What's the difference between Tai Chi and Qigong?

Both of these traditions appear to be based upon systems of breathing and movement aimed at improving health. I was wondering what fundamental differences there are between the two?|||The correct definition of Qigong is any training or study dealing with Qi which takes a long time and a lot of effort.





Taijichuan is a subset of Qigong.that deals primarily with physical well being, "moving meditation" and self defense.





Qigong is about "self regulation" this can involve the physical body, spiritual matters (religion), emotional matters and the human psyche.





Qigong is about regulating/controlling the flow of Qi (energy) within the body, channeling it, directing it and using it for specific purposes. Regulating Qi flow is one of the basic elements of Chinese medicine and accupuncture.


.|||the description of qigong above is pretty accurate, but taichi needs some more explanation.





taichi (or more correctly taiji) means absolute unity, and it is a philosophical concept, and i believe the proper name for the yinyang symbol.





taijiquan is the martial art based on that absolute unity. This is what we think of when we say taichi. It contains a lot of qigong in it. But there is also a lot of other things that are not qigong as well.





the short answer would be qigong is exercise, taichi is martial arts, but martial arts is good exercise, and exercise is necessary for martial arts.|||I too agree with the above comments and only wish to add.





It is true that Qigong is an exercise, however what it is exercising is a person's Qi (chi). There are many Qigong movements, some that promote bodily health, some strength, some balance the chi, and others that support martial movements. Our chi is our bodies' energy force, this force supports our life, encourages healing, and affects our mood. It is by no means a "religious" or "spiritual" force. American studies are being done to possibly link chi with the natural electric current that runs through our bodies.





Tai Chi, however, is a martial art (as stated above). Tai Chi is a martial art that is very much based in the principals of Qigong, that trains the body while simultaneously training the chi. Sadly, in America today, Tai Chi is taught much the way that Qigong is meant to be used, as merely an exercise regimen. Not many Tai Chi instructors cover the martial uses for this very powerful and ancient art. Many believe that the majority of martial arts that exist today, including the famous shaolin kungfu, have a basis in Tai Chi. There are many forms of Tai Chi, but most all of them are simple and quick to learn, and once learned are merely practiced repeatedly until becoming second-nature. In my opinion, most every martial artist should know at least once Tai Chi set or Qigong exercise.|||Tai Chi has been proven to enlighten your spirit more. As well, it looks beautiful to do.