Tai Chi Chi Gong: The Health Benefits for Body and Mind
Tai Chi Chi Gong, also known as Taiji Qigong
On May 12 and 13, 2018, in the city of Sofia, the Chi Energy Festival took place. The festival was dedicated to practices for enhancing and cultivating Chi energy, which, according to Chinese tradition, is the life force within and around us. Leading schools in Tai Chi (taiji), Qi Gong (chi gong), Feng Shui, Acupuncture, and Chinese Energy Massage participated in the festival. The goal of the Chi Energy Festival is to introduce people to these ancient practices, which can help them overcome daily stress in the dynamic urban environment, live a healthier life, demonstrate how to practice them, and create a space for the exchange of ideas and practical experiences among those engaged in traditional and new practices in this field.
The event is held annually and has gained great popularity among the leading schools in the mentioned areas. Each school had the opportunity to give lectures and conduct open lessons within one hour, allowing anyone interested to participate and experience the respective practice under the skilled guidance of the instructors. The event was free of charge.
The Chun Tai Chi Academy - Bulgaria participated in the festival with an open one-hour lesson. The lesson began with several followers from the school demonstrating a sequence of movements from the forms of the Chun family's Tai Chi within 3 minutes. After the audience watched the demonstration with interest, they had the opportunity to join and experience the beneficial effects of Tai Chi themselves. Due to the high number of participants willing to join the open lesson, all present followers of the Academy had to get involved. All representatives of the school assisted in teaching and were open to providing additional explanations to everyone in the room.
In the open lesson, one of the most important principles in Chun-style Tai Chi (Taiji Quan) was explained, namely the Spiral Force, also known as the Energy of the Silken Thread. A series of movements were demonstrated through which participants could personally experience the effects of this principle. Fa-jin (explosive force) or the so-called explosive power was also demonstrated, and everyone had the opportunity to try it. Finally, the lesson concluded with partner exercises. After the lesson, everyone felt relaxed and momentarily forgot about the daily life and stress awaiting them outside the hall.