"When you cultivate balance and harmony within yourself, or in the world - that is Tai Chi. When you work and play with the essence of life, nature and the universe for healing, clarity and inner peace - that is Chi Kung." ~ Roger Jahnke
The ancient Chinese philosophers explained that everything we experience inward and outward is the product of two opposite principles: Yin and Yang (female and male, dark and light, receptive and creative, etc.) One of the ways to harmonize these forces is through directed activity. The practice of Tai Chi and Chi Kung is one of the most powerful activities used to “balance the yin and yang” also referred as balancing the vital force (chi.)
WHAT IS TAI CHI?
The Chinese word chi means life force or internal energy. Tai Chi, or the grand ultimate, is the way the chi expresses itself in harmony and balance.
Tai Chi is a series of choreographed movements, practiced to balance the energy between man and nature. Developed about 2,000 years ago in China as a martial art, Tai Chi is now practiced as a gentle exercise technique, also known as a “moving meditation.”
The principle of Tai Chi is harmony within oneself and with outer forces, accomplished by synchronizing the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of life.
WHAT IS CHI KUNG?
This is an ancient Chinese exercise which involves the mind, breath, and movement to restore the flow of chi to a natural, healthy balance. Chi Kung is core to the foundation of Chinese medicine, martial arts, and meditation. The focusing of this art is to increase vital energy in the body lead it with the mind and directed with intention.
Chi Kung exercises have a reputation for aiding in the treatment of heart disease, high blood pressure, pulmonary emphysema, arthritis, digestive disorders, arteriosclerosis, skin diseases, depression, cancer, and many other illnesses.
For those seeking physical fitness, Chi Kung loosens the joints and increases flexibility while strengthening the tendons. It has also been known to improve the function of the internal organs, delay aging, and prolong life.
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“Mariscela Alvarez is a very adept teacher and extremely helpful to beginners. She gave us each individual attention during class and breaks, as to how to use the perfect form and movements
doing exercises and Tai Chi. By taking several classes, we learned that the slow movements improved our balance. Her DVD of exercise and form has helped us to perfect our movements as we practice. We are very grateful to Mariscela for introducing Tai Chi to us.”
Jim and Bernette F.,
Penryn, CAo.