Tai Chi Tai chi is a system of movements and positions developed in China that, similar to yoga, addresses the body and mind as an integral system. It was developed in the early 1200s as a form of martial art and is currently a popular form of exercise in China. It is practiced for its health benefits and appears to be beneficial for improving posture, balance and strength. Practitioners of tai chi execute a sequence of slow movements that are coordinated with deep breathing and mental attention, which is fixed on the life force, called chi. They keep the body stable and upright while shifting their weight. Followers of tai chi usually practice these exercises twice a day for 15 to 20 minutes in an effort to achieve a balance between body and mind. Anyone witnessing a practitioner of tai chi may be impressed by the graceful, calm and flowing quality of these movements. Tai chi is an attractive option for disabled and elderly people because they can practice it anywhere. Improvements in posture and balance related to tai chi have been found to reduce the risk of falling in the elderly. Tai chi appears to have mood-enhancing and cardiovascular benefits similar to those obtained with brisk walking. Qi Gong A related form of exercise called Qi Gong also involves physical movements, breathing exercises and relaxation techniques intended to focus on and improve chi. But these movements consist of short sequences repeated many times. Internal Qi Gong is a method of self-healing and health maintenance, whereas Qi Gong masters and health-care providers use external Qi Gong to heal someone else by projecting energy out of the body. Qi Gong is used in China for both therapy and disease prevention. Thanks to intelihealth.com Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.