Frequently Asked Questions

A: Chi ( pronounced ‘chee’) is ‘vital energy’ or ‘ life force’. From a health perspective, it is quite simple. When the Chi, or vital force is strong and pure, one enjoys good health. When it is depleted or its movement impaired, one becomes ill.Q: What is Chi ?THE ENERGY CONNECTION

Q: Does everyone have this life force or vital energy?

A: Yes. The key point is that you need to learn how to build and improve it. If you cannot do these things, you cannot unleash its potential to change your health. Learning a good qigong program will give you those skills.

Q: What is Chi Kung (Qigong) ?

A: Kung (Gong, Kung) means the skill one gets from practicing. Chi Kung (Qigong) might be translated to ‘The Science and Skill of Building and Refining One’s Life Force’. There are many different types and applications of Chi Kung.

Q: What is Chi / Energy Meridian Massage?

A: Inside the human body, the vital energy flows in channels or meridians. These channels connect to all the vital organs. On the outside of the body, the channel system is accessed through special points which may be used for acupuncture, acupressure or special massage techniques, which, when properly stimulated, will strengthen the internal organs and health of the individual.

Q: Can anyone learn these ancient Chinese exercises?

A: Regardless of your age or health status, anyone can improve himself or herself. There is no limit. It is never too late to start.

Q: What are Yin and Yang?

A: The circular diagram with the black and white ‘fish’ are called yin and yang. They represent balance, an interaction of energies that are opposite, always changing and interdependent, just as day and night, opposites continuously flowing continuously and changing into one another.

Q: What is Taiji (Tai Chi)?

A: Taiji is the philosophy of the interaction of yin and yang. Taijiquan is a very old style of Chinese martial arts and health exercise. The most familiar type features very slow, gentle, relaxed movements and is thus suitable for young and old. Taiji ( Taai Gik) means ‘Supreme’ or ‘Great Ultimate’ and refers to the primordial yin and yang energies. Quan ( pronounced ‘Chuan’, ‘Kuen’ in Cantonese) means ‘fist, boxing, or style of martial arts’. Most people just refer to the practice as ‘taiji’. Taiji is so popular in the West as a health exercise, it is sometimes called ‘Moving Meditation’.

Q: Is the word for Chi the same as the ‘Chi’ in ‘Tai Chi’?

A: No. For energy, Qi (‘chee’)is the Mandarin pronunciation. Hei (‘hey’) is Cantonese. For the moving exercise that you probably have seen, it is known as Tai Ji in Mandarin and Taai Gik in Cantonese. These spellings follow official language systems however, an older system of romanization which uses the spellings ‘Chi’ ‘Tai Chi ‘is also still seen but can sometimes be confusing to beginner readers.