About Tai Chi and Qigong
Tai Chi's literal meaning is ‘supreme ultimate’ and Qigong can be translated as ‘breath work' or 'energy work’. These forms of exercise have become very popular in the West over the last few decades. No matter what the spelling (Taiji or Tai Chi, Chi Gung or Qigong) these closely related disciplines originated in China and have been practised for centuries. They are very distantly related to Yoga but are generally much more gentle and practised from a standing position. Ranging in intensity from gentle movements practised for health to an effective Martial Art (Taiji Chuan), they can have far reaching benefits when practised regularly.
The origins of Tai Chi
The earliest recorded form of exercise was found in China on ancient silk paintings dating back to 168 BC. The movements portrayed there are generally referred to as 'Dao Yin'. The term 'Qigong' was not used until the early 20th Century but the lineage of the exercises is widely acknowledged. Tai Chi is another 'branch' of Qigong and there are many arguments as to what characterises the various disciplines of Dao Yin, Qigong, Tai Chi and Taiji Chuan. The truth is that they are all closely related and 'a rose by any other name would smell as sweet'. If you feel the benefit of the exercises, or in the case of Taiji Chuan, if you can use moves effectively in a martial sense, then that is what really matters.
The Benefits of Tai Chi and Qigong
Tai Chi and Qigong can help improve balance, coordination and flexibility, ease arthritis, are effective forms of exercise for osteoporosis, and can improve and help balance mood and mental states. They are great for improving general health and wellbeing, can aid in stress relief, facilitate rehabilitation after many types of illness, provide focus and help to centre your energy on many levels.
Tai Chi can be quite complex, with long sequences or 'forms' that can take some time to learn. Qigong sequences are easier to learn as movements are repeated; it tends to concentrate more on energy circulation and whilst physically gentle, can be quite intense if practised correctly . There are many claims as to how beneficial these disciplines are – the simplest way to find out is to find a class and try them.
About the Tutor; Lesley Relph
I started training in Tai Chi at the Northern College of Tai Chi Chuan in Carlisle in 1994, and began to assist in and run classes not long after, establishing my own independent sessions. My approach is to share and teach the gentler health giving aspects of the art. I am based in Carlisle and have run classes as far south as Penrith and as far north as Brampton. I try to run classes all year round whenever possible in order to offer continuity and reliability.
I trained with Des Lawton of San Bao Qigong for ten years, both in person and online. He sadly passed away recently. His understanding of Qigong was tremendous and I count myself very lucky to have had him as a teacher.
Although I have now retired, if you are interested in learning in order to incorporate Taiji or Qigong into your own exercise classes, I would be happy to assist.
Tai Chi's literal meaning is ‘supreme ultimate’ and Qigong can be translated as ‘breath work' or 'energy work’. These forms of exercise have become very popular in the West over the last few decades. No matter what the spelling (Taiji or Tai Chi, Chi Gung or Qigong) these closely related disciplines originated in China and have been practised for centuries. They are very distantly related to Yoga but are generally much more gentle and practised from a standing position. Ranging in intensity from gentle movements practised for health to an effective Martial Art (Taiji Chuan), they can have far reaching benefits when practised regularly.
The origins of Tai Chi
The earliest recorded form of exercise was found in China on ancient silk paintings dating back to 168 BC. The movements portrayed there are generally referred to as 'Dao Yin'. The term 'Qigong' was not used until the early 20th Century but the lineage of the exercises is widely acknowledged. Tai Chi is another 'branch' of Qigong and there are many arguments as to what characterises the various disciplines of Dao Yin, Qigong, Tai Chi and Taiji Chuan. The truth is that they are all closely related and 'a rose by any other name would smell as sweet'. If you feel the benefit of the exercises, or in the case of Taiji Chuan, if you can use moves effectively in a martial sense, then that is what really matters.
The Benefits of Tai Chi and Qigong
Tai Chi and Qigong can help improve balance, coordination and flexibility, ease arthritis, are effective forms of exercise for osteoporosis, and can improve and help balance mood and mental states. They are great for improving general health and wellbeing, can aid in stress relief, facilitate rehabilitation after many types of illness, provide focus and help to centre your energy on many levels.
Tai Chi can be quite complex, with long sequences or 'forms' that can take some time to learn. Qigong sequences are easier to learn as movements are repeated; it tends to concentrate more on energy circulation and whilst physically gentle, can be quite intense if practised correctly . There are many claims as to how beneficial these disciplines are – the simplest way to find out is to find a class and try them.
About the Tutor; Lesley Relph
I started training in Tai Chi at the Northern College of Tai Chi Chuan in Carlisle in 1994, and began to assist in and run classes not long after, establishing my own independent sessions. My approach is to share and teach the gentler health giving aspects of the art. I am based in Carlisle and have run classes as far south as Penrith and as far north as Brampton. I try to run classes all year round whenever possible in order to offer continuity and reliability.
I trained with Des Lawton of San Bao Qigong for ten years, both in person and online. He sadly passed away recently. His understanding of Qigong was tremendous and I count myself very lucky to have had him as a teacher.
Although I have now retired, if you are interested in learning in order to incorporate Taiji or Qigong into your own exercise classes, I would be happy to assist.
