3 definitions by Sifu Philip Bonifonte
Tai Chi is the urbanization of the phrase T'ai Chi Ch'uan (Taijiquan), meaning "Supreme Ultimate Fist (School)" and usually refers to the internal martial art of that name originating in China.
An internal martial art is one that focuses upon the energy, chi (qi), of the body and its application for martial purposes as compared with an external martial art such as karate, which emphasizes muscular strength.
Taiji is commonly characterized by slow, flowing movements interspersed with rapid ones, and emphasizes posture, rooting, balance and efficient body mechanics for both health and martial applications.
The history and lineage of Taijiquan is often debated, but most discussions place its origin in the late 14th - early 15th century from one Chang San-feng. Its philosophy and movements have their roots in Taoist philosophy, itself dating back at least to the 6th century BC. Chief among the main concepts are relaxation in movement, tranquility, proper body alignment, balance, and focus upon both breathing and chi (qi), the internal energy utilized in Taijiquan.
A sister practice, chi kung (qigong), or "skill in working with energy", utilizes the same principles and movement techniques as Taijiquan. An emphasis upon health benefits, breathing, energy flow and posture characterize qigong. Although there are some qigong styles that include martial applications, qigong is usually practiced in the West as a health exercise.
As for the practice of Taiji in the West, it too is often focused solely upon health benefits, but an in-depth education in this art involves both martial and health applications. The benefits to be gained in this education start to appear quickly, but the study of the art can take a lifetime.
An internal martial art is one that focuses upon the energy, chi (qi), of the body and its application for martial purposes as compared with an external martial art such as karate, which emphasizes muscular strength.
Taiji is commonly characterized by slow, flowing movements interspersed with rapid ones, and emphasizes posture, rooting, balance and efficient body mechanics for both health and martial applications.
The history and lineage of Taijiquan is often debated, but most discussions place its origin in the late 14th - early 15th century from one Chang San-feng. Its philosophy and movements have their roots in Taoist philosophy, itself dating back at least to the 6th century BC. Chief among the main concepts are relaxation in movement, tranquility, proper body alignment, balance, and focus upon both breathing and chi (qi), the internal energy utilized in Taijiquan.
A sister practice, chi kung (qigong), or "skill in working with energy", utilizes the same principles and movement techniques as Taijiquan. An emphasis upon health benefits, breathing, energy flow and posture characterize qigong. Although there are some qigong styles that include martial applications, qigong is usually practiced in the West as a health exercise.
As for the practice of Taiji in the West, it too is often focused solely upon health benefits, but an in-depth education in this art involves both martial and health applications. The benefits to be gained in this education start to appear quickly, but the study of the art can take a lifetime.
by Sifu Philip Bonifonte May 30, 2007
Qigong (Qi-Gong, Chi Kung), literally "Skill in working with Qi", is an exercise founded in China that emphasizes slow, rhythmic movements, diaphragmatic (deep) breathing, proper body mechanics and flow of internal energy (Qi, Chi) to strengthen the body.
Qigong has many "schools" or styles of practice, among them being martial, medical and spiritual, therefore it can be a mental and spiritual exercise as well as a physical one. Based upon Taoist philosophical principles of relaxation, meditation and balance, its benefits can be enjoyed by everyone from children to senior citizens.
Characterized by slow, flowing movements, the Qigong practitioner focuses upon their body and mind, creating a type of moving meditation. A sister practice, Tai Chi (Taiji, Taijiquan, T'ai Chi Ch'uan), offers a martial art that uses Qi for effective, effortless self-defense.
Qigong has many "schools" or styles of practice, among them being martial, medical and spiritual, therefore it can be a mental and spiritual exercise as well as a physical one. Based upon Taoist philosophical principles of relaxation, meditation and balance, its benefits can be enjoyed by everyone from children to senior citizens.
Characterized by slow, flowing movements, the Qigong practitioner focuses upon their body and mind, creating a type of moving meditation. A sister practice, Tai Chi (Taiji, Taijiquan, T'ai Chi Ch'uan), offers a martial art that uses Qi for effective, effortless self-defense.
The practice of Qigong helps you develop a better understanding of how your body and mind can work together.
by Sifu Philip Bonifonte May 30, 2007
Acupuncture is one of the five main modalities of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and involves the use of fine metal needles to stimulate, soothe or balance the body's energy flow. This often has the effect of curing a large spectrum of illnesses and diseases.
The energy involved in acupuncture, Qi (Chi) is believed by Chinese medicine practitioners to directly influence a person's health. By placing the acupuncture needles on specified points of the meridians and channels of the energetic body, the flow of the qi is regulated. Depending upon the angle and depth of insertion, the energy may be increased, decreased or balanced out.
A related practice, moxibustion (moxabustion), involves the application of burning sticks or pieces of moxa, or mugwort, on or near acupuncture points with the goal of once again modifying the body's energy flows.
So-called "needle-less acupuncture" is merely acupressure - applying pressure with fingers to acupuncture / acupressure points to modify the flow of chi.
Most US states have licensing requirements to practice acupuncture. To become an acupuncturist requires several years of training at an accredited school, in addition to passing the state tests.
The energy involved in acupuncture, Qi (Chi) is believed by Chinese medicine practitioners to directly influence a person's health. By placing the acupuncture needles on specified points of the meridians and channels of the energetic body, the flow of the qi is regulated. Depending upon the angle and depth of insertion, the energy may be increased, decreased or balanced out.
A related practice, moxibustion (moxabustion), involves the application of burning sticks or pieces of moxa, or mugwort, on or near acupuncture points with the goal of once again modifying the body's energy flows.
So-called "needle-less acupuncture" is merely acupressure - applying pressure with fingers to acupuncture / acupressure points to modify the flow of chi.
Most US states have licensing requirements to practice acupuncture. To become an acupuncturist requires several years of training at an accredited school, in addition to passing the state tests.
by Sifu Philip Bonifonte May 30, 2007