The Healing Powers of Qigong and Tai Chi

"I tell my students Tai Chi is 'serenity in the midst of activity,'" says Susan Haymaker, Tai Chi and Qigong teacher. "It is the practice of being mindfully present while all kinds of commotion is going on around you."

Tai Chi has been around, in many forms, for thousands of years. Originally developed in China around the 12th century A.D. it started as a martial art, but over time people began to use it for health purposes as well. These gentle exercises combine slow, deliberate movements that are repeated multiple times, stretching the body and moving inner energy. This moving meditation has both external and internal components.

"Tai Chi practice refines our physical awareness in progressively subtle ways," says Steve Ridley, Tai Chi and Qigong teacher. "Not only does our posture, balance and agility improve, but our capacity for sensitive perception throughout our entire physical system also increases. The beauty of this art is that it can never be fully perfected and that it fosters a process of continual growth."

The effectiveness of Qigong is multidimensional. It is said that the mind moves the chi and the chi moves the body. Initially Qigong is about getting in touch with your body and clearing out blockages, which is accomplished through the nervous system. Chi flows along the nerves, so, as your chi gets stronger through continued practice, your nerves are strengthened and your body awareness is enhanced.

Qigong increases circulation, balance and alignment, and also improves cardiopulmonary function, loosens muscles and builds power, preventing injury to joints, ligaments and bones. Qigong speeds recovery from injuries and operations. Qigong eases stress and balances emotions.

A published study in Science Daily reports that in a 15-week study, Tai Chi practitioners had an increase of nearly 50% in immune cells that help protect the body against the shingles virus, which typically inhabits nerve cells and the skin surrounding them.

Mindful eating is a direct result of a Qigong practice. "One thing I've found just from practicing is that my body is more sensitive to foods. Not in a negative way but I can feel when my body has had enough. Before I did Qigong, I would eat anything. Now, when I eat something that is inappropriate I am more in tune with my walk through life," says Richard Nations, of Nations Integrative Acupuncture and Qigong teacher.

Richard has studied Chinese medicine and counsels that our bodies change as we age. "People over the age of 50 have a different metabolic ability and get cooler inside and should eat warmer foods. People under 50 can take in more calories and eat cooler foods. A younger body should sweat more than an older body. As we age and sweat, we can easily become depleted. Our bodies don't replenish to the degree a younger body can," Richard says.

He continues, "Certain foods are cooler in nature. Zucchini, for example, I will cook it with ginger, which is warmer, or garlic or black pepper. The cooking process gives it heat and the supplemental herbs help the warming process. I rarely eat something just as it is."

Richard feels that as a result of Tai Chi he has paid attention to eating properly. "Instead of saying 'I have a stomach ache, I'm going to take an antacid,' I reflect on what's happening. There's a reason I don't feel good. What is that reason? Oh, it's because I just ate too much. Or I ate at the wrong time. Or too much cold ice cream gave me a headache."

Experience a free practice in Balboa Park every Saturday morning at 9am. Just show up and you will be greeted warmly. Poway Adult School offers a variety of Qigong classes. Grossmont Adult School offers a variety of classes also. Find them here.