Tai Chi for Seniors
You may understand that both qigong and tai chi are ancient Chinese practices for increasing your energy, also relieving stress and anxiety. Sometimes the two get confused. That is because there are a lot of similarities here.
While they are closely linked, there are some definite differences between these Far East physical art forms. What follows is a brief overview of how these two disciplines differ.
Consider Qigong as the Parent of Tai Chi
Qigong is a 3,000 year old Taoist tradition, a precursor and contributing factor of tai chi. In other words, tai chi is a form of qigong, even if loosely so. There are Buddhist and Confucian qigong schools, but the Taoist qigong practice is the one which influenced the development of tai chi. Continue reading
Although developed as a martial art, tai chi the past several decades has seen Western nations develop it as a form of physical fitness and exercise. The meditative, overall health benefits that tai chi offers have been focused in many cases to treat certain debilitating conditions, both mental and physical.
The following ailments, issues and diseases can be minimized and treated by effective tai chi practice:
- Aging
- Heart disease
- Digestive problems
- Loss of balance
- Cancer
- Skin diseases
- Depression and anxiety
