The difference between Tai-chi and Qigong<\/b>Qigong’s roots go back thousands of years. Archaeologists and historians have found references to qigong techniques dating back at least 5,000 years.<\/span><\/p>\n Tai-chi was developed more recently (1500 years ago) by Shaolin monks for self-defense and combat. We can say that Tai-chi has direct influences from Qigong, and that Qigong is one of the foundations of Tai-chi.<\/span><\/p>\n In any case, “the Tai-chi classics” are invaluable to any qigong practitioner.<\/span><\/p>\n Here I present just 3 texts that are part of the classics, as I think they are the ones that can best teach and help develop an Essential Qigong practice.<\/span><\/p>\n The Tai-Chi classics <\/b><\/p>\n The classics have one principle in common: they all tell us about the process of change in the Universe and, since man is not separate from the cosmos, they point out his personal preparation through flexible adaptation. We must consider that the writings presented below sometimes go beyond our experience, because they use metaphorical language intended for the initiate, they are indirect words that reason cannot penetrate without the experience of living.<\/span>In any case, the Tai-Chi classics are our best link to the past of tai-chi and form the basis of the art; if the tai-chi and qigong systems violate the principles of the classics, it is because they are wrong.<\/span>Chang San-Feng’s Tai-chi treatise<\/b><\/p>\n Chang San-Feng was a Taoist monk who became known for developing tai-chi after learning the martial art from Shaolin Buddhist monks. In every movement, the whole body must be light and agile.<\/span><\/p>\n However, the most important thing is that all movements are continuous.<\/span><\/p>\n The qi must circulate actively and the spirit must be conserved internally.<\/span><\/p>\n Do not allow any part of the movement to show imperfections, let alone discontinuities.<\/span><\/p>\n In all movements, the “internal energy” is rooted in the feet, developed in the legs and controlled by the waist, and manifests itself in the fingers of the hands.<\/span><\/p>\n From the feet and legs to the waist and toes, there must be complete coordination so that, whether moving forward or backward, you can have a favorable position.<\/span><\/p>\n In all movements, such as forward, backward and turning, the solution should be sought in the waist and legs.<\/span><\/p>\n Ultimately, everything depends above all on the mind itself and not on the outward appearance of the movements.<\/span><\/p>\n In any movement, when there is an ascent, there must be a descent; when there is an advance, there must be a retreat; and when there is a left, there must be a right.<\/span><\/p>\n If you want to make an upward movement, it must be preceded by a downward movement.<\/span><\/p>\n To pull a plant out of the ground, the root must be taken into account, because with a twisting gesture it will break and then be lifted up and overturned.<\/span><\/p>\n The full and the empty, the two complementary factors, must be clearly differentiated.<\/span><\/p>\n These two factors are needed in every movement and every centimeter of it.<\/span><\/p>\n Every joint in the body must be synchronized, so that the body’s actions are integrated as a unit without the slightest interruption.<\/span><\/p>\n Each movement is performed centimeter by centimeter, without pause and without breaking continuity.<\/span><\/p>\n Your 10 essential points:<\/b><\/p>\n The classics attributed to master Wang Tsung-Yueh<\/b><\/p>\n According to historians, Wang Tsung-Yueh lived in the 13th century during the Ming dynasty and was the first person to whom master Chang San-Feng passed on his knowledge, and these are his timeless teachings:<\/span><\/p>\n If we move the qi with our mind and command it to integrate, it can penetrate the bones.<\/span><\/p>\n Let the qi circulate freely throughout the body, and the body will obey the mind.<\/span><\/p>\n If you can lift your spirits, you shouldn’t be afraid of slowness or heaviness.<\/span><\/p>\n This is what it means to have your head hanging down from above.<\/span><\/p>\n Our sensations must become extremely sensitive for there to be complete and lively pleasure.<\/span><\/p>\n This is what is meant by talking about the transformations of full and empty.<\/span><\/p>\n When emitting energy, the person must concentrate, relax, be calm and attentive to a direction.<\/span><\/p>\n Our posture should be upright and relaxed, able to control all eight directions.<\/span><\/p>\n Directing qi is like sticking a pearl in a hole with nine curves. <\/span><\/p>\n Is there any part of her where the qi doesn’t penetrate?