Tai Chi Qigong (pronounced tie-chee chee-goung) is the rather less demanding of the two major ‘branches’ of tai chi.  Often shortened to just ‘qigong’ it can be confused with the martial arts- based family of disciplines, as both are frequently referred to simply as “Tai Chi”

Of the two, qigong is considerably older, and is generally much easier to learn and perform.  It usually involves standing pretty much in one place, with lots of repetition of the movements.  For this reason it is more suitable for those with limited mobility, or recovering from physical trauma, or perhaps just looking for the gentlest of exercises that can at the same time transform their well-being.  There are sequences of movements that are slightly more demanding, but no-one will be pushed to work outside their comfort zone – quite the contrary.  If necessary, participants can take time out whenever needed, and join in again later.  There are no ‘floor’ exercises involved.  

Class members will be taught to relax, breathe and adopt good posture, gradually learning to de-stress. Regular practice of these gentle exercises carries the possibility of quite impressive health improvements in a great variety of conditions, including chronic problems, particularly for those who manage to go through a few of the movements between the weekly classes.  

The Wednesday class consists of 60 minutes of Qigong exclusively.

The Thursday class has a short loosen-up period of Qigong, followed by tuition in the initial steps of The 24 Forms of Tai Chi Ch’uan (Yang, Beijing style), the martial arts-based form of tai chi.  

General notes:

Wear normal comfortable clothing.  Some prefer trainers, or socks or nothing on their feet at all (which is still fine in the winter because of the heated floor).  It can be handy to bring a bottle of water.  There are no age restrictions.  Consultation with your physician before embarking on any form of exercise new to you is advised.

Teacher Profile: 

Monica Murphy is an accredited teacher with the Tai Chi Union for Great Britain (TCUGB) https://www.taichiunion.com/.  Autumn 2022 sees the completion of 16 years training and practice in tai chi chuan and qigong.  Taught initially by Mrs Men X Bao and Mrs Z Reid of Bao’s Lung Fei Tai Chi, she continues to hone and expand her tai chi knowledge at various seminars and training sessions around the country.  

More information on all the above can be found at https://relax-breathe-move.co.uk

If you would like to discuss the above, or any other aspects of tai chi and qigong with Monica, please email: [email protected] or call 01460 74193.cient and venerable art, a rather more mentally and physically demanding one that can transform your health and well-being in an extraordinarily absorbing and relaxing way. For more info or a chat please contact….