What is the relationship between Taiji Quan and Qigong?
 

Taiji Quan is a fluid movement dance. Qigong tends to be stationary with exercises that repeat both the left and right side.
 
 

Nevertheless, historically, Qigong came first from the Taoist Shamanistic rite of animated movements and celestial star steps. During the late Ming dynasty (1500 A.D.), a Taoist, Cheng San Feng combined the Shamanistic movements of Qigong into the 13 Postures movement form of Taiji Quan. At the time, the 13 Postures were practiced individually similar to the repetitive Qigong exercises.

For example, the movement of Cloud Hand is done with a long linear side ward stepping to the left.

In essence, the 13 Postures are really 13 movement motives. Our modern Taiji Quan form is linking the 13 postures to manifest the basic Taoist Alchemical cultivation.

The Wudang Neigong Taiji Quan  of our Dan Tao School has three chapters; each one represents the Earth, Sentient Beings and Heaven. As the Taiji movements evolved, the masters infused  their deep knowledge of joint locks and Blood freezing point attacks in Martial application. That same knowledge of joints and Qi/energy Pathways in the body also  helps the Taoist students to learn the fundamental principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Acupuncture. Unfortunately, such deep knowledge of Qi flow in the Taiji Movements has become rare amongst most Taiji teachers and practitioners. Some of them do not even know the existence of such flow of Qi in their form.

What meridian does Cloud Hand as in the above illustration work with?

If you or your teacher know the answer, Congratulation! You are one of the few lucky Taiji players who still possess the deep linkage between the ancient Qigong, Taiji Quan and TCM.

In our Dan Tao teacher's four years training program, one of the fundamental training is in the detail and precise analysis of how each move of the Taiji corresponds to the Qi meridian. Many acupuncturists found this intrinsic relationship between meridian flow of Qigong and Acupuncture empowers their practice of acupuncture. They have come to experience their own Qi flow in their body. Some even claim that they can see the meridian lines in their patients.

I have consciously steered my students away from the Martial application of Taiji Quan. It is crucial to rebuild the ancient bridge between Taiji and Qigong. The internal seeing of one's Qi flow is the foundation of Taoist Alchemy. Without such inner vision, the practice of Qigong movements is an act of faith--hopefully, your teacher had passed down the Taiji or Qigong movement precisely. Moreover, you had learned them accurately.  On the other hand, with the inner gaze, one can actually feel and see the direction of Qi flow in any Taiji or Qigong movement. One can then quickly corrected any mistake in the form by simply realizing the Qi is flowing the wrong way.
The ancient Taoist Master created the Taiji Quan movements with their deep inner gaze.  For them the form is superfluous, they had created it as stepping stones for their students  toward true transformation-- immortal cultivation of the golden Dan/elixir.

The degeneration of Taiji practice from the original Taoist Alchemy into Martial Art and simple physical exercises is painful.  The degeneration of certain form of Qigong into a pseudo religious cult is dangerous.  Yet, in the very suffering and pain lies incredible opportunities for growth and beauty.  It is the heart of Taoist practice to transform pain, suffering into the gold of Joy and Bliss.
 
 

--By Sat Chuen Hon, Founder of Dan Tao School
June of 2001
 
 
 
 

(Caution: The above statements are not meant as any form of medical advice. They merely serve as informative and educational purposes. If you have a medical problems please consult a qualified medical physician.)

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