What is chi (qi)?
You’ll need to know what chi (qi), as it is fundamental to the practice of tai chi.
Chi is the Chinese word for life energy, which lies behind the vitality for all life. Without it we will die. It circulates through pathways in our body called meridian and channel, nourishing our body like water flourishing crops. A person filled with qi is energetic, supple, and eager for life. It empowers our skin, organs, bones and joints, and all other parts of the body.
Since chi is so essential to health, it needs to be balanced. This is whether the theory of yin and yang comes into play. It is through the regulation and balance of chi that tai chi derives its many health benefits.
If you are new to the process of cultivation of chi, the reaction of your body can vary, from feeling itchy, numb, or some time sensation of needle piecing the body. These are normal. When your chi flows smoothly, your will enjoy wonderful feeling including warm currents of chi circulating round your body.
Do note that although the modern Chinese uses the character 气 – similar to that for air and breath -- to depict chi, it is not to breathing. Breathing may be used to help cultivate it, but they are two different things.
Do not be alarmed if you feel no chi at all when you first get started. Many people face the same problem. I'm no exception. It took me a few years before I could confidently say that I experience consistent flows of chi in my body. Knowing the importance of chi however gives you a direction to work for.
Continue to practice tai chi even if you do not feel chi in your body. The exercise does activate it, and you can benefit without knowing it.
Qigong or chi kung refers to exercises that target at cultivation and management of chi. Taiji is one of them.
Language note: Chi is also written as qi. Its modern Chinese character is’气’; similar to that for air and breath. The more proper Chinese character is an archaic word 炁.