing the energy required to move the body. We say that "the mind leads the breath, the breath leads the qi energy and the qi energy moves the body".
Qigong combines aspects of physical exercise, visualization, meditation.
Q. Will qigong fulfill all my physical exercise requirements?
A. The form of qigong that I advocate focuses mainly on healing and longevity and while very important, is only one component of overall health. There are other forms of qigong that are more physically demanding. Depending on your age and fitness level, you may wish to include aerobics and strength training. In the 1995 Los Angeles marathon, over a dozen runners were 80 years or older, including one 87 year old woman who never even ran until she was 63. This was her ninth marathon. Research is showing that even people in their 90's benefit from strength training.
Q. For this exercise to be effective will I have to change my life?
A. This form of qigong requires no lifestyle changes, however as you practice, you may find your tastes and desires changing in a healthier direction. For instance, you will find an increase in energy which will make you less reliant on caffeine. You will sleep soundly and have less need for sleep aids. You will begin to sense the kinds and amounts of foods that your body requires.
Q. Is qigong a religion?
A. While the origin of qigong is often attributed to Bodhidarma, the Indian monk who introduced Buddhism to China, qigong itself is not a religion. There are also Taoist, Confucian and folk traditions of qigong, as well as martial arts and medical forms of qigong.
Q. What are the benefits of doing qigong regularly?
A. The goals of this qigong exercise are self-healing and longevity. The benefits of regular practice will include an increase of energy, relief from emotional distress, pain reduction, more restful sleep and stress-reduction just to name a few.
Q. I've heard that qigong can be dangerous if done improperly. Is this true?
A. There are literally thousands of styles of qigong. Certain forms may be inappropriate for some people. There are forms of qigong that require forceful breathing techniques and intense mental concentration. Some have extreme postures that put increased stress on tendons and ligaments. There are even Taoist sexual practices that require lifting weight by a string attached to the testicles or with a jade egg placed in the vagina.
As qigong developed over the centuries, it accumulated many superstitions depending on the particular cultural milieu that it grew from. Always be cautious of accepting opinion as fact.
The forms of qigong I advocate is very safe, are designed as a balanced set of exercises that focus on self-healing and are only as strenuous as you make them. Most of the exercises can be modified for those who cannot stand or even for those who are confined to bed or a chair.
Q. Are there any precautions to be observed?
A. As I said above, this form of qigong is very safe. Use common sense, don't exercise too soon after eating. Don't do too much too quickly. Ease into a comfortable program. Avoid exercising in weather and climate extremes ...too damp, too hot, too cold or too windy.
Q. When I am following the qi energy, how can I be sure it is not my idea to move?
A. That's a good question. The problem comes in believing that the qi energy is something apart from you. It is not. It is simply one aspect of your being. It is what animates you. Our goal with this qigong is to gather and accumulate it, to refine it and make it abundant so that it keeps us healthy. So, you see, you cannot separate yourself from your qi energy. Even your thoughts are a manifestation of qi energy. This is why I say to "disinhibit " your qi energy. Just let it flow. Don't be concerned about whether or not you are willing the movement. You are your qi energy.
Q. They say that qigong masters gain supernatural powers including immortality.
A. Yes, they do say that.
Q. What did the monk say to the hot dog vendor?
A. "Make me one with everything."
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