The Dantien What is traditionally called the Dantien has an important place in the discussion of Tai Chi. The Dantien is said to be an energy point/nexus located approximately 2 inches bellow the navel, but within the body. It is often said to be a reservoir of what is often called ‘chi’ in Chinese. Whether… Read more »
Relax Relaxation is the priority and prime focus of all Taoist Exercise and Martial Arts, including Qigong. Relaxation is induced through deep breathing, awareness of and release of tension, awareness of breath, and mindfulness. Breathing in the practice of qigong is a deep diaphragmatic breathing with an expansion of the abdomen on the in-breath, and… Read more »
Most of us are familiar with, to some degree or other, the slow, flowing movements of the Tai Chi Chuan form. The form is a series of interlinked flowing movements, that look like a stylized, imaginary fight with a number of opponents. This is true in a Tai Chi form, as much as it is… Read more »
What is Qi? Is it truly a part of Taiji practice? Can it be used to augment Taiji’s martial and self-defense abilities?
Benefits The benefits of a consistent Tai Chi practice are many and varied. These benefits fall into the categories of physical benefits, emotional benefits, and spiritual benefits. Physical Benefits Among the physical benefits we have: The release of physical tension. Greater balance. Greater flexibility and range of motion. Increased leg strength. An increase in one’s… Read more »
Relax The master principle of all Tai Chi movement is the principle of Relaxation, looseness, ‘song’. When one relaxes completely into the skeletal and fascial structure of one’s body, one naturally aligns one’s body with the principle of effective (effortlessly effective) body mechanics. Aligning bodily with effortlessly effective body mechanics encourages the body to move… Read more »
The movement art of Tai Chi is said to have been created by an immortal by the name of Zhang Sanfeng, but much more likely it was created by the members of the Chen family from the Chen village. Tai chi is known for its many health benefits, such as improved balance, improved circulation, stress… Read more »
“Chi kung” or “Qi gong” is a general term used in reference to different practices – some moving, some static, some meditative/contemplative – but all involving the accumulation, movement, and storage of “qi”. That then leads to the question as to what is chi? That would be the part where one stumbles a bit. Qi… Read more »
