Tai Chi and Qi Gong
Topic Overview
What are tai chi and qi gong?
Tai chi and qi gong
(say "chee goong") are traditional Chinese movement exercises. They are based
on two ideas:
- Energy, called qi or chi, flows through the
body along "energy pathways" called meridians. If the flow of chi is blocked or
unbalanced at any point on a pathway, it is thought that you may become ill.
You do tai chi and qi gong to increase energy (chi or qi) flow and improve
health through gentle, graceful, repeated movements.
- Nature,
including the body, consists of opposing forces called yin and yang. Good
health results when these forces are in balance. You do tai chi and qi gong
movements in an attempt to help restore the body's balance of yin and
yang.
Tai chi is a series of movements done either very slowly
or quickly to help move the body's chi. People use tai chi as a way to combine
meditation and movement and to improve and maintain health.
Qi
gong involves different movements that may be done in different orders. Some
common qi gong movements include raising and lowering the arms, moving the head
from side to side, and gently rubbing the ears, feet, and hands.
What are tai chi and qi gong used for?
People may
use tai chi and qi gong to improve posture, balance, coordination, endurance,
and flexibility and to maintain good health and quality of life. One study
found that tai chi boosts
immunity and resistance to the
shingles virus in older adults.1
Are tai chi and qi gong safe?
As with any
physical activity, people who perform tai chi or qi gong may experience muscle
strains or sprains. Gentle stretching before a tai chi or qi gong session can
prevent most injuries.
In most cases, you can safely use tai chi
or qi gong alongside conventional medical treatments.
Always tell
your doctor if you are using an alternative therapy or if you are thinking
about combining an alternative therapy with your conventional medical
treatment. It may not be safe to forgo your conventional medical treatment and
rely only on an alternative therapy.
References
Citations
- Irwin MR, et al. (2007). Augmenting immune responses
to varicella zoster virus in older adults: A randomized, controlled trial of
tai chi. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society,
55(4): 511–517.
Other Works Consulted
- Cassidy CM (2002). Other treatment modalities: Diet,
body work, and qi gong. In M Micozzi, ed., Contemporary Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, pp. 104–120. Philadelphia: Churchill
Livingstone.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Marc S. Micozzi, MD, PhD - Complementary and Alternative Medicine |
|---|
| Last Revised | June 29, 2011 |
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Last Revised:
June 29, 2011
Irwin MR, et al. (2007). Augmenting immune responses
to varicella zoster virus in older adults: A randomized, controlled trial of
tai chi. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society,
55(4): 511–517.
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