Sometimes in Tai Chi classes, students are taught Qigong as a series of moves different from the regular set. The student learns the regular moves and then learns a different set of moves that are called Qigong as if the new set of moves were the whole of Qigong. Although all the moves used can be valuable, this is not true Tai Chi Qigong practice.

Qigong translates into English as “energy work.” The energy referred to here is not only kenetic energy. It also deals with the biological energy that moves through the body. Real Qigong is not a separate set of moves. Qigong can be practiced using the same moves as Tai Chi. True Qigong practice has to do with moving energy through the body. Without some instruction in Qigong the moves practiced are little more than choreography. Tai Chi without Qigong practice does have health benefits. But they are the same benefits that could be gained from regularly practicing slow and deliberate ballroom dancing.

So if Tai Chi Qigong is not simply a separate set of moves, what makes it unique? How does one practice it? To begin with, students must practice their forms in a way that will not impede the flow of energy through the body. With proper structural alignment, the basic moves in the regular set will automatically begin the circulation of energy through the body without the student having to focus on making that circulation happen. Without proper posture and alignment, there will be blockages in the energy flow of the body and this circulation of energy will not happen.

It is also important that forms be practiced with a body quality referred to as Sung. This means complete relaxation, both internal relaxation and external. Like proper alignment of the body, relaxation is necessary in order to allow the flow of energy through the body. Tension can be completely physical. For example, some people have tense shoulders all the time simply because they do not allow their shoulders to relax. However, the tension that occurs in the body can also have deeper roots. When people are under stress, they unconsciously clench their jaws. Since mental and physical tension can be very closely related, to develop the practice of Tai Chi Qigong, it is necessary to work on relaxing mentally as well as physically.

Once you have proper structural alignment and physical relaxation, you can begin to practice real energy techniques. It is possible to use mind intent to direct internal movement and the flow of chi into an expression. This kind of energetic expression is known as a jing. Tai Chi has approximately 36 different primary expressions of energy or jings. Some jings are very dramatic. You might have seen demonstrations of Fa Jing where a large person is thrown across a room by a small but well-trained martial artist. However, there are other kinds of jings as well such as Ting Jing or listening energy, Rooted Heavy Energy, and Silk Reeling Energy. These higher levels of practice all include a high level of Qigong.

Author Bio: Sigung Richard Clear has over 30 years of continuous study in Tai Chi Chuan and Qigong both in the U.S. and China. Check out more articles and his Tai Chi DVD selection at www.clearstaichi.com.

Category: Sports
Keywords: Qigong, Qi Gong, Chi Gong, Tai Chi DVD