From improving flexibility to enhancing cognitive function, there are several benefits associated with practicing Qigong and Tai Chi. However, these two exercise practices are not exactly the same. Here’s what you should know:
Qigong Vs Tai Chi Benefits
Both Qigong and Tai Chi offer their own benefits. The gentle movements you perform when practicing Qigong make it ideal for improving flexibility.
Studies also indicate that Qigong is ideal for managing stress, enhancing heart health, easing joint pain and building stamina. Qigong is also linked to lower blood pressure, which is helpful in improving heart health.
Tai Chi has its own benefits, including helping to manage chronic pain, enhance cognitive function and cardiovascular health.
Research suggests that Tai Chi is instrumental in improving the cognitive function of older adults.
Studies also indicate that tai chi is beneficial for improving blood pressure, reducing cardiovascular risks and enhancing lung capacity. They have also linked tai chi to improving conditions for chronic pain, such as knee osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia.
There is even research that suggests tai chi may play an important role in fall prevention in older adults who have experienced a stroke, have Parkinson’s disease or other neurodegenerative conditions.
A 2015 study found that the practice of Tai Chi Chaun helped improved flexibility and balance in elderly practitioners, which plays an important role in preventing falls.
Tai Chi is also linked with improving muscle tension. That’s because of its movements and deep breathing exercises help to relax your mind and calm the body.
Does Qigong or Tai Chi Have Better Health Benefits?
Qigong and Tai Chi have similar health benefits. Thus, one practice does not necessarily have better health benefits over the other.
Determining the efficacy of the health issues each practice resolves depends on the health issues you want to address.
When assessing which practice is right for you, it’s best to consider the health benefits that you need to address. For example, if you want to focus on improving a specific issue, such as your flexibility, then Tai Chi may provide an ideal option for engaging in the practice.
The great part about performing both of these practices is that you don’t have to be athletic or in great shape. You can adapt Tai Chi and Qigong to your fitness level. So, both practices are easy for beginners and experts to practice. You’ll just need to focus on the health benefits you want to achieve and the method for achieving them.
As a general rule, Qigong is more focused on focusing the mind, while Tai Chi is more like a choreography based in physical expressions.
How Qigong Differs from Tai Chi
Qigong is a system of meditative exercise practices that focus on the body, mind and spirit.
This meditative exercise system originated in Ancient China thousands of years ago and has over 3,000 forms, including Tai Chi.
While Tai Chi is a practice of various movements, you can think of Qigong as a movement you perform to address a specific issue.
The motions in Qigong are simple. For example, when practicing Qigong, you may perform a simple exercise by raising your hands to your chest from a hip-level position. You would simply return your hands back to hip level and complete the exercise.
Qigong also focuses on energy and many motions are performed with the goal of meditation and health. Thus, the exercises you perform have simple motions.
Tai Chi is an ancient martial art that includes combines non-competitive exercises, practices and techniques for self-defense, mindfulness and stretching. It’s taught in a series of movements, similar to other traditional martial arts.
You’ll find the movements in Tai Chi to be more specific with self-defense techniques.
While Tai Chi also focuses on energy, the motions are more involved and complex than the exercises you would do in Qigong. For example, you can expect motions in Tai Chi to resemble a series of movements similar to other martial art forms like Kung Fu.
Which is Better for You: Tai Chi or Qigong?
Deciding between practicing Tai Chi and Qigong is a personal choice. But there are some factors that may play a role in practicing one exercise over the other.
You may find Qigong beneficial if you experience high levels of stress or anxiety. Because Qigong helps you to practice gentle movements, including basic stepping exercises and beginner posture movements, it often is simple to get started with Qigong.
However, if you are looking to perform a more challenging form of exercise with multiple steps, then Tai Chi may be ideal for you.
Qigong vs Tai Chi: Final Thoughts
While both Qigong and Tai Chi offer similar benefits, the way you perform them differs.
Tai Chi is more of a system of movements while Qigong focuses on one movement to address a specific situation. But if you’re deciding whether Qigong or Tai Chi is better to practice, then it’s important to compare each practice and determine how each form of exercise meets your needs.
Whichever option you choose, it’s important to assess your activity level and the health issues you want to address. By letting your fitness level and health needs be your guide, you can decide on the ideal meditative exercise form to practice and improve your health.
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