What is the difference between Tai Chi and Qigong?

Tai Chi was originally a martial art, now focused on slow, flowing movements for health and wellness, while Qigong is an ancient practice that includes breathing techniques and meditation. Both promote health and relaxation.

What is Tai Chi? 

Seek Stillness within Movement (tai chi … tai chi chuan … taijiquan) “Tai chi ~ an art embracing the mind, body and spirit Originating in ancient China, tai chi is one of the most effective gentle movement practices for health of mind and body. Although an art with great depth of knowledge and skill, it can be easy to learn and soon delivers its health benefits. For many, it continues as a lifetime journey. There are many styles and forms of tai chi, the major ones being Chen, Yang, Wu, Wu (different words in Chinese) and Sun. Each style has its own features, although most styles share the same essential principles. The essential principles include mind integrated with the body; fluidity of the movements; control of breathing; and, mental concentration. The central focus is to enable the qi or life force to flow smoothly and powerfully throughout the body. Total harmony of the inner and outer self comes from the integration of mind and body, achieved through the ongoing practice of tai chi.” http://taichiforhealthinstitute.org/what-is-tai-chi/ NOTE: Tai chi chuan is a type of qigong.

What is Qigong?

(qigong, chi gong, chi kung, daoyin, nei gong and yangsheng) Qi or Chi  (chee) = air we breathe, life force or vital-energy Gong (gung) = accomplishment, or skill that is cultivated through practice. The Chinese term qigong means energy cultivation or working with the life force energy. Qigong is an ancient Chinese holistic wellness system; coordinating movements with breathing and meditations practiced for health maintenance, healing and increasing vitality, to cultivate and balance your qi.

What is Tai Chi for Health (TCH)?

Tai Chi for Health programs are accessible for just about anyone, they are easy-to-learn; safe and effective for health. Dr Paul Lam and a team of tai chi and medical experts created these programs by combining authentic traditional tai chi, up-to-date medical knowledge and teaching methods. The programs are designed to empower people to improve health and wellness. These programs are proven by medical studies to be safe and effective, improve health, and support the management of many chronic conditions. The CDC (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends Tai Chi for Arthritis, Arthritis Foundations and many organizations around the world support TCH. A wide range of Instructional DVDs and other products are available here at the SHOP, and worldwide over 15,000 certified instructors are teaching the programs.” http://taichiforhealthinstitute.org/. 

• Tai chi & qigong is FUN!
• No equipment needed
• Practice standing, seated, wheelchair, lying down or in the water
• Suitable for almost any age or physical condition
• Improve Fitness
• Increase muscular strength
• Improve balance & mobility
• Reduce risk of falls
• Improve flexibility
• Relaxation & Stress Relief
• May improve mental health & well-being
• Increase cardio-respiratory fitness
• Improves the immune system
• Great for rehabilitation
• Classes and workshops are a wonderful social outings
• Tai Chi for Health programmes are scientifically proven to be safe & effective for falls prevention
• Scientific studies show that the practice of tai chi improves, and prevents, almost all chronic conditions including arthritis, osteoporosis, heart disease and diabetes.

• Wear layered, comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows for easy movement.
• Flat flexible soled shoes are recommended to maintain balance and stability.
• Bring a bottle with water (hydration and detox)
• Bring a smile, love and patience for yourself

For optimal results, we recommend practicing tai chi qigong at least two to three times a week. Consistency is key to experiencing the full range of benefits.

Absolutely! Smiling Dragon Tai Chi & Qigong classes are designed for all skill levels, including beginners, intermediate, extended and advanced.

No, tai chi and qigong are practised standing, but can be practised seated.

If you have any pre-existing conditions, please discuss this with your instructor before your first class. Safety is of the highest priority. We want to make sure you are comfortable and safe while practising tai chi qigong. All moves can be adapted to suit individual safety requirements, included seated practise.

Any client with pre-existing conditions will require a Health Professional Approval

Smiling Dragon Tai Chi & Qigong can help you improve both physically & mentally. All classes include tai chi, qigong, breathing balance and falls prevention exercises. You are encouraged to ‘work within your comfort zone’ and listen to your body while practising tai chi qigong. With practise your mind & body will align, helping to bring more harmony and balance to your life.

No you do not need to buy resources. However Smiling Dragon Tai Chi & Qigong do have a SHOP, where you can purchase instructional DVDs, books, movement charts, music CDs and more.
Tai Chi Productions NZ SHOP LINK

• No, casual price options are available. However Smiling Dragon Tai Chi & Qigong offers several options for class investments.
• Casual, pay for 10 sessions, pay for 20 sessions, Super Gold
• You can find the current options on the Class Page

You are never too old to attend Smiling Dragon Tai Chi & Qigong classes.
Your instructor can help you adapt movements to suit your level of fitness and flexibility.

Children are welcome to attend the community sessions with their parent, as long as they can participate without disrupting others in the session.

Tamara also offers special tai chi qigong sessions for schools. And Tai Chi 4 Kidz Instructor Training workshops.

See the Tai Chi 4 Kidz page 

Contact Tamara for more information: taichi@smilingdragon.co.nz  021 255 1087

Why Tai Chi for Children?

