What are Tai Chi and Qigong (Chi Kung)?

Qigong is a 2,000 year old mind/body science. Qigong, directly translated from Chinese, means "energy exercise" or "breath exercise." Tai Chi is one of the more sophisticated forms of Qigong, and is believed to be about 700 years old. Tai Chi directly translated means, "The Supreme Ultimate." Emerging medical research indicates Tai Chi and Qigong may reduce anxiety and depression, as well as dramatically boosting the immune system's resistence to viral infection. It can also lower high blood pressure, build bone mass, burn more calories that surfing, provide cardiovascular benefit similar to moderate impact aerobics, and preliminary research indicates it may encourage a homeostatic effect on the body chemistry that may help Type II Diabetes, and menopausal symptoms. Tai Chi and Qigong have been known to improve balance twice as effectively as any other balance conditioning exercises, and have been used by great athletes to improve performance.