Health Benefits of T'ai Chi and Qi Gong 

T'ai Chi and Qi Gong have been show to assist with:

  • Balance and fall prevention  
  • Balance of blood glucose levels  
  • Blood circulation  
  • Blood pressure  
  • Bone strength  
  • Cardiac function  
  • Flexibility  
  • Function in arthritic joints  
  • Immune function  
  • Lymphatic fluid circulation  
  • Metabolic syndrome  
  • Muscle strength  
  • Pain from some chronic conditions  
  • Posture  
  • Range of motion after surgery  
  • Respiration (breathing) improvement
  • Deep breathing; using long, slow, deep, even, gentle breaths allows greater relaxation, and attention
  • Concentration and focus 
  • Cardiovascular and respiratory fitness  
  • Stimulation of the lymph system, which can help with lymphedema  
     

Mental and emotional benefits may include: 

  • Better sleep  
  • Improved mood  
  • Increased energy  
  • More clarity and focus
  • Greater ability to manage or reduce stress, and greater awarenss of improving well-being 
  • Reduced depression, stress and anxiety 

If you have experienced cancer treatment, you might have been told to expect a “new normal.” Morrill says the goal of her t'ai chi and qi gong classes is to help students thrive in their new normal and even return to their previous normal as closely as they can, or to create their own version of their “new normal”.  

“When we see the people come in and if they feel like they’ve been beaten down, we wish to give them the knowledge and practices that can help them turn that around. They say, ‘I might have been there, but now I see where I can be,’” says Morrill.  "Not only does it give them light at the end of the tunnel, it illuminates their path.”  

After just a few classes, Morrill says many students tell her, “I can’t believe how much better I feel.” 

Read Full Article here. from Piedmont Cancer Wellness

The difference between t'ai chi and qi gong 

T'ai chi and qi gong are mind-body practices that are beneficial for both cancer survivors and caregivers. 

Cate Morrill, CTCI, a t'ai chi and qi gong instructor at Cancer Wellness, shares a brief overview of the difference between the two practices. 

What is t'ai chi? 

“T'ai chi is a system of exercise and movement developed long ago as a martial or training art that is now widely used for health and wellness,” explains Morrill. “It can be practiced by almost anyone and in almost any situation.” 

Often known as “moving meditation,” t'ai chi is a series of slow, gentle motions that are patterned after movements in nature. Most of the work is performed while standing and taking small steps, though it can be modified for seated practitioners as well. 

“Through continued and dedicated practice, t'ai chi offers many health benefits to the body, mind and spirit,” she says. “In many cases, participants will see benefits after just a few lessons or classes.” 

What is qi gong? 

Pronounced “chi gong,” qi gong is an internal process that has external movements. Qi means “life force,” the energy that powers our body and spirit. Gong is the term meaning work or gather. Qi Gong together means a form of movement and mind using intention and mindfulness to guide qi to make qi work. 

“Qi gong is often referred to as the ‘internal’ portion of t'ai chi,” explains Morrill. “Its physical expression is characterized by stationary movements that are repeated a certain number of times, such as three, six or nine times.” 

Practicing the same move over and over stimulates muscle, bone, heart, respiration and other functions in the body as shown through qi gong theory. 

What is the difference between tai chi and qi gong? 

“Qi gong can be thought of as a movement you do for a certain situation, as opposed to t'ai chi form, which is a series of movements that work on the entire body in a flowing sequence,” says Morrill. “For example, qi gong can be one move that helps open the lungs. The practitioner will repeat that specific move until he or she has felt the benefit begin to emerge.” 

T'ai chi classes always include the concepts and theories, and usually movements of qi gong, but a qi gong practice won’t necessarily include t'ai chi. 

Read Full Article here Piedmont Hospital Better Living