There are many physical activities that are as beneficial for the body as they are for the mind. Yoga in particular is now more popular than ever. For those who crave something different, but based on the same principles of relaxation, slow movement, and benefit to physical and mental health, Tai Chi and Qi Gong, similar, are more options than that. ‘interesting to consider. Here are the respective benefits.
The benefits of Qi Gong
Qi Qong is a type of traditional Chinese gymnastics based on the science of breathing. It is more specifically characterized by the knowledge and mastery of vital energy. Qigong combines slow, precise movements with breathing exercises and the importance of concentration.
Obviously, the practice of Qi Gong allows you to learn to concentrate by the precision, the slowness and the precision of the movements, it trains your mind to empty itself and to think only of what your body is accomplishing. By the same token, this physical activity helps reduce your stress and anxiety by learning to breathe properly. Physically, Qigong improves your flexibility and is beneficial for your heart health and reduces blood pressure while strengthening your immune system.
The benefits of Tai chi
This ancient Chinese martial art, well known and having even become a sort of emblem for China, is a form of moving meditation that emphasizes calm and concentration. The slow and precise, controlled and repetitive movements of Tai Chi emphasize progressive tension and release. These movements aim to circulate internal energy freely in the body in order to promote harmony between body and mind.
Tai Chi, which is very popular, has many benefits for the body and mind, just like Qigong. It is used, in particular, to develop physical assets such as flexibility, balance and muscle tone, and improve posture, coordination and balance. Also beneficial in releasing tension, stress and anxiety, Tai Chi relaxes muscles.
What differentiates Tai Chi and Qi Gong
Although the two types of activities are similar and complementary, both being Chinese martial arts which have similar benefits such as concentration, stress reduction and physical, flexibility and muscle building improvement, Tai Chi and Qi Gong are different and depending on your needs, one may be more suitable for you than the other. Tai Chi is, in fact, a form of Qigong. Learning Tai Chi is more complex than Qi Gong, because the movements, body language and principle are indeed more difficult to acquire since it is a 108 movement form. Tai Chi was designed around the weakness of the opponent’s joints, while Qigong targets organs like the heart or lungs to improve their health.
So, depending on your physical or energetic needs, Tai Chi and Qigong can definitely be beneficial, but with nuances, serve different goals and in distinct ways.