Welcome to the final installment of this three-part exploration on how Tai Chi Qigong reduces stress and regulates emotions through TCM principles. In Parts 1 and 2, we examined the TCM view of emotions, key mechanisms of action, specific exercises, and how they regulate the Three Treasures. Today, we'll explore how these practices balance internal organs, harmonize Yin-Yang in daily life, and integrate mind, body, and spirit for lasting emotional wellbeing. Balancing the Internal Organs Tai … [Read more...]
How Tai Chi Qigong Reduces Stress and Regulates Emotions: Part 2
Welcome back to our exploration of how Tai Chi Qigong aligns with Traditional Chinese Medicine principles. In Part 1, we examined the TCM view of stress and emotions and how Tai Chi Qigong's integrated approach helps restore harmony through regulating breath, smoothing Liver Chi, strengthening Heart-Shen, and balancing Yin and Yang. Today, we'll explore specific Qigong exercises for emotional regulation and their physiological basis in TCM. Specific Qigong Exercises for Emotional … [Read more...]
How Tai Chi Qigong Reduces Stress and Regulates Emotions, Part 1
Welcome to the sixth installment in my series exploring how Tai Chi Qigong aligns with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles. In previous posts, we've examined how this ancient practice promotes Chi circulation, balances Yin and Yang, supports the Wu Xing, Five Elements, enhances meridian function, and strengthens Wei Chi. Today, we begin our exploration of how Tai Chi Qigong reduces stress and regulates emotions. The TCM View of Stress and Emotions In Traditional Chinese Medicine, … [Read more...]
How Tai Chi Qigong Strengthens Wei Chi (Defensive Chi)
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Wei Chi represents the body's defensive energy, acting as an invisible protective shield that circulates just beneath the skin and within the muscle layers. Essentially, it’s the body’s first line of defense against external pathogens, environmental influences, and energy blockages. The practice of Tai Chi Qigong strengthens Wei Chi through several key mechanisms: Energy Circulation: The Meridian Highway of Defensive Energy The slow, intentional … [Read more...]
TCM Meridian and Organ Health Through Tai Chi Qigong
Tai Chi Qigong's strongest alignment with Traditional Chinese Medicine lies in its ability to enhance meridian and organ function. Meridians are invisible channels throughout the body that function like highways for Chi energy flow. These interconnected pathways link various organs and bodily functions. Chi represents the vital energy that gives life to the body, and balanced circulation of this energy is essential for health and well-being. TCM identifies 12 main meridians, each associated … [Read more...]
Unveiling the Five Elements: How Tai Chi Qigong Embodies TCM Principles
Introduction: Continuing our journey into the heart of how Tai Chi Qigong resonates with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we now turn to the Five Elements Theory (Wu Xing). This fundamental concept in TCM explains the interconnectedness of everything, including our health, through the dynamic interplay of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Let's explore how these elements manifest within the movements and energy of Tai Chi Qigong, fostering balance and vitality. Understanding the Five … [Read more...]
Tai Chi Qigong: Balancing Yin and Yang
Tai chi qigong aligns profoundly with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) by fostering a harmonious balance between yin and yang. But what exactly are yin and yang? These are two opposing, yet complementary, forces that permeate everything in the universe. A prime example is the yin-yang symbol, which is incorporated into my logo for Healthful Qigong: two black and white 'fish' that represent both the yin and yang polarities interacting with each other. Think of night and day: night embodies … [Read more...]
How Tai Chi Qigong Aligns with TCM: Promoting Chi Circulation
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), health is believed to be a result of balanced Chi (vital energy) flowing freely through the body’s meridians. If Chi stagnates or is blocked, the body's harmony is disrupted, leading to illness or discomfort. One of the primary ways Tai Chi Qigong aligns with TCM is by promoting the smooth circulation of this vital energy throughout the body. Through its gentle movements, deep breathing, and meditative focus, Tai Chi Qigong actively supports energy flow and … [Read more...]
What Is Chi?
A Universal Life Force In pinyin, the phonetic spelling of chi is qi, but for clarity, I use chi on this website. This vital energy is recognized across many cultures under different names: Ki in Japanese Gi in Korean Prana in Indian tradition Pneuma in Greek, meaning “breath” or “spirit” Mana in Polynesian cultures Ruah in Hebrew, meaning “breath” Wakan in Lakota Sioux belief, representing a form of energy Orenda in Iroquois tradition, described as an invisible … [Read more...]
Welcome to Healthful Qigong!
There’s so much I want to share about qigong—after all, 45 years of intensive tai chi qigong training and practice have given me plenty to say! But this website isn’t just about tai chi qigong. It’s about something bigger: a holistic approach to well-being. Qigong is more than movement and yogic breathing; it’s a powerful complement to many natural and alternative health practices. That’s why Healthful Qigong is dedicated not just to qigong itself, but to everything that can enhance and support … [Read more...]