What are tai chi and qi gong?

Tai chi and qi gong (pronounced “chee goong”) are traditional Chinese exercises. They are based on two ideas:

Energy, called qi or chi, flows through the body along "energy pathways" called meridians. If the flow of chi is blocked or unbalanced at any point on a pathway, it is thought that the person may become ill. Tai chi and qi gong are done to increase a person's energy (chi or qi) and improve health through gentle, graceful, repeated movements.
Nature, including the body, consists of opposing forces called yin and yang. Good health results when these forces are in balance. Tai chi and qi gong movements are done in an attempt to help restore the body's balance of yin and yang.
Tai chi is a series of movements done either very slowly or very quickly to move the body's chi. People use tai chi as a way to combine meditation and movement and to improve and maintain their health.

Qi gong involves different movements that can be done in any order. Some common qi gong movements include raising and lowering the arms, moving the head from side to side, and rubbing the ears, feet, and hands.

What are tai chi and qi gong used for?

Tai chi and qi gong may be used to improve posture, balance, coordination, endurance, and flexibility and to maintain good health and quality of life.

Are tai chi and qi gong safe?

Like any physical activity, people who perform tai chi or qi gong can experience muscle strains or sprains. Gentle stretching before a tai chi or qi gong session can prevent most injuries.

Tai chi or qi gong can most often be safely used alongside conventional medical treatments.

Always tell your health professional if you are using an alternative therapy or if you are thinking about combining an alternative therapy with your conventional medical treatment. It may not be safe to forgo your conventional medical treatment and rely only on an alternative therapy.

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