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FAQS - Tai Chi

1. Aren't there a lot of similarities between tai chi and qigong? 
 
Yes. Both practices are very beneficial for relieving stress, strengthening the body, and improving general health. Also, the foundation of each practice is embedded in the same principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that date back 4,000 years ago. Both practices increase the life force within, strengthen the immune system, and improve concentration. Both practices are appropriate for people of varying ages and abilities.
 
2. What are the differences between tai chi and qi gong? 
 
There are many styles of both long and short forms of tai chi and qi gong. In general tai chi demonstrates the martial art application of qi gong principles. Qi gong, however, is not a martial art. Qi gong is a healthcare practice. The flowing qigong movements are designed to move, exchange, and cultivate energy in systematic ways that balance the body, mind, and spirit. They can be can be done from either a sitting or standing position, therefore they are well suited for people of all ages and abilities.
 
Miracle Movements Tai Chi & Qi Qong can be done standing or sitting. This system is totally adaptable without any pressure on the hips or knees from the traditional wide stances of other systems. All positions are natural and comfortable. The system is described as meditation in motion with particular breathing techniques that flow with the movements. If you can move one finger, you can do Miracle Movements!
 
Well-Being Tai Chi & Qi Qong is only done from the sitting position.  This system is designed to focus on the breath and meditative techniques to allow the practioner full relax with ease all while building your energy to new heights.
 
Tai chi can be defined as a dance while qi qong are series of energy exercises. Miracle Movements and Well-Being combine both giving you the ultimate health benefits whether you perform the systems standing or sitting. No matter what your health condition is, you can do both systems! Both of these systems have no martial art techniques and therefore is more gentle on the body.
 
3. How many styles of qi gong and tai chi are there? 
 
To say that there are many styles of qi gong and tai chi is quite an understatement. There are actually too many styles to count. So it is important for newcomers to investigate the history and healthcare focus of any qigong practice thoroughly before beginning. All styles are versions of their creators.  This is why Miracle Movements Foundation made documentaries. They wanted to show and demonstrate the positive health effects of their teachings and insight. 
 
4. What are the health benefits of tai chi & qi gong?  
 
Because of the gentle nature of tai chi & qi qong, researchers are particularly interested in the potential they have of providing benefits for older adults as well as the disabled. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and other agencies are funding a variety of tai chi & qi qong research. Some of the findings from these studies suggest a wide range of benefits. Many health care professionals recommend tai chi & qi gong as an important form of alternative complementary medicine.
 
Tai chi & qi gong creates an awareness of and influences dimensions of our being that are not part of traditional exercise programs. The gentle, rhythmic movements of qigong reduce stress, build stamina, increase vitality, and enhance the immune system. It has also been found to improve cardiovascular, respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic and digestive functions. Qi gong's great appeal is that everyone can benefit, regardless of ability, age, belief system, or life circumstances. There are tai chi & qi gong classes for children, senior citizens, and every age group in between. Since tai chi & qi gong can be practiced anywhere or at any time, there is no need to buy special clothing or equipment. Miracle Movements Foundation follows this approach. There is a teacher who shares insight to help everyone heal themselves.  
 
Anyone can enrich their lives by adding qi gong to their daily routine. Children learn to channel their energy and increase concentration; office workers learn how to reduce stress; seniors participating in gentle movements begin to feel stronger and more substantial. Many say that qi gong improves their quality of life. Caregivers practice to develop their ability to help others. Prisons instituting qi gong programs help to restore balance in inmates lives, and midwives use qi gong techniques to ease child birth.
 
5. Why are there so many kinds of qi gong practices?
 
Many families in China learned qi gong practices embedded as part of their everyday healthcare routines. But for many centuries the bulk of qi gong knowledge was protected in secret through a tightly orchestrated master-to-apprentice lineage. 
 
Remember that qi gong simply means to practice (move or cultivate) life fore. So it is important to learn some basic information about the teaching lineage of the particular qi gong practice you are considering, what the benefits are, and what specific systems of the body that the particular practice emphasizes. Every teacher has a dance. Find the dance that suites you the best. 
 
6. What is psychoneuroimmunology (PNI)? 
 
 A field of medicine in the United States that deals the emotional states (stress) and nervous system activity on the immune function of the body, especially in relation to their role in affecting the onset and progression of disease. This is a fairly recent medical research term referring to the mind/body connection and studies investigating the effectiveness of many internal arts and self healing techniques (various forms of tai chi, qi gong, yoga, relaxation, meditation, and guided imagery, etc.)
 
7. Are we supposed to synchronize our breathing to these movements in any way? 
 
Some styles of tai chi & qigong do not require specific breathing techniques. 
 
Both Miracle Movements & Well-Being Tai Chi & Qi Qong require a specific but adaptable breath count.  The over all count is from 3 to 10 seconds. This means you strive to have your inhale and exhale last for 3-10 seconds. The longer your inhale and exhale while taking a breath, the more your lungs expand, the stronger you become. More oxygen is flooded into your lungs giving your body the required oxygen. 
 
Most people do not stretch their lungs. You can run 3 miles a day but the movements are fast and shallow. The only time you stretch your lungs is when you take a yawn. Miracle Movements and Well-Being Tai Chi & Qi Qong have the same breathing techniques that stretch your lungs to allow more oxygen in all while creating a relaxing energy.
 
8. I don't always feel stable on my feet. If balance is an issue, can I still do Miracle Movements or Well- Being Tai Chi and Qi Qong??  
 
Everyone can do Miracle Movements Tai Chi & Qi Qong as well as Well-Being Tai Chi and Qi Qong.  Miracle Movements Tai Chi & Qi Qong can be performed either standing or sitting. Taking steps with the movements is optional. You can stand still in one place until you feel comfortable enough to take steps. As with any exercise, always make sure you have safe surroundings if you do not have proper balance to begin with.
 
Well-Being Tai Chi & Qi Qong is only done from the sitting position. This was designed for the disabled in mind but also to take away all the stress from the healthiest individual. Stress does not just come from emotions but also food, surroundings and environment. 
 
9. Are these systems of health a religious practice?
 
ABSOLUTELY NOT!! These systems were designed for all people whether you are religious or not. Faith is a beautiful thing and we teach you to have faith in yourself while practicing the systems on a daily basis. Religion is never mentioned during classes or trainings. We encourage all to find themselves, and in return you will find the right approach if any, towards a higher power.
 
10. How long do I have to do Tai Chi or Qi Qong for?
 
The minimum requirement is only 10 minutes a day. The longer you practice, the more energy you will gain. Try to find a quiet place so it will be easy to focus. Many people like the beach, a lake or any body of water. Others prefer nature. Doing it by a tree, flowers or even animals will increase the energy especially when you have gratitude for life in general.
 
11. Where can I find classes?
 
You can find our locations under "our teachers". The founder of Miracle Movements Foundation™ also has classes online. You can even become a teacher from our online classes so you can share this beautiful dance even if you do not live in the United States. Its all about sharing our insight to those who need it the most. We are all born with the same knowledge at birth. Its what we learn since then but also what we share that makes our karma.
 
 
12. Do you teach any other form of tai chi or Qi Gong?
 
No. Miracle Movements Foundation™ only teaches Miracle Movements Tai Chi & Qi Gong and Well-Being Tai Chi & Qi Qong. While we view all systems of breath being beautiful, we only focus on these systems. No matter what system you practice, it's the time you dedicate to yourself that's the most important quality.