Tai Chi, Qigong & Feng Shui Institute

What is Qigong (Chi Kung) ?

‘Qi’ or ‘Chi’ means energy, and in yoga, it is called ‘Prana’. ‘Gong’ or ‘Kung’ means work. Therefore, the word Qigong (often spelt Chi Kung or Qi gong) means the exercise of your internal energy. It is a 5,000-year-old Chinese healthcare modality that has endured the test of time and is making a tremendous resurgence at the threshold of the 21st Century. Qigong exercises integrate body postures, movement, breathing and meditation for a healthy life, spiritual advancement and/or martial arts training.

Qigong is not a panacea but it is certainly highly effective health improving and maintaining practice. Benefits of Qigong are increasingly recognized worldwide and within scientific community. Qigong benefits range from mind relaxation and sharpening, stress relief to increased energy, vitality and helping to heal degenerative and chronic diseases. Literally millions practice Qigong exercises in China and around the world each day to successfully treat diseases ranging from hypertension to cancer.

What is Tai Chi Chuan? How does it relate to Qigong?

Tai Chi Chuan (taijiquan) commonly known as Tai Chi is an internal martial art. However, the majority of practitioners just treat Tai Chi exercises as a slow dance. Without a solid Qigong foundation, it is just a slow and gentle exercise and practitioners do not get most of the Tai chi benefits. At best, you just feel more relaxed and flexible by practicing it that way. Proper breathing and meditative techniques as well as the use of ‘qi’ are the keys to maximize the health benefits of Tai Chi.

In general, when practicing Qigong exercises daily, people experience faster health benefits than when they practice Tai chi. Even the world famous Tai Chi grandmaster Feng Zhiqiang recommends that people practice Qigong instead of Tai Chi to gain health benefits if time is an issue. However, practicing Tai Chi and Qigong at the same time is most beneficial. Qigong is the foundation of Tai Chi. Students learn to move their body and feel internal energy (qi or chi) and the use of the will to guide the energy as it flows through its channels (meridians). Practising Qigong exercises helps practitioners to learn faster the Tai Chi form and to access its internal aspects. Tai chi moves build upon the flexibility and internal skills developed through Qigong and bring them to a higher level, deepening the internal understanding and utilization of vital energy (qi).

Introduction to Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi

Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi is a set of Qigong exercises which is based on the philosophy of Tai Chi and extracts some of the best movements from the Yang style Tai Chi Chuan. It places emphasis on synchronizing the 18 movements with proper breathing techniques. It is a gentle, beautiful and flowing Qigong exercise routine that is both a joy to do and deeply relaxing.

Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi is designed to improve the general health and wellbeing of the practitioner. The gentle rocking motions and stretching movements improve circulation and digestion. The chest exercises and controlled breathing are good for lung conditions and asthma. And the overall effect of the exercise is to reduce mental stress and physical tension carried in the muscles of the body. This Qigong is very effective and easy to learn. The gentle movements doubled by the rhythmic breathing are suitable for people of all ages as it does not put too much stress on muscles and joints if done correctly and can be practiced sitting or standing. It is practiced around the world by over 10 million people, and is considered a national health exercise in Malaysia and Indonesia.

A Word from Sifu (Master) Wing Cheung

I have learned more than 30 different styles of Qigong. Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi is one of the most effective and easiest to learn. Most of my students are able to master it in just a few lessons. And many of them can feel the presence of ‘Qi’ traveling in their bodies after practicing for just 3 months.
I have created this free qigong video and instruction manual so that all can have a chance to study it. I am sure you will benefit from this gift. Just follow the instructions and practice daily. Be sure to spread the word about this website so that more people can benefit from this qigong video.