Newsletter #21

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Why Taijiquan is Not Just Slow Kungfu

To the casual observer, Taijiquan (Tai Chi) might look like kungfu in slow motion, a martial choreography performed as a graceful dance. This comparison is understandable but misleading. While Taijiquan shares its roots with Chinese martial arts, its essence lies in principles quite distinct from the outward explosiveness of Shaolin or Wushu styles. It is not simply a matter of speed, but of structure, intention, and internal development.

Taijiquan is classified as a neijiaquan (內家拳), or "internal art," emphasizing the cultivation and use of qi (氣), the body's intrinsic energy. In contrast to the external arts, which train muscles to generate power through speed and tension, Taijiquan seeks to unify the entire body through relaxed structure and conscious movement. Power arises from the coordinated use of root, spine, and intention... what is called song (鬆), or deep relaxation without collapse.

Slow practice helps the practitioner refine this structure and sensitivity. It reveals tension and imbalance, training the nervous system to rewire patterns that are usually masked by speed and strength. Every transition becomes an opportunity to align the joints, sink the weight, and direct the mind. This is why Taijiquan is as much a method of transformation as it is a martial discipline.

And yet, Taijiquan remains a martial art. Its movements are not symbolic—they contain specific techniques for neutralizing, controlling, and issuing force against an opponent. The slowness is not weakness but discipline, allowing each technique to be encoded in the body with precision. In push-hands (tui shou 推手), applications reveal their practicality, but only when rooted in the same principles cultivated in solo practice.

The internal process of Taijiquan also supports health and longevity. Traditional Chinese medicine views stagnation, whether physical, emotional, or energetic, as the root of disease. Taijiquan, with its spiral movements, breath regulation, and calm focus, promotes circulation of qi and blood, regulation of the nervous system, and emotional balance. It becomes both a martial path and a method of yangsheng (養生)—nourishing life.

So when we say Taijiquan is not just slow kung fu, we are defending more than pace. We are honoring a tradition that sees movement as a means to stillness, strength as the product of yielding, and martial excellence as inseparable from personal cultivation. It is a system where the visible form conceals an invisible transformation, and the true speed lies in how quickly it changes the person who practices it.

Moving Meditation: Qigong as an Antidote to Overthinking

In today's fast-paced world, the mind rarely rests. Even in quiet moments, thoughts continue to spin—reliving past conversations, anticipating future problems, or analyzing every detail of the present. For many people, this constant stream of mental activity can lead to stress, insomnia, or even physical symptoms like tension headaches and fatigue. While sitting meditation is one way to calm the mind, it can feel difficult for those who are already caught in mental loops. That's where qigong offers a gentle yet effective alternative.

Qigong, the ancient Chinese practice of cultivating internal energy through coordinated movement, breath, and attention, invites the mind to settle by engaging the body in slow, rhythmic patterns. Rather than trying to suppress thought through force of will, it gently redirects awareness. The body becomes the anchor, and breath becomes the guide. As one moves through a series of flowing postures, the mind begins to synchronize with the pace of the breath and the sensation of movement. Thinking slows down, not because one tries to silence it, but because it naturally has less space to take over.

In traditional Chinese medicine, excessive thinking is said to affect the Spleen system, disrupting digestion and depleting energy. Qigong, with its emphasis on balance and circulation, offers a way to restore harmony. Regular practice can help reduce anxiety, improve concentration, and create a sense of groundedness that lasts beyond the session.

This is why qigong is often described as a moving meditation. It occupies the mind just enough to prevent it from wandering, yet leaves enough space for inner quiet to arise. For those who struggle to sit still or feel restless in traditional meditation, qigong provides a welcoming path into stillness through motion. It is not a shortcut, but a different doorway into the same room.

In a world full of noise and distraction, qigong reminds us that clarity often begins by simply slowing down and feeling the body breathe.

Qi Journal Updates:

Our Autumn 2025 Journal has been released and our final bulk mailing to subscribers scheduled for September 12th. Our website has been updated to reflect the Autumn issue. If you are not a current subscriber, please consider purchasing a subscription at www.qi-journal.com/subscriptions.

Features in this issue include: "Cardiovascular Health: A New Paradigm" by Dr. Ted Cibik, ND, DMQ, Ph.D.; "The Mystical Treasures of The Ancient Lingbao Daoists" by Prof. Jerry Alan Johnson, Ph.D., D.T.C.M.; "The Taiji-Qigong Way of Life: Beyond Exercise" by Dr. Daniel Ming, Ph.D.; and "The Cultural Heritage of Chinese Herbs: Living Medicine" by the staff at Qi Journal.

Departments include: "The Traditional View of Weapon Mastery" by Steven Luo; "Eating for Autumn: Nourishing Yin" by ChineseHealth.com; "Ancient Chinese Medicine & Qigong Perspectives on Dreams" by Dr. Miguel A.V. Quiroz III; "The Emperor's Dragon" by Susan Lee; "Tibetan Qigong: The Subtle Winds of Healing" by Larry Cohn; "The Yin & Yang" of it All by Stephen Rath; and "Mu Guiying: Legendary Heroine of China" by Dr. Carlos Mendoza, Ph.D.

Website Updates:

We now have more than 200 free articles on our website, and we also have multiple "simulations" to help you learn about qigong, taiji, traditional Chinese medicine, and yangsheng (nourishing life). Here is a list of some:

·         An Interactive Acupoint Explorer Learn about meridians and acupoints in these fully interactive pages. Includes a special section for taiji and qigong practioners.

·         Chinese Abacus Simulation Includes a teaching guide on how to use a traditional Chinese Abacus (算盘 Suànpán)

·         Our Chinese Quiz Test your skill in recognizing Chinese words and terms using multiple choice answers. Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.

·         Common Chinese Terms in taiji and Qigong Learn how to pronounce 40 terms. Includes the Chinese, pinyin, common meaning, and literal translation as well as audio Mandarin pronuniciation.

·         Learn the names of the Taijiquan 24-style form Each movement's name, meaning, literal translation, and audio pronunication.

·         Test Yourself Multiple choice quizes on Cultural Tidbits; Daoism, Buddhism, Confucism; and Famous Landmarks in China.

Why Dragons Aren't Evil in China:
A Cultural Reversal

In the Western imagination, dragons are often portrayed as destructive creatures—hoarders of treasure, enemies of heroes, symbols of chaos or evil. From medieval legends to modern fantasy novels, slaying the dragon is a common theme. But in Chinese culture, dragons are revered, not feared. Rather than representing danger, the dragon is a symbol of auspiciousness, strength, wisdom, and cosmic harmony.

This reversal is more than mythology. It reflects a deeper worldview. In Chinese thought, especially as expressed through Daoism and Confucianism, the natural world is not something to be conquered, but something to live in balance with. The dragon, far from being a menace, is seen as a benevolent force connected to water, clouds, and rain. It governs rivers and seas, brings seasonal change, and represents the dynamic movement of qi, the vital energy that flows through all things.

The Chinese dragon, or long (龍), is often depicted as a graceful creature with a serpent's body, deer's antlers, eagle's claws, and a lion's mane. It has no wings, yet soars through the sky. Its form combines features from many animals, suggesting that it embodies the essence of nature as a whole. In imperial China, the dragon was also a political symbol. The emperor was called the "Son of Heaven" and was said to have the dragon's mandate to rule.

Even today, the dragon continues to appear in Chinese art, festivals, and spiritual practices. It is a zodiac sign, a New Year celebration staple, and