Frequently Asked Questions
Is TaiChi Chinese?
Yes, TaiChi is a traditional Chinese Martial Art founded on the ideas of proper body alignment and release of the soft tissue in the body. Since it does not rely on "li" or external strength, it is referred to as an internal or "soft" martial art. This is one of the reasons it is well-known for the numerous health advantages that daily practice of real TaiChi brings.
Sifu Adam Mizner, founder of the HME system, asserts that we train for power and gain health advantages as a result. In this system then, we strive to uphold the integrity of real training, which entails repeating the basic techniques of "opening the body" and "sinking the qi" (maintaining static standing postures), giving us something substantial to work with when we "mobilize the qi" through physical movement.
Chinese martial arts traditionally talk about "eating bitter." Though the training may be demanding and challenging, when we approach the practice with authenticity, it produces results that are genuine, worthwhile, and useful. If medicine cannot heal illness, what use is it? Tai Chi is the remedy for today's ailments of a tumultuous mind and a tight, tense body. Like anything worthwhile, it is difficult, complex and rewarding.
Does TaiChi promote workplace wellness?
It is possible to create and use TaiChi concepts to help reduce job stress and burnout. TaiChi is a form of continuous, relaxing movement that starts with the release of tension in the muscles. By overcoming the flight/fight reaction, training movement helps us spend more time in the parasympathetic nervous system. It goes without saying that this "rest and digest" phase is crucial for overall health and well-being. But TaiChi also encourages the integration of an ongoing, active state of calm. The objective is to continue being physically and mentally busy without developing unneeded habitual states of tension that might affect emotional stability and productivity.
Interested in implementing TaiChi at work? Some of the posts on our site can provide you with further information about Living TaiChi. Click here to learn more about in-person and online Corporate TaiChi programs for workplace wellbeing.
Can you tell me more about the Qigong set that you teach in your online course? Is this an old-fashioned set? How long does the routine usually require?
The Qigong set taught in the online course was initially taught to me in the ZiRanMen lineage. This was taught as a series of basic Qigong, or "jibengong." Of course, studying under the Heaven Man Earth tradition has improved my understanding of the set.
Usually, the qigong set takes fifteen to twenty-five minutes. However, it can be modified based on time and your goals. To further educate the body, a series of auxiliary exercises can be performed in addition to the Qigong set.
You can sign up for a free introduction to the course here: https://chiwellness.thinkific.com/courses/qigong-foundations
Will the Qigong set help as my pre-meditation practice in the morning and perhaps in the evening?
Indeed, this is one way to use the qigong set. Given the fundamental nature of this specific set it is a clear and effective complement to any meditation or qi practices. The qigong and accompanying exercises are taught in significant detail and I am available to take questions and offer advise.
You can sign up for a free introduction to the course here: https://chiwellness.thinkific.com/courses/qigong-foundations
Is it possible to learn Qigong online?
Indeed, you can. The advantages and worth of studying any system that involves Qi and physical movement in person are undeniable. Experience, however, has demonstrated that the online format is a very successful means of disseminating knowledge and allowing participants to engage directly with the material. The course delivers simple, detailed and clear instructions which you can apply as a beginner or as an experienced practitioner.
I am available to be contact directly if you have any questions or inquiries prior to or after commencing the course. Send an email to paul@heavenmanearth.com
You can sign up for a free introduction to the course here: https://chiwellness.thinkific.com/courses/qigong-foundations
What clothing is appropriate for TaiChi?
We advise wearing loose, comfortable clothes and shoes with flat soles for practicing Qigong and TaiChi. You will be able to wear an HME International T-shirt based on your level of practice in the system if you enroll in regular classes. The sole additional requirement for uniforms is knee-length trousers. It is best to maintain the bottoms of your feet "sealed" when performing these exercises, hence we advise against training barefoot. Furthermore, it is not ideal for any partner work exercises and in addition many classes are held outdoors.
What makes Qigong and Tai Chi different from one another?
Taiji is a martial art, and this is the key difference. The following simplified explanation will make things more clear:
Qi is energy
Gong is skill
Qigong methods are exercises to develop Qi skill
The term "tai ji" (tai-chi) relates to the yin-yang concept
Quan is fist
Taiji Quan (Tai Chi Chuan) is yin-yang boxing.
Tai Chi is traditionally claimed to be Qigong, yet Qigong is not yet Tai Chi. In other words, learning Tai Chi will improve your Qi. But practicing Qigong alone will not make you a skilled martial artist.
Numerous qigong systems exist, with varying foci such as alchemy, iron robe, and other exercises geared on bolstering martial arts training, in addition to health, medicine, and healing.
I teach a straightforward form of Qigong and associated practices that are health-oriented. These practices include opening the body, building up and releasing qi, enhancing circulation, cultivating sensitivity, and fortifying the mind-body matrix.