Taiji QiGong
Origins
and historical development :
There are many different recognised styles of movement based meditation therapies in China today, the majority of which have been directly descended from Taiji Quan (Tai Chi) which is classed as a Martial Art. Taiji Qigong itself is a modified system of Tai Chi that enhances the therapeutic qualities and downplays the martial application. The resulting exercises concentrate upon Qi or life energy, the invisible force that penetrates, connects and activates all things. Qigong or energy work, is a continual practice that encourages harmony within the body through ongoing development of Qi. Qigong developed from Ancient Chinese practices based on animal instincts, balance, strength and vitality; the main focus of these exercises being breathing, movement and healing. Illustrations depicting people practicing recognisable Qigong exercises were discovered on bronze tablets from the Zhou Dynasty 3000 years ago; and on pieces of silk from the Western Han Dynasty 2000 years ago. The styles shown were accompanied by writings detailing how to combine breathing techniques with the Five Animal Forms which are still practiced today. During the Tang Dynasty over 1100 years ago Qigong was used in medical treatments and has continued in its popularity over the centuries. In 1955 the first Qigong clinic was established in the province of Heibei. Qigong was then suppressed during the cultural revolution of 1966-69 but was re-established soon after. The Chinese conducted a study of Qigong in the 1980’s which found that Qigong increases blood flow to the brain and other organs thus improving overall body functions.
Taiji Qigong is growing in popularity throughout the western world with many books and videos available on the subject and practitioners to get you started.
What
to expect during a treatment :
It is advisable to wear loose clothing and flat but flexible soft shoes (trainers are not really suitable). The movements are relatively easy and suitable for anyone to practice. In order to stimulate Qi within the meridians of your body, a practitioner will teach you a series of meditative techniques, movements and exercises; they will also help you to recognise and channel the sensation of Qi with the ultimate goal of bringing calm to your mind and enhancing bodily functions. In making slow, considered movements, you begin to focus your mind on the particular sensations felt in your body. For example, when moving your arms forward, you imagine something in front of you that you are pushing away. While sensing the subtle resistance against your movements, you are generating Qi within yourself. This will have a rejuvenating affect on the whole body.
There are five types of exercises; standing still postures, moving postures, breathing exercises, meditative practices and channelling Qi. You may be taught to learn and repeat movements six times and build up from there. Once the sequences have been memorised they may be practised in any order.
Conditions suitable for treatment :
Taiji Qigong helps to promote an overall sense of well being and is generally considered to be a movement based form of meditation. It gives positive health benefits through soft, flowing, continuous movements and the generation of Qi within the body. It can have a calming effect on the mind, promote homeostasis and strengthen the immune system, thus preventing conditions such as headaches, muscle strains, digestive disorders, poor circulation, problems concentrating, fatigue, joint pain and high blood pressure.
