Newsletter   •   Aug 7, 2025

Qi, Qi Gong & Tai Chi – an integrated essence in human life and nature

August 2025

Welcome everyone to our August newsletter :)

I am so glad to see our friendly and fun Wednesday group back to action, exploring doing and non-doing, motion and stillness, external and internal. There are so much we can gain from Tai Chi and Qi Gong practice, I am always curious to hear your personal experience.

Some new students who joined us this term asked me the questions about Qi ( 气）, Qi Gong （ 气功）and Tai Chi（ 太极）, and what are their connection and difference.

I thought it may be worthwhile to explain this here in a simple and general manner. I hope my initial notes can open the dialogue for us to have further meaningful discussion.

Qi （气, pronounced like Chi） refers to life energy. It is absolutely essential in human life and nature. If one’s Qi is weakened, one’s health is compromised. How do you receive more good Qi? It can be obtained from food (healthy and nutritious type) and nature (deep breathing channels more nature Qi into the body). Qi can be studied with more categories which we won’t expand here. Remember Qi is everywhere. Qi is within us and we are within Qi (universal Qi)

Qi Gong （气功）is the practice to cultivate and enhance our human’s Qi. Simply put, enhance quality of life by improving or preserving strong immune system, body functionality and longevity. When your Qi is strong, you either don’t get sick, or recover quicker with less severity. Qi Gong practice manifests with simple and flowing movements. The movements are gentle and continuous, harmonised with deep breathing exercise ( abdominal breathing in our practice). Qi Gong can be practised by anyone, with standing, sitting and lying down options. The healing effect of Qi Gong is potent and long-lasting. In addition, Qi Gong brings people into a calm and serene state of mind as the body and breathing start to slow down at ease. Meanwhile, peaceful mind brings the body into a further relaxed state. The mind and body react each other and become harmonised through Qi Gong.

Tai Chi (also known as Taiji，太极，太极拳）has four core pillars which I mentioned in my earlier newsletter. Can you remember what they are? :)
Qi Gong
Form
Pushing Hands
Martial Applications
The details of each pillar are explained in the newsletter. Be aware that your Tai Chi practice is based on your individual level. We progress appropriately so that we can build solid foundation and gain health benefits over short and long period of time.

Now you can see Qi is fundamental in Qi Gong practice. Qi Gong is an essential part of Tai Chi practice.

There will be some difference in Tai Chi and Qi Gong, such as sequential movements, complexity and length of forms etc. There are more martial applications and martial spirit in Tai Chi practice.

Through my own experience, I tend to see more about the connected side of things. Qi Gong practice can build foundation and help you do better with your Tai Chi; Tai Chi practice can deepen your understanding of Mind, Body & Spirit, internal Jin, strengthen your discipline and focus capability. Both Tai Chi and Qi Gong practice can facilitate personal growth in many ways.

What I am excited about is to share my 30 years experience and passion with you, so that you can truly experience yourself in Qi, Qi Gong and Tai Chi, such a vast energy and scientifically intriguing field.

To enable more people in our communities to experience Qi Gong and Tai Chi, I am offering two special Saturday morning sessions at Centennial Park on 30th August and 21st September. Secure your spot online as spaces are limited https://www.centennialpark.org/events/tai-chi-amongst-the-trees/. Please share this news with your loved ones!

As a fishing note, I’d like to cite this ancient Chinese adage with you from Daoist physician Hua Tuo (c.200), who is not only a master of surgery, herbal medicine and acupuncture, but also famous for his knowledge of health preservation.

“A moving hinge never rusts. Rhythmic movement regulates Qi, promotes digestion and blood flow and guards against disease”

I look forward to seeing you in the class and at future events!

Stay well,
Fang & the Team