TAI CHI, QIGONG

Practitioner

Zabeth Reid
 

What is the difference between tai chi and qigong? Tai chi and qigong both originate from China and work with energy. Both are practiced slowly. They have different movements, but tai chi movements can be practised individually as a qigong exercise. Qigong goes back thousands of years and is a health enhancing practice. Tai chi evolved much later and is, at it's origing, a martial arts but is practised mostly for it's health benefits.

Tai Chi: promotes health, relaxation, vitality and well-being.  Tai chi is generally more complex than qigong and involves a series of moves known as forms. Tai chi forms can take months to learn and a lifetime to master. All tai chi teachers focus on the health aspect of tai chi and only a few on the martial art aspect.

Qigong (also spelt qi gong/chi kung/chi gung, and also described as Chinese yoga): Qigong is less demanding and easier to learn than tai chi or yoga. It is often the practice of one single move with focus on the breath, repeated several times before moving on to the next move. Qigong is adaptable and suffers of injuries or disabilities can adapt the moves to suit their needs and even practice sitting down on a chair if necessary. The gentle exercises help loosen the joints and relax the body. The slow pace means that they are also subtle and co-ordinated with breathing but also help expand the mind and focus the body's energy. This, in turn, helps to promote inner calm, balance, vitality and co-ordination.

Bao's Lung Fei Tai Chi - Zabeth Reid

Zabeth is the head-coach of Bao's Lung Fei Tai Chi. Bao's Lung Fei Tai Chi runs weekly Yang (Bejing) style tai chi & qigong classes for health and vitality in various venues in Dorset & Somerset, including: Beaminster, Crewkerne, Chard, Ilchester, Langport, Sherborne, Trull, Wellington & Yeovil.

Instructors: Zabeth Reid, Anne Doran, Monica Murphy and Bev Fernandes.

What will happen in a class?

New beginners are always welcomed to join. We are a keen and friendly group; some students have been coming for many years because they have discovered that qigong and tai chi makes them “feel great”.

What can the class help?

Attending a Tai Chi class can help:

• Chronic pain
• Lower back pain
• Circulation problems
• Stiff joints
• Blood pressure
• Lower back pain