What are Tai Chi Kung classes about?

These classes are a combination of Chi Kung exercises, a Tai Chi Form based in the I Ching brought from South American school, some Self Chi Massage and different kinds of Meditation with a merely therapeutic purpose. 

So even if the techniques are important to get the maximum benefits of the exercises, we are not going to focus in getting a grade or belt in Tai Chi. We come to develop an effective routine which help us to increase, balance and restore our own Energy, therefore these classes work out like “preventive alternative medicine” and also reduce the shortcomings that some medical conditions bring. 

What is Tai Chi?

Tai Chi, is an ancient Chinese discipline practiced with an energetic and physical application from the Dao; where a series of movements are performed in a slow and focused manner following a particular choreography. Tai means “path, right or way” and Chi “Energy”, so the “Energy way”, terminology which was born with the aim of unify body and mind in communion with the Universe.

The Dao is the Whole, the Universe based in the principle of nature where the Life energy interact in a continuous exchange and balance between the Yin and the Yang, the opposites. Here comes the belief that everything moves and changes all the time in harmony and balance.

The Tai Chi we experience in these classes is supported by the main principles of the Tai Chi with a little difference in the steps and the sequence. The Wu Shu Tao School brings the concept of Heaven, Man & Earth to interact with the 8 nature stages of the Bagua (or Pakua) which is the heart of the principle of the I Ching, the book of the Dao. 

So the Form we do named Chi’en Kun Tao (Heaven, Man, Path) will start with the Heaven stage to work in a deep therapeutic way. If we want to go deep in a martial art work, we should continue to the Man and Earth stages in a gradual way.

What is Chi Kung (Qi Gong)?

Qi Gong or Chi Kung is an ancient Chinese discipline. Qi (chi) is a Chinese word meaning “life energy” and Gong means “work” or “benefits acquired through perseverance and practice”. So it is about working Qi (the life energy), learning how to control the flow and distribution of Qi to improve the health and harmony of mind and body. Qi Gong is a holistic system of self healing exercise and meditation. It is an ancient, evolving practice that includes healing postures, movement, self massage, breathing techniques and meditation. Through these various methods, Qi is accumulated and stored in the body, like filling a reservoir. 

The term Qi Gong is quite recent and it probably dates from the Ming Dinasty (1368-1644). Agrarian ancient people learned Qi Gong principles by observing cycles of planting and harvesting and the earliest discipline got the movements’ model from animals, dances of the Chinese shamans. Qi Gong started to be considered therapeutic from 1960 with a Tuberculosis treatment being related to Traditional Chinese medicine.

Different kinds of Chi Kung practice

There are two kinds of Chi Kung, active Chi Kung (dong gong) and passive Chi Kung (Jing Gong). 

Active Chi Kung is the most popular in China and in the West. The entire body moves from one position to another like a dance or a posture is held while the arms move through various positions. Externally it is Yang, though internally it is Yin because the mind is quiet, peaceful and at rest.

In passive Chi Kung, the entire body is still. The Qi is controlled by mental concentration, visualisation and precise methods of breathing so externally it is totally Yin but internally it is Yang because the mind is alert and actively paying attention to the Qi.

Benefits you can gain with these classes:

  • Prevents joints injuries
  • Builds bone density
  • Lowers heart rate
  • Slow respiration
  • Improves circulation preventing muscular spasms
  • Builds immune system
  • Decreases stroke risks
  • Strengthens nerves system and ligaments
  • Balance emotions, decreasing stress, anxiety and depression
  • Regulates sleep patterns
  • Aides in digestion
  • Improves kidneys function
  • Improves skin elasticity
  • Improves posture, flexibility, memory, coordination and balance.

Some possible contraindications in Tai Chi Kung

These classes can be contraindicated in certain conditions so the most important thing is that you always must listen to your body. These classes are never considered a substitution of medical prescription so consult with to your physician or GP if you have any medical conditions or any doubt about Tai Chi & Qi Gong practice.

Therefore here are some rules to follow:

  • Do not practice strenuous Tai Chi Kung or assume low postures if you are pregnant or menstruating.
  • Do not practice postures that might strain arthritic or damaged joints.
  • Do not do this practice if you have any inflammation or infection.
  • Do not expose your reserves if you have chronic fatigue symptoms and recovery from surgery, if you need more rest than exercise.
  • Do not spend too much time meditating in standing or sitting position if you have restlessness, swollen conditions, varicose veins or organ distension, choose a lying on position.
  • Do not force yourself to do abdominal breathing if you have a condition which creates metabolic acidosis like diabetes or kidney failure.
  • Do not do this practice just after meals; leave at least one hour apart.
  • Never practice with pain.
  • Always listen to your body.

If you already suffer medical conditions like arthritis, asthma, fibromyalgia, digestive issues, headaches, depression, anxiety to mention a few, this regulative practice will help to relieve a considerable amount of symptoms.

Always listen to your body! So, every time you feel sore, pain or any discomfort, please stop the movement and the instructor will provide you with an alternative exercise or just suggest you to breathe in a seated position.

We come here to enjoy and accept our body just as it is right now, working mind and body as one. It is not about perfection, it is about to enjoy and do our best in a comfortable and relaxed way.

Relax and enjoy! 

Do you need more information?

Please send us a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.