Exercise and Lifestyle | TCM advice for exercise and lifestyle | Tai Chi

It considers that appropriate exercise, diet, relaxation, social relationships, and habits all play a part in promoting or hindering the healthy flow of Qì in the body.

Dietary and lifestyle advice will be part of your treatment when appropriate.

Qi Gong (qì gōng) 氣功

Tai Chi (tài jí quán) 太極拳

What is Qi Gong?

The term “Qi Gong” (sometimes seen spelt as ‘qigong’) is composed of 2 terms:

氣 “Qì” (pronounced chee), the vital energy that flows through all living things in the universe

功 “Gōng” (pronounced gung) – means "to work", "the skill of working"

Together, the term Qi Gong means "working on the vital (internal) energy"

The Chinese have for thousands of years believed in the existence of Qì.

Qì is the basic life force that exists in every living thing from plants to animals to humans. Without Qì we cannot exist.

Qì Gōng is the practice of gentle flowing movements, much like Tai Chi (Tai Ji). There are many forms of Qi Gong, each of which incorporates different sequences of movements.

It originated in China more than 5,000 years ago and was passed down through generations.

Why do people practice Qi Gong?

People practice Qì Gōng to enhance their physical health, mental and emotional well-being. Chinese exercises - Qi Gong and Tai Ji - optimise the flow of Qì (energy) in your body helping to put your "state of being" into the finest order.

The practice of Qi Gong and/or Tai Ji increases your energy and restores your health and vitality, at the same time supporting your inner sense of peace and balance.

What is Medical Qi Gong?

Qi Gong can also be used for medical purposes. Medical Qi Gong is another therapy of TCM.

After a full TCM diagnosis, the practitioner might decide that the appropriate form of treatment for a patient is to restore the balance and/or movement of Qì within the person (along the Jīng Luò – the “acupuncture channels”, “meridians”) with some work (Gōng) on the person’s Qì.

Also, the practitioner may include some Qi Gong exercises in your treatment regime so that you can continue the work on your Qì between treatments.

Tai Chi for your health

Tai Chi (also spelt Taiji) is a Chinese health system which can help to slow down our lives and teach us to live in “the moment”.

When practising Tai Chi the main aim is to clear the mind of useless thoughts so that one can concentrate completely on a sequence of movements. The mind must be in a relaxed yet clear and alert state; this is why it is referred to as “moving meditation”. Consistent practise allows one to enter this state easily and eventually it filters into everyday life.

There are many styles of Taiji. The original form is called Chen Tai Chi and it has a lot of spiralling and twisting motions (referred to as silk reeling exercises), which makes it excellent for improving the circulation and maintaining the joints and muscles at their optimum.

Tai Chi improves the structural integrity of the body by emphasising correct posture and alignment while practising the form. The form is a sequence of movements which can be done in a very slow meditative manner or, depending on the fitness of the person, in a more vigorous manner. With its emphasis on correct abdominal breathing, it teaches the practitioner to remain calm in the midst of the pressures of modern day living, but this needs to be cultivated through regular practise.

This article was writen by Paul Maloney and was published in our TCM newsletter (March '10 edition).

Paul is certified by Master Chen Zhonghua of the Hunyuan Taiji Academy

and he teaches two classes every Thursday in Celbridge, Co. Kildare.

For more information, please contact

Paul Maloney by mobile:

086 129 49 73

or by email: yinyangtaiji@gmail.com

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