Tai Chi or Qigong: Benefits and Differences

This video explores frequently asked questions about Tai Chi or Qigong; the Benefits and Differences of each practice. Questions covered: – What is the difference between Tai Chi and Qigong? – Which is more beneficial for improving balance? – How do these practices relate to healing and internal energy? 00:00 Differences between Qigong and Tai Chi 03:45 The Power of Open/Close and Standing Meditation Qigong 05:25 Real life healing 06:25 Creating a Healing Environment for the Body 07:20 Do we guilde Qi? 08:50 Where is our Intention during practice? Susan Thompson of Flowing Mobility Tai Chi begins by offering clear definitions of foundational Chinese terms: 📖 Qi (氣) – the body’s vital life energy, which circulates within us and influences health, movement, and presence. 📖 Gong (功) – focused, repeated effort toward developing a skill; not limited to martial arts or internal work. 📖 Kungfu (功夫) – deep skill acquired through time and practice; it reflects the depth of engagement, not a specific technique. Qigong is described as a broad category of movement and energy practices, ranging from basic physical exercises to highly refined internal cultivation. It is not always meditative or internal—some forms are purely physical, intended for stretching or mobility, while others develop subtle awareness of Qi. Tai Chi, while a form of Qigong, is distinguished by its structured sequences and continuous transitions. It requires memory, coordination, and mindful weight shifting, making it particularly effective for balance and fall prevention. Susan also shares insights from her personal practice, including: – Why she now focuses primarily on Qigong and standing meditation, rather than lengthy Tai Chi forms. She illustrates in her own life and progress the concepts from her recent book: **Beyond Form: Learning Tai Chi from the Inside Out**. Susan shares why she now practices less Tai Chi forms and more Qigong and Standing Meditation (Zhan Zhuang 站桩) as her personal practice deepens. – How her practice has evolved to become more internal and less form-based over time – Why Open and Close Qigong remains one of her most powerful and transformative practices The video also addresses how healing occurs—not by forcefully directing energy, but by cultivating a state of inner resonance and reducing internal tension. The intent behind a movement, task, or gesture can shift it from mechanical repetition to meaningful practice. Additional topics include: – The role of Tai Chi in developing body awareness and fall resilience – How everyday actions can become Qigong through intentional awareness– The importance of sensation, resonance, and internal chemistry in creating a healing environment 📘 Susan’s book: Beyond Form: Learning Tai Chi from the Inside Out https://a.co/d/a0ndnuQ (Amazon affiliate link) 📺 Subscribe for more in-depth content: @InternalTaiChi Truly learn the Internal Secrets of Tai Chi in an relatable, accessible format: Online Courses: Structure and Song Online course https://www.taichisusan.com/online-co... Fascia Connection Online course https://www.taichisusan.com/online-co... 🌿 Learn more about her livestream classes and courses: www.taichisusan.com 📖 Susan Thompson's book: Beyond Form: Learning Tai Chi from the Inside Out (available on Amazon) 💙 Your support is greatly appreciated! --My free video content takes time and effort. If you like my content, please consider supporting me at: www.buymeacoffee.com/taichisusan To be notified of workshops and courses by Susan: ➡️ EMAIL SIGN UP: https://taichisusan.com/#email-sign-up 🎓 For Private Lessons, Retreats, Workshops, and Live Streaming Lessons & Classes: 🌐 Visit my website: https://www.taichisusan.com 📱 Connect on Social Media: • Facebook: Flowing Mobility Tai Chi (  / flowingmobilitytaich  ) • Instagram: Flowing Mobility (  / flowingmobility  ) • YouTube: Flowing Mobility (   / @flowingmobility  ) Thanks for allowing me to be a part of your Tai Chi journey! --- 🛍️ AFFILIATE LINKS: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Clicking these links supports my efforts without any additional cost to you. I only recommend items I've personally used and enjoyed! Visit my Affiliate Links Store where you can find Tai Chi books, and other fun stuff: https://www.taichisusan.com/affiliate...