For STL- Call the Whole Health scheduling line at (314) 289-6583 to learn more.
For MARION- Call the Whole Health scheduling line at (618) 993-4147 to learn more.
What is Qigong?
Qi Gong (“chee gong”) is an ancient Chinese medicine practice that combines the use of gentle physical movements, mental focus, and directed meditation for a specific goal or health concern. Qigong focuses on opening the joints and restoring or maintaining range of motion. It is also helpful for pain reduction.
What is Tai Chi?
Tai chi (Taiji) is an internal martial art based in qigong practice. Other internal martial arts include aikido and baguazhang. The practice includes slow and gentle body movement, while breathing deeply and meditating. There are many different styles and it can be performed empty hand (tai chi chuan/taijichuan) or with a sword (tai chi jian/taijijian).
Traditional styles include Chen, Wu, Sun, and Yang. Modern forms include movements from a variety of traditional forms. Modern forms have been designed for specific health conditions and for competition. One example of a modern form is Dr. Guo’s 7 form which is a combination of Chen and Yang movements. This style is practiced at many VA locations. Forms can range from simple 6 step forms all the way to long forms with over 100 movements.
Chen Style– The Chen style is the oldest style and has the most martial application. It is also more physically and mentally taxing to learn than other styles of tai chi. There are a wide variety of Chen old and modern forms with a variety of lengths. The most common competitive Chen form has 56 postures/movements.
Dr. Guo’s 7 Form– modern version designed for individuals of all abilities, It includes a combination of Chen and Yang style movements.
Competition Example– Tai Chi is a competitive sport and part of the International Wushu Federation
Sun Style– This style is known for its emphasis on agile footwork and the cultivation of qi. This is due to the integration of Qigong practice and the martial art baguazhang in this style. It is popular for individuals with health conditions like chronic pain or arthritis. The standard sun form has 73 postures/movements, but short and long versions are also practiced.
Wu Style- This style is known for its more compact, shorter range of motion movements. Movements are described as relaxed, rounded, and smooth. Common Forms include the standard Wu 45, with short and long forms also practiced.
Yang Style– the most common form of tai chi practiced for health in the world. It is characterized by slow graceful movements. Yang forms come in a variety of lengths with the common forms being the short, standard 40, and long form 88 (sometimes listed as 108 depending on how the movements are counted). The international 24 form is based on yang style and is the most popular form in the world.