<\/span><\/p>\n When energy is set in motion, it’s like steel tempered a hundred times.<\/span><\/p>\n What resistance will you not be able to overcome?<\/span><\/p>\n We must resemble a hawk catching a hare and possess the spirit of a cat hunting a mouse.<\/span><\/p>\n In stillness, be like a great mountain; in action, flow like a great river.<\/span><\/p>\n Accumulate energy like a bow, release it like an arrow.<\/span><\/p>\n Seek the right in the curve, accumulate first and issue later.<\/span><\/p>\n Energy comes from the back, our steps must follow the body.<\/span><\/p>\n To withdraw is to attack, and to attack is to withdraw.<\/span><\/p>\n After withdrawing, return to the contact.<\/span><\/p>\n When moving from side to side, use the “bend”; when moving forward and backward, use circular movements and shifts.<\/span><\/p>\n From maximum softness comes maximum hardness.<\/span><\/p>\n Proper breathing gives rise to sensitivity and vitality.<\/span><\/p>\n The qi must develop properly without being affected.<\/span><\/p>\n Energy must be accumulated in such a way as to circulate and there must always be a surplus of qi.<\/span><\/p>\n The mind is the command, the qi the flag, and the waist the banner.<\/span><\/p>\n If you aim for expansion first and then contraction, you’ll achieve an impeccable technique.<\/span><\/p>\n It is also said that things are found first in the mind and then in the body.<\/span><\/p>\n The body must be relaxed and the qi will penetrate the bones.<\/span><\/p>\n The mind must be open and the body calm.<\/span><\/p>\n Keep in mind at all times and consciously remember that as soon as one part of the body moves, the whole body moves; and as soon as one part becomes still, the whole body remains still.<\/span><\/p>\n By pushing forward and pulling back, the qi sticks to the back and penetrates the spine.<\/span><\/p>\n Strengthen the vital spirit inwardly and give the appearance of calm and tranquillity outwardly.<\/span><\/p>\n Walking like a cat and moving energy like folding the silk of a cocoon.<\/span><\/p>\n All attention must be placed on the spirit and not on the qi. Those who pay attention to qi have no energy; those who don’t pay attention to qi achieve an essential hardness.<\/span><\/p>\n The qi is like a wheel, and the waist like an axle.<\/span><\/p>\n Even when the energy is released, mental continuity is maintained.<\/span><\/p>\n The song of thirteen postures<\/b><\/p>\n Keep the “thirteen” postures and don’t forget them.<\/span><\/p>\n When you want to move, start at the waist.<\/span><\/p>\n Being sensitive to change, to the slightest change from full to empty.<\/span><\/p>\n This will allow the qi to circulate like a fluid throughout the body.<\/span><\/p>\n Invisible in the embrace of stillness lies movement; and within the same movement is hidden stillness.<\/span><\/p>\n Therefore, look for what is quiet within the movement.<\/span><\/p>\n If we can do it, the discoveries will be ours.<\/span><\/p>\n May the movement be filled with awareness and meaning.<\/span><\/p>\n If this happens, the effort of non-effort will appear.<\/span><\/p>\n Don’t neglect the waistline.<\/span><\/p>\n When the abdomen is light and free, the qi will be stimulated.<\/span><\/p>\n If the lower vertebrae are raised, then the spirit rises to the top of the head.<\/span><\/p>\n The whole body should be supple and smooth.<\/span><\/p>\n His head hung as if held in place by a single hair.<\/span><\/p>\n Stay awake, looking for the meaning of Tai-chi itself.<\/span><\/p>\n If the body bends or stretches, opens or closes, let the natural way be our way.<\/span><\/p>\n At first, students listen to the words of their teacher; if they learn with attention and consistency, the skill will develop by itself.<\/span><\/p>\n Who can tell me what the fundamental principle of Tai-chi is?<\/span><\/p>\n The awakened mind comes first, and the body follows.<\/span><\/p>\n Who can tell me the meaning and philosophy of Tai-chi?<\/span><\/p>\n Eternal youth and a long, healthy life mean spring is always present.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>
\nThe founders of Tai-chi were also versed in Qigong practices and used it in their self-defense system.
\nHowever, qigong is considered a health system, and tai chi is a true martial art. <\/span><\/p>\n
\nThis is the ability to adapt to changing situations, on the basis that all existence is a process of mutation. <\/span><\/p>\n
\nHe is credited with writing the first Tai-Chi Classics: <\/span><\/p>\n\n
\nIf it’s on the qi, there will be blockages. <\/span><\/p>\n