World Tai Chi and Qigong Day is always held the last Saturday in April - this year that would be April 29th! The “local” time is 10 a.m. This global event was founded by Bill Douglas and Angela Wong Douglas, co-authors of The Complete Idiot's Guide to T'ai Chi and Qigong. The chapter entitled, "World T'ai Chi and Qigong Day," is considered a major force behind the global awareness of this health and healing event. The mission: “educating the planet on how TO BOOST THE WORLD'S IMMUNE SYSTEM, with scientifically proven natural health practices”.
Millions of people around the world practice one or both of these Chinese martial arts disciplines. Tai Chi was fairly well known in the United States even though it had not experienced any great popularity - almost a cult sport (if I could use that word). In 1993, American public's first exposure to Qigong was in the PBS series Healing and the Mind with Bill Moyers. According to Wikipedia: Moyers provided an in-depth look at alternatives to Western medicine and introduced the audience to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, as well as Qigong. The documentary caused a definite increase in the numbers of Americans practicing Tai Chi and/or Qigong.
A few years later, Qigong was highlighted in the 1998 documentary, "Qigong - Ancient Chinese Healing for the 21st Century" by Francesco Garri Garripoli. The documentary aired on PBS-TV and was watched by over 88 million Nielson-certified viewers.
In 1998, a Tai Chi club in Kansas City, Missouri held a public exhibition in front of the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art. The aim of the exhibition was to promote the martial arts practice of Tai Chi. This exhibition and teach-in involved nearly two-hundred people. The Kansas event was covered by CNN Headline News and generated interest far beyond Kansas City. This event quickly grew into a national and international event. The rest is history.
One of the purposes of the celebration is to promote and celebrate Tai Chi and Qigong and to promote a better understanding of the benefits (both medical and spiritual) that they bring. Both disciplines use body alignment, slow, flowing movements, and diaphragmatic breathing.
Numerous scientific studies have been conducted showing that Tai Chi and Qigong improve immunity, symptoms of arthritis, chronic pain, and flexibility. Other benefits include reduced stress, decreased pain, and so much more. Practitioners also enjoy improved blood circulation, posture and balance (both mental and physical), as well as inner strength. In other words, practitioners are able to enjoy a better quality of life!
In 2011, 65 nations and millions of people around the world gathered to celebrate the health and healing benefits of Tai Chi and Qigong." In 2012, The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi cited World Tai Chi Day, as follows: "A reflection of how successful the invasion of [tai chi] has been is World Tai Chi Day, organized by Bill Douglas. One of the purposes of this day is "to bring people across racial, economic, religious, and geo-political boundaries, to join together for the purpose of health and healing, providing an example to the world."
In 2013 Harvard Medical School launched a series of lectures titled "Celebrating World Tai Chi Day." Also in 2013, the National Council of Deputies in Brazil joined 22 U.S. Governors, the Senates of California, New York, and Puerto Rico and other officials and bodies from around the world in recognizing World Tai Chi & Qigong Day.
In 2019 Southampton City Council celebrated World Tai Chi & Qigong Day along with the UK Shaolin Temple, who jointly held a free public event. The event highlighted the importance of mental health and well-being awareness with free Tai Chi and Qigong sessions for almost 100 people. In the UK, the message of the event reached hundreds of thousands of people through social media and regional press coverage including the Southern Daily Echo Press and BBC Solent.
According to the World Tai Chi and Qigong Website: “World Tai Chi & Qigong Day has been officially proclaimed, recognized, or supported by 22 US Governors; Senates of Puerto Rico, California, New York; the Brazilian National Congress; by consulates and embassies from Italy to the U.S., China to India, and by government ministries and bodies in countries worldwide. Events have been held at the United Nations Building and the Nobel Peace Center.” Hot off the press: the Governor of Washington State has just proclaimed April 29, 2023 as World Tai Chi and Qigong Day!
Tai Chi, Qigong, and Mind-Body events start at 10 am local time worldwide, starting in New Zealand and Samoa, and spreading “as the world turns” with the final events being held in Hawaii, almost a day later. I encourage you to join a class or event on World T’ai Chi and Qigong Day. Visit www.worldtaichiday.org to find an event near you. Use #WorldTaiChiDay to share on social media.
These global events (both large and small) include demonstrations, exhibits, classes, and seminars for “global health”. They take place in 100s of cities in over 80 nations. This event, thanks to Bill and Angela Douglas and their unwavering support, has been successful in educating millions of people in all corners of the world about Tai Chi & Qigong's benefits on a personal, educational, health, and business level.
Local and national media worldwide have covered World Tai Chi & Qigong Day events, including Agence France Presse TV; Egyptian national television news; and New York City's Central Park event which was covered by NDT Television News. Your local stations may carry it as well. You may also want to check social media for events happening in your area.
If you can’t (or don’t desire to) find an event in your area, do step outside (preferred) at 10 am your local time and enjoy some Tai Chi and/or Qigong practice! Be part of the health and healing event!
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