Kids love to learn, and they learn very fast especially when engaged in a fun activity. Tai chi qigong has a fun element while developing their mind and body. Tai chi qigong incorporates imagery which adds an appeal to kids. We have found that kids really enjoy learning it. Teachers and parents have also found improvement in their children’s sport and academic studies after doing tai chi. Starting tai chi could lead a child on a lifelong path to a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle.

The fast pace and hectic lifestyle of today not only affects us, but also our children as well. The combination of high impact sports, after school activities and extended homework also adds to the stress imparted upon our youngsters. The Tai Chi 4 Kidz programme offers an alternative which provides calm, centering balance to the day’s events. The gentle exercise, physical movement and a relaxing effect of Tai chi will help to add a solid foundation to both the physical health and emotional wellbeing of any child.

“The other aspect of Tai Chi is the intrinsic reward they get from seeing themselves progress and develop, and it is with themselves rather than in competition with other children.”

Yes, Smiling Dragon Tai Chi & Qigong offer workplace and corporate tai chi sessions. Either one-off or regular sessions

For more information see the page ‘Tai Chi & Qigong for Corporate & Workshop Wellness’

Tai Chi @ Work is designed to manage stress more effectively. It will improve the overall effectiveness at the workplace, as well as leadership and teamwork at an individual level. By learning the program experienced tai chi practitioners can expect to improve their tai chi by incorporating the three key tai chi principles into the forms from three tai chi styles. The program is non-competitive, non-judgmental and an enjoyable activity that an individual can do by oneself as well as a team together. It is very different from most things we do daily so it is refreshing. It enhances the individual or team’s productivity as well as each member’s personal growth.

How does it work?

The essential principles of tai chi were derived from a deep understanding of nature. The law of nature provides the secret to strengthen your mental and physical self, so that you can deal with the world and the people around you more effectively. Just as it is faster to swim with the current rather than against it – working with the power of nature is more effective than against it. Likewise listening and working with other people is more effective than arguing and fighting against everyone. 

Tai Chi @ Work captures the core of tai chi philosophy and integrates it with a simple set of movements that incorporates three levels of awareness. The practice of the movements will enhance awareness which in turn incorporates this philosophy.

A significant bonus is that tai chi has been shown to improve mental and physical health. Studies after studies demonstrate that a healthier person is happier and more productive. A person with better work/life balance is a greater asset to the employer. Studies have shown that wellness programmes in the workplace profited the employer. For example, Coca Cola reported a saving of $500 per employee per year in health-care claims after they introduced a wellness program into their company. Continental Airlines reported a 45% drop in the cost of workplace injuries in less than 2 years of establishing a workplace wellness program. 

Yes, Smiling Dragon Tai Chi & Qigong offers comprehensive instructor training programs for those interested in teaching tai chi and qigong.

For detailed information see the page ‘Instructor Training (NZ + Online)’

Tamara is a Tai Chi for Health Institute (TCHI) Master trainer and authorised to train instructors in the following Tai Chi for Health programs:

Qualifications & Instructor Certifications:

• Master Trainer TCHI ~ Tai Chi for Health Institute (since 2015) www.taichiforhealthinstitute.com
• Master Trainer Tai Chi 4 Kidz (2021) Dr Paul Lam, Australia
• Master Trainer Tai Chi for Life (2020) Dr Paul Lam, Australia
• Master Trainer Qigong for Health (2020) Dr Paul Lam, Australia
• Master Trainer Tai Chi for Memory (2019) Dr Paul Lam, Australia
• Master Trainer Tai Chi for Heart Conditions (2019) Dr Paul Lam, Australia
• Master Trainer Tai Chi for Diabetes (2017) Dr Paul Lam, Australia
• Master Trainer Tai Chi for Energy (2017) Dr Paul Lam, Australia
• Master Trainer Tai Chi for Rehabilitation (2016) Dr Paul Lam, Australia
• Master Trainer Tai Chi for Arthritis, Falls Prevention, Seated TCA (2015) Dr Paul Lam, Australia
• Tai Chi for Osteoporosis Instructor (2013) Dr Paul Lam, Australia
• Senior Trainer TCHI ~ Tai Chi for Health Institute (2010-2014) www.taichiforhealthinstitute.com
• Tai Chi for Energy Instructor (2012) Dr Paul Lam, Australia
• Exploring the Depth of Sun Style 73 (One-Week Sydney 2011, 2015)
• Tai Chi 4 Kidz Instructor (2010) Dr Paul Lam, Australia
• Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi Instructor (2009) Sifu Wing Cheung, Canada/China
• Tai Chi for Diabetes Instructor (2008) Dr Paul Lam, Australia
• Exploring the Depth of Tai Chi for Arthritis (2006, 2010, 2012 & 2014)
• Tai Chi for Arthritis Part 2 Instructor (2006) Dr Paul Lam, Australia
• Tai Chi for Arthritis Instructor (ACC) (2005)

You can sign up for classes by contacting Tamara. We are here to help you start your journey to health and wellness.
Visit the Smiling Dragon Tai Chi & Qigong classes page at this LINK

You can email Tamara taichi@smilingdragon.co.nz

Or phone Tamara 021 255 1087

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Visit the Smiling Dragon Tai Chi & Qigong ONLINE classes page at this LINK

You can email Tamara taichi@smilingdragon.co.nz

Or phone Tamara 021 255 1087