One of my subscribers brought up an interesting observation (this is where I get a lot ofmy blog ideas). Qigong joint extension appears to be greater than Tai Chi joint extension at times. Yes, Wendy, you are correct. There are Qigong movements that extend the arms and open the joints much more than ever occurs in Taiji.
For the purpose of this and my other blogs, I use “Tai Chi”, “Qigong”, and “Qi” rather than other iterations or spellings. Researching Qigong and/or Tai Chi (actually all soft martial arts) is always a lively endeavor because of all the different beliefs, opinions, and “truths”. Nothing is ever black and white. I don’t propose to have the “answer”.
First, let’s establish that neither Qigong nor Tai Chi movements are forced nor are joints overextended. To do so would not improve flexibility or range of motion. Secondly, there are those practitioners who feel that Tai Chi and Qigong are “very similar”. OK, but are they the same? Many experts (including Master Yang Jun and Greg Pfister) would agree that they are. It is widely accepted that Tai Chi is a martial form of Qigong.
When you think about the numerous Tai Chi practices and drills, note that they are similar to those which classify as “strictly” Qigong. When it comes to training and/or combat, all internal arts (i.e., Bagua, Xingyi, and Tai Chi) employ Qigong.
Isn’t Qigong the “grandmother” of Tai Chi? Isn’t the Eight Pieces of Brocade an ancient Medical Qigong? These concepts and practices are much older than Tai Chi. Then, why is it that many practitioners and teachers aren’t familiar with this concept? Most students of acupuncture supposedly are. However, there are many Tai Chi instructors today (according to emails I receive from the readers of my blogs) who never even talk about Qigong. Hmmm.
What do we mean by “overextension”?
“Overextension” has multiple meanings and applications. If you are being literal, you would be exceeding your joints “normal” range. On the other hand, maybe you are pushing yourself beyond your “normal range”.
When it comes to Qigong and/or Tai Chi, we are talking about going beyond the range of motion that is safe and/or comfortable for you. In fact, you could try to “overextend” to a point that is physically impossible to reach. Easy to figure out what happens when you do that: injury, sprains, strains, etc. And guess what? The movements become LESS effective when you overextend! Gently opening the spaces between the joints (or inflating the space, if you prefer) allows joints to open rather than overextending.
Let’s travel further down this path a bit - you may agree or disagree - but here goes.
Qigong
Qigong is usually done either standing or sitting. There are several different Qigongs, both static and dynamic for example. Tai Chi is often considered a martial, moving form of Qigong. Both are compatible and can be done at the same time! Both Qigong and Tai Chi require movements to be natural and the practitioner to be Song in order to be effective. There are a few movements in Qigong that you will not (usually) see in Tai Chi; namely: bending either sideways, or backward. However, there are a few forward movements in Tai Chi (i.e., Needles at Sea Bottom).
Qigong movements do not require a lot of space, as stepping is minimal. Movements are usually fairly simple and repeated. They are also easy to memorize and refine. New practitioners don’t get distracted by being concerned with steps, balance, and sequences to come. Internal energy is easier to feel and movements are easier to do in a relaxed and natural manner. More experienced Qigong practitioners find that this is a great way to prepare for Tai Chi Forms.
One student’s instructor stated that Tai Chi without Qigong is not Tai Chi. Therefore, if Tai Chi is done properly - it is Qigong! If Qigong means “Chi or Qi” work, Tai Chi is working your Chi/Qi in a specific way, form, etc. In other words, it is Qigong applied with certain movements and/or applications. At times, you need to be able to move passively, with or against gravity, while at the same time, coordinating your breathing with your movements. Doesn’t sound so simple, does it?
Qigong teaches you how to move your limbs correctly and within their limits. To practice Qigong correctly, you must maintain proper alignment while eliminating any muscle contraction and/or tension, and while opening and closing your joints and rotating your limbs. Practice makes you aware of the differences in Qi flow when you open and close joints, or when you rotate your limbs. It is important to be aware that when a joint or limb is opened too much or too little, it is weak. The result is a flawed martial application, which can have negative results for the practitioner. Importantly, when performed correctly, the practitioner can acquire an abundance of power without resorting to physical strength.
Qigong can do many things to the flow of Qi in the body: strengthen, harmonize, cultivate, refine, unlock, reverse stagnation, etc. Qigong also improves flexibility, balance, and range of motion.
Is all Qigong the same? Absolutely not!
Some Qigong (the Brocades, for example) are very soft, controlled, gentle, and smooth movements. Others are designed to generate higher pressures (almost isometric), and others even go against the natural energetic flow. For example, Muscle Tendon & Changing Qigong: Yi Jin Jing (aka Muscle and Tendon Changing Classic or Yinjinjing.
Is all Tai Chi the same? You already know that answer.
Both Tai Chi and Qigong movements are never forced. They are circular and relaxed, with joints “partially”, not fully, extended or bent. Connective tissues (fascia) are not stretched. This is why Qigong and Tai Chi can easily be adapted to most physical conditions and fitness levels. There are even “lying down Tai Chi” forms.
What is the benefit of practicing Qigong before Tai Chi (either in class or solo)?
When you practice Qigong, you learn to feel energy/Qi flow easier. In this way, when you do practice Tai Chi, you learn to adapt or coordinate the body’s outer movement with the flow of Qi in the body and extremities.
You also are able to reach and maintain a deeper state of Song when practicing Qigong. You can draw on this experience when you attempt some more difficult Tai Chi postures and/or movements.
Bottom line: By learning and practicing Qigong prior to learning Tai Chi, students experience some of the benefits much sooner than students who only practice Tai Chi without learning/practicing Qigong. If nothing else, when you do Qigong prior to a Tai Chi form, you begin the Form in a more relaxed manner.
I personally never practice or teach Tai Chi without starting with Qigong. It calms me down and puts me in the right mindset (Song). It also helps me shake off (another good practice) the busy, and/or negative parts of my day.
Subscribe to receive my weekly blogs in your email.