Differences Between Tai Chi and Qigong

Tai chi and qigong are both ancient Chinese traditions that relieve stress and increase energy. So, many people wonder, what distinguishes tai chi from qigong? If you are considering learning one of these art forms, it´s important to know which one is right for you. Here´s a brief overview of their main differences:

Tai chi is generally more complex

Tai chi forms involve a series of many moves. One tai chi form can take months to learn and a lifetime to master.
Qigong is often one single move repeated over and over, and sometimes does not involve movement at all, but will focus only on breathing. For this reason, tai chi may be effective for anti-aging, since it is a mental workout as well as a physical one.

Tai chi focuses more on form

Tai chi requires much discipline. The position of your knees, feet and spine are all crucial to the proper execution of form. Qigong is less rigid; it is a free-form practice.

Qigong is more adaptive

Some of the positions, stances and moves required by tai chi may be difficult for some to achieve. Athletes who have suffered serious injuries or participants with certain disabilities may find tai chi forms more challenging.
Because qigong is free-form, it is also very adaptive. Anyone in any condition may participate in its breathing exercises, and may adapt its simple moves to their own level of physical ability.

Tai chi is a martial art; qigong is a system of wellness

Qigong´s roots go back thousands of years and are deeply intertwined with the Chinese way of life. Tai chi was developed more recently by Shaolin monks and Chinese military leaders. They originally intended their «Tai chi Chuan,» or «Grand Ultimate Fist,» for self-defense and combat. The founders of tai chi were also well-versed in the practices of Qigong, and interwove elements of it throughout their system of self-defense. However, qigong is considered a health system, and tai chi is truly a martial art.

Qigong is a widespread institution in China

Tai chi has gained more notoriety than qigong here in the West, but in its native land, qigong is an element of daily living. Qigong is part of the Chinese National Health Plan and is practiced in schools, universities and hospitals. While tai chi is popular in China as well, qigong is an everyday practice for even more Chinese citizens.