Tai Chi & Chi Kung also written as Tai Ji & Qi Gong
| Upcoming Tai Chi & Qigong (Chi Kung) Classes | Workshops/Classes |
WHAT IS CHI KUNG?
Chi Kung is the study of natural energy flow throughout the universe but is commonly known as a science of cultivating internal energy particularly to the human body. Chi Kung is more appropriately written in Pinyin as Qi Gong and pronounced chee kung. Pinyin is the accepted standard form of spelling by the People’s Republic of China and the United Nations. Pinyin 
was introduced in the 1950’s and replaced the old standard known as the Wade-Giles system. These romanized writting systems were designed as an aid in pronouncing Chinese characters by Westerners. I personally find the Pinyin system to be difficult to correctly pronounce by the general public so I have recently prefered to use the older alternate spelling system. These variations in spelling has caused much confusion over time.
| Pinyin | Alternate Spelling | Pronunciation |
| Qi Gong | Chi Kung | Chee Gong |
| Tai Ji Quan | Tai Chi Chuan | Tai Jee Chuen |
| Gong Fu | Kung Fu | Gong Foo |
| Qi | Chi | Chee |
Chi (more appropriately written as Qi and pronounced – ‘Chee‘) translates into energy or bio-electricity and Kung means ‘time and effort’ implying the study of energy. Chi is considered a vital life force that courses through specific pathways throughout the body. Yin-Yang theory, a method of identifying opposing forces and bringing them into harmonious transition is fundamental to Chi Kung practice.
WHAT IS TAI CHI?
Tai Chi Ch’uan (more appropriately written as Tai Ji Quan and pronounced – ‘Tai Jee Chuen‘) is a form of Chi Kung or energy study. Tai Chi Ch’uan translates as Grand Ultimate Fist – a reference to it’s Chinese martial arts origins. In modern times many people throughout the world now practice the slow moving and mindful style of Tai Chi as a stimulating and health benefiting form of exercise.
TAI CHI PROMOTES stress relief, mental tranquility, physical fitness, correct posture, balance, and coordination and improves Blood and Chi circulation.
New Study shows Chi Kung improves students’ health and overall behavior
Christopher Carlow, D. Ac.Doctor of Acupuncture April 4, 2007
