Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) and Qigong (Chi Kung) for Health and Well-Being

1. Understanding Qi (Chi)
2. Use of Tai Chi and Chi Kung
3. An Example of Moving with Qi
4. Learn from an Expert

Yoga was once considered relatively arcane in the U.S.; it is now so mainstream that most people have seen or heard about it, and tapes and classes are widely available. The evolution of various Chinese and Japanese forms of exercise and meditation have followed a similar path. Thus, Tai Chi is now fairly well known, and Chi Kung is emerging in the same way.

Understanding Qi (Chi)

Both rely on the phenomenon of Qi (pronounced "chi"). Qi is best defined as primal life force, life energy, or vitality; kung is work. So some people define Chi Kung as "breath work," but that misses the much greater dimension of this practice. Life energy has to do with health, vitality and well-being, which can be cultivated through such practices as Tai Chi and Chi Kung. These practices, which are thousands of years old, involve Qi cultivation and energy transformation. They are tools that can help us transform ourselves into our own "personal best" possible manifestation of health and well-being.

In Chinese clinics, Chi Kung is used by high-level practitioners to heal people, extend life, and, most importantly, improve the quality of life. Chi Kung masters take their fundamental life energy and direct it into the body of a person who is ill, as well as teach the person exercises to enhance health by balancing Qi. It is an "art of well-being."

Use of Tai Chi and Chi Kung

In the U.S., Eastern practices were once called "alternative," and then "complementary." Today, we know that these Eastern practices can be effectively used in combination with Western medicine in what we call "integrative medicine." However, one must exercise proper care and responsibility in the usage of any integrative technique or substances, such as herbs. Find a reputable teacher if you want to practice a new form of exercise, and always inform your medical professionals of any change in your regimen.

Tai Chi may be considered a subset of Chi Kung, which is the older, more fundamental and encompassing art. The development of both involved the study of nature. From this examination, a series of exercises called The Five Animal Frolic developed, based on the ways animals move and sound, taking the full energy of the animal into the body. In time, it was realized that mimicking these animals - taking on their energy - was healthful. There are similar meditative techniques, such as "standing like a tree." So all of these practices are drawn from nature and arise from natural experiences. There are thousands of forms of Chi Kung that vary in how vigorous they are - ranging from seated meditation to strenuous movement. Tai Chi developed into a fighting form - a martial art - which makes it less conducive to engendering health than pure Chi King.

These practices involve meridians (energy pathways) which form an energetic map of the body. They begin or end in the fingers or toes. Various techniques, including acupuncture and Chi Kung, encourage Qi to move along these pathways and re-balance the energy in your body. Chinese medicine focuses on removing the blockages that prevent the body from being in its natural state of balance and equilibrium. The body wants to be healthy, but many things we encounter in life move us away from such balance.

Chinese organic systems are based on the five elements: wood, water, earth, metal, and fire. So we "tune" these with various Chi Kung postures and exercises. The general practice and study of Tai Chi and Chi Kung naturally balances the internal organs. The Dan Tao system is an extremely flexible system for cultivating general balance and well-being. It can be practiced equally well standing, sitting, or lying on the floor, which makes it particularly useful for people with problems such as lupus or myositis.

In Chi Kung, we seek to move from a core energy that is natural and already flows within us. It is almost as if we no longer have muscles or bones. Rather than intentionally moving an arm, for example, we find that tapping our inner energy allows the arm to move naturally. This requires less "intentional" energy and less physical effort, which can make movement easier, especially for those with inflamed muscles.

An Example of Moving with Qi

You can explore this yourself in a simple exercise. Start by standing with your feet parallel, about shoulder-width apart. Let your feet feel firmly rooted into the ground. Keep your knees slightly bent and your spine vertical. Let your body float. Realize that your neck plays no part in keeping you standing, so your head can float above it like a buoy on the surface of the water. Thus, your spine can be as free as a rope that floats beneath the surface of the water. You may even feel a gentle sensation of someone lifting you from above, as if there were a string attached to the crown of your head. Inhale slowly and gently, and look for the energy within you that allows your arms to rise naturally, floating forward and up to about shoulder level. As you exhale, your palms face downward and your arms float down to your sides again. Repeat this a few times. Notice how your energy has changed. Notice a sense of peace within yourself. (This can also be done seated. Start by sitting forward on the edge of the chair, with your feet flat on the floor in front of you.)

You have created for yourself a benevolent environment. The phenomenon of this experience can be surprising. Qi can manifest itself in different ways. As you practice and your Qi field increases, you may experience warmth, coolness, tingling sensations, or even shaking. But even if nothing significant seems to happen, you are enhancing the healthful environment that you create for yourself. The more you practice consistently, the more benefits you will gain. It's better to do even just five minutes a day than one hour a week. Daily practice is the best approach.

Learn from an Expert

Finally, please remember that if you would like to explore this practice further, it is imperative that you find a reputable instructor. Tell him/her about your health problems, and tell your health care professionals about your new practice. These practices can be dangerous if not done properly. Your Chi Kung practitioner needs to understand how your body functions, your habits, your diet, etc., before the ideal practice for you can be recommended. Whenever there is pain, there is blockage. When the body attacks itself, as in lupus, getting a flow of energy through that blockage requires specific, individual guidance. So seek out excellence in a Chi Kung practitioner just as you would seek excellence in a physician.

About HSS' SLE Workshop

posted 6/20/2001

Summary of a presentation given at The SLE Workshop, a free support and education group held monthly for people with lupus and their families/friends.