Qigong and Taiji share one thing in common. They are both mind-body-spirit practices, including the distinct way they are spelled. This article will use Tai Chi/Taiji and Chi Kung/Qigong which may be both different spellings but still mean the same thing. They also have other key differences as well. What practice is best for you will depend on how you answer the following questions.
1. Are you interested in learning self defense?
Tai chi translated means ‘ Ultimate Supreme Fist.’ In the past, this practice was primarily designed for the martial arts that just happened to provide energy and health benefits. However, Tai Chi is now mainly practiced for its energy and health benefits; for some, it is practiced as a martial art.
While not a martial art, chi kung has special types of practice that can be used to enhance self-defense capabilities although it does not provide any self defense benefits. Chi Kung is mainly performed to develop spiritual and mental cultivation, enhance energy, and boost health.
2. How much free time do you need to learn the moves?
The main similarity between chi kung and tai chi is that they are a mix of mind, energy, and form. This implies that external gentle forms or movements are often coordinated with breathing techniques and practice in a contemplative state of mind.
While a set of Tai Chi typically comprises 24 – 108 distinct patterns, a set of qigong has three or four patterns. This implies that learning one set of Tai Chi takes a considerable longer time to master than a tai chi set and what we mean by a considerable longer time is months. The reason for this is besides not only do you have to remember ‘what comes next?,’ you should also be able to move from one pattern to the next in a flowing manner. People who practice tai chi usually commit their entire life to mastering one set of tai chi. If you have the time to invest in tai chi, then that’s absolutely fine.
On the other hand, a set of chi kung involves significantly fewer patterns, which means it can be mastered in a much easier and quicker way.
3. Are you interested in learning complex theory?
The Taoist practice of Tai Chi can be very confusing and complex, often intentionally so. The reason for this is that this art was originally taught in a very personal way (face to face by master to student). Because of this, the students comprehended what ‘bring chi to the dan tien’ meant and other esoteric terms and they, first and foremost, learned how to do it.
When one deems that such information was very valuable and usually attained at huge personal cost, it was then essential to keep it hidden so that only the initiated could correctly apply and understand the concepts even if this information fell into the wrong hands.
There are a lot of very complex theories to be mastered if you wish to become a Tai chi master and they can only be learned and applied when learned from a master of those theories. Such masters have always been rare and hard to find.
Chi kung theory, on the other hand, is relatively simple to perform when compared to Taiji. From Chi Kung’s point of view, there is just one disease and this disease is an issue dealing with energy. Disease, regardless of what name we give, it is deemed to be the result of obstructions to balanced flow of energy of the meridians or energy channels of the body. Chi Kung strives to eliminate these obstructions or obstacles and once balanced flow of energy is brought back good health will be also restored.
However, that’s just the initial step. Chi kung then boosts the circulation of energy once balanced flow of energy is brought back which then restores vitality. Finally, Chi Kung develops a wealth of energy which then extends your longevity.
Probably, the biggest benefit of chi kung is that as long as you practice it properly, there is no other theory that you need in order to benefit from its practice.
The main difference between chi kung and tai chi is that if taught properly, the latter can be used for self defense, whereas the former cannot. If there is no need to defend yourself, then the best way to decide between practicing Chi Kung or Tai Chi is to ask yourself how much time you can allocate to their practice. Chi Kung is probably the better choice if you haven’t much time to spare.
One ideal way to choose between chi kung and tai chi, if you still are undecided, is to attend a chi kung and tai chi class and see which you prefer. On this decision, you should trust your instincts.
Amy-SuiQun Lui, L.Ac.
Asian Health Center
27059 Grand Army of the Republic Hwy
Cleveland, OH 44143
Tel: (440) 833-0983
https://www.clevelandacupunctureclinic.com/
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