Theoretical basis of Qigong The human body is a complicated system. Gases form, food is digested, Qi and blood circulate, saliva¹ secretes², waste material is discharged, the PH changes, and spiritual activity influences metabolisms⁴, all happening continuously in response to the growth of life. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) regards such physiological⁵ changes as results of fluctuations⁶ and changes in the flow and function of Qi which circulate throughout the body through channels and collaterals⁷. Qigong is a psychopneumatological exercise, drills posture⁸, respiration⁹ and focus of the mind in order to unclog the channels and collaterals and re-establish body equilibrium¹⁰.

Benefits of practicing Qigong: Qigong can affect the complex mechanism¹¹ of the human body in various ways. Qigong experts and doctors in the past have done much research and established many theories. Contemporary research has further proven that Qigong is a holistic¹² exercise, which requires little of the environment but produces a positive effect on the functions of all body organs and systems or tracts¹⁴.

Effects on the Respiration System The effect of Qigong is very obvious on the respiratory system. Most people can deepen, prolong, invigorate and slow down their breathing after from 10-20 times per minute to 4-5 times or even fewer. When Qigong practice is effective, oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide decrease. This indicates that Qigong increases alveolar ventilation by activating¹⁵ gas exchange. Reduction in the number of respiration does not cause shortage of oxygen but saves much bio-physiological energy which otherwise would be consumed in more respiratory movement.

Effects on the Digestive System Qigong exercise invigorates and regulates digestion¹⁶. Studies have shown that the up-and-down movements of the diaphragm muscles in the Qigong-practicing group of patients were much larger on scale than in a comparison group that did not practice Qigong. The stomach fundus of a Qigong practitioner¹⁷ was also found to be six times higher than that of a non-practitioner. These Qigong-related changes prevent diseases of the gastrointestinal tract¹³ and premature¹⁸ aging.

Effects on the Blood Function Qigong can dramatically change the peripheral¹⁹ blood picture. Measuring Qigong effects on blood shows white cells increase 13 to 23 percent on average. The phagocytic index of white cells may also increase from 40 percent to over 90 percent after Qigong practice.

Effects on Cardiovascular Function Static Qigong (also known as Quiescent²⁰ Exercise) is particularly effective in slowing the rate of heartbeat. Qigong can significantly reduce pulmonary pressure, of which the effect is better than intravenous injection. After Qigong practice, the systolic pressure dropped 18 millimeters and the diastolic dropped 16 millimeters.

Effects on Metabolism³ It has been proved that a practitioner抯 gas metabolism is reduced when one enters the quiescent state of Qigong, but change in the quantity of oxygen while doing Qigong exercise can reduce gas metabolism to the minimum level required by the human body ordinarily, which is lower than simply lying.
Effects on the Nervous System Function Practicing Qigong can produce beneficial effects on the function of the nervous system, especially the cerebral²¹ cortex.

Taiji ( Tai Chi)
Taiji originated from ancient China. Nowadays, it is practiced as an exercise for health. It...
- is suitable for almost anyone
- is easy to learn for health improvement
- has gentle and circular movements
- integrates the body and mind
- has many different forms
- is enjoyable to practice
- is known in China for centuries to be effective for arthritis²²

Concentrating on correct posture and breathing control, Tai Chi's movements are fluid, graceful²³ and well balanced, promoting the complete harmony of body and mind. Tai Chi provides the mental relaxation²⁴ and physical fitness so essential in our modern stress-filled lives.

Tai Chi is an unusual form of martial²⁵ arts whereby we believe in building strength - mental and physical from within, softness is stronger than hardness, moving in a curve is better than a straight line, yielding is more efficient than confronting. It is especially different from western types of sports such as rugby where the harder and quicker the better. Tai Chi is a sport that strengthens the body as well as the mind from within.