The Tai Chi Chi Kung form emphasises the internal structure of Tai Chi: the way the chi flows through the body and how the energy rises from the earth and is guided through the skeleton. This form is easy to learn and yet contains all the essential techniques of Tai Chi Kung.
As most masters in the past taught the long Tai Chi form with 108 movements, it was tedious and time-consuming for practitioners to learn. In many cases, it took years before they could 'walk' the form without instruction, and only then could they begin to explore the inner structure of Tai Chi.
With this short and essential Tai Chi Kung 13 Yang Style form, the practitioner can very quickly begin to apply the basic principles of Tai Chi: absorbing, transforming and directing the Three Forces.
The three Forces
The Three Forces are the Heavenly Force (force of the universe), which emanates from the stars, the sun and the moon; the Cosmic Force, which emanates from the particles in the earth's atmosphere and outer space; and the Earth Force, which emanates from Mother Earth herself. The principles of Tai Chi and the methods for developing internal structure can be applied to all styles of Tai Chi Chuan. Many different areas of the Taoist practice system are taken up and used by Mantak Chia in Tai Chi Chi Kung.
Today we find countless Tai Chi styles worldwide. Regardless of the style, the first step for the student is to learn the external Tai Chi movements and memorise them in the body. If you then perform these movements in sequence, this is called walking a Tai Chi form. Once you have learnt the movements and directions of the outer form, you begin to work on the inner form. This inner work is what makes Tai Chi Chi Kung special and distinguishes it from the outer forms of martial arts. Internal structure refers to what makes it possible for the body to move as a whole. Those who do not touch this inner aspect of Tai Chi are behaving as if they were not looking inside the oyster in search of the pearl.
Dynamic Meditation
Energy meditation is the foundation for mastering the internal structure. Many Tai Chi students around the world do not receive any instruction in energy meditation and unfortunately most practitioners have to learn long and difficult Tai Chi forms first. Therefore, they have to go through many years of practice and correction before they can master the external form and perform it beautifully. Because of the time required to learn the long, outer forms, the internal work is often neglected.
We learn to root ourselves in the earth force in Iron Shirt Chi Kung and to build up inner strength in Tan Tien Chi Kung. We achieve the opening of the body to the chi flow (the breath of the dragon) in the practice of Tao Yin. The connection with the Heavenly Power and the Cosmic Power is taught in the basic practices of Inner Alchemy and further advanced in Cosmic Healing Qigong.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi has its roots primarily in martial arts, while Qigong is derived from Chinese Medicine.
Transcribed differently from Chinese, Qigong means the same as Chi Kung.
Qigong
Qigong is a traditional Chinese practice that combines breathing, movement, concentration, and meditation exercises to cultivate body and mind and harmonise the vital energy (Qi). The term is composed of ‘Qi’ (vital energy) and ‘Gong’ (work or exercise) and means ‘working with vital energy’.
Qigong is a component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is used both to promote health and for spiritual and meditative purposes. It encompasses numerous styles that follow different techniques and objectives, such as releasing energy blockages or strengthening the flow of Qi in the body.
Qigong is considered a form of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for a number of reasons:
Concept of life energy: Qigong is based on the central TCM concept of ‘Qi’ or ‘Chi’, the life energy that flows through the body. According to TCM, a harmonious flow of this energy is crucial for health.
Holistic approach: TCM regards body and mind as a single entity. Qigong promotes this connection by combining movement, breathing and meditation.
Prevention and treatment: In TCM, Qigong is used both for health maintenance and for the treatment of diseases. It is designed to release blockages and harmonise the flow of energy.
Historical background: Qigong practices can be traced back to the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC) and have been part of Chinese medicine for thousands of years.
Meridian theory: Qigong works with the meridian system of TCM, along which Qi is said to flow.
Wolfgang Heuhsen (2024)