Flying Cormorant T'ai Chi/Qigong: 2020

Monday, October 26, 2020

Tai Chi/Qigong vs Yoga . . . .

Among the key differences between yoga and tai chi/qigong are:

• Tai chi/qigong offer counterbalancing postures performed in continuous movement vs yoga's static poses aimed primarily to 'stretch and hold' followed by 'rest and return;'

• Yoga tends to 'stretch to relax' whereas t'ai chi 'relaxes in order to stretch;'

• Tai chi and qigong awaken 'equilibrium and balance' from a standing position vs yoga's poses primarily from the floor [downward dog, etc.] while the Iyengar standing warrior poses are aimed at stretching within an already developed sense of balance;

• Tai chi/qigong develop increasing balance/stability using 'weighted/unweighted' stances with head always up, shoulders relaxed and pelvis seated vs yoga's multiple approaches [upside down head, etc.];

• Tai chi/qigong stay at 70% of range-of-motion vs yoga pushes people to stop just before 'pain' which can be in excess of 70%;

* Tai chi/qigong forms themselves enhance breathing through the movement sequences [as well as standing qigong] vs yoga focuses the mind directly on pranayama breath control;

* Tai chi/qigong build in 'rest' within the form [stillness] vs in yoga stronger, longer-held stretches are followed by shavasana pose which is performed primarily lying on your back on the floor;

Both practices are considered 'body work' as are various forms of massage including self-applied acupressure, tapping, etc. Meditation is embedded in both tai chi and yoga but is practiced more 'for the mind' in zen meditative sitting. The benefits of calming the mind are found in many practices and avocations [having a passion for something, music, art, etc.]. Tai chi/qigong can restore equilibrium, a physiological state, and thereby calming the mind. Yoga may be more about strength and conditioning. Tai chi/qigong is more about deeply connecting mind and body by activating the mind in the 'form' rather than simply 'dismissing' the mind.'