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Tai Chi is something different for everyone. It means “grand ultimate,” from Grand Ultimate Map, which is the Chinese name for the yin-yang symbol. It is a kinesthetic approach to yin and yang theory, the study of the interaction of mutually engendering opposites. With its emphasis on breath and gentle movement, it produces a parasympathetic nervous state in the body, which is responsible for healing and stress-reduction. By paying close attention to the interaction of muscles, tendons, and bones, it facilitates balance and increases the body’s capacity for activities of daily living and athletic pursuits. Performing prescribed movements in their sequence keeps the brain active and the mind stimulated. Each day is a new process of learning, for the sequence never looks or feels the same way twice.
Qigong (“chee gong”) means qi work. (For more on qi, see the articles section.) It is any simple movement that oscillates with inhalation and exhalation. A series of these movements are grouped together to form a set, which can be tailored to address specific health problems. Its essential nature is the same as that of tai chi, but it is a microcosmic approach to yin and yang principles, where tai chi is a macrocosmic approach. Practicing tai chi and qi gong together in the same workout is a great way to maximize the efficacy of both methods of exercise.
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Kelsey Healing Arts 
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