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Click on the picture to start (or stop) this video

All Tai Chi is Qigong, but... 

​....not all Qigong is Tai Chi. Ours definitely is, as we work with the flows of energy inherent in our Tai Chi form. Our 5-element Qigong is a way to become more aware of these energy flows [which link to emotions] in our body, and then to manage or regulate them. 

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We focus on our breathing, and combine this with either holding of an individual position, continuously moving between left and right versions of the position, or developing this into a flowing 'walk'. We also teach specific self massages. All this is supported with mental imagery to help move the Qi. 

 

Our 5-element Qigong (or Ch'i Kung), is also known as 'Roots & Branches', and the video is from TCF's Roots & Branches DVD. It is a wonderful description of Qi. Although Qi (or Ch'i) sounds a bit like the Chi in Tai Chi, it is a different Chinese word. Often translated as 'energy', or even 'life force', it can also mean 'breath'. So Qigong is 'cultivation of Qi', but can also simply be called 'breath work'.

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​​​Click here for a picture which shows how our 5 element Qigong is linked with specific Tai Chi postures and specific energies / emotions.​ 

​​We teach Qigong in classes which typically focus in each class on just one particular energy / emotion, represented by a particular "element" in the Chinese system, and also associated with a particular season. There are 5 seasons / elements / energies / emotions:

  • Winter = Water = Courage / Strength (or Fear / Anxiety as their negatives) 

  • Spring = Wood = Assertion / Determination (or Anger / Frustration as their negatives) 

  • Summer = Fire = Joy / Excitement (or Out of Control / Carelessness as their negatives)  

  • Harvest = Earth = Love / Nurture (or Disgust / Shame as their negatives) 

  • Autumn = Metal = Letting Go / Being Inspired (or Sadness / Being deflated as their negatives) ​

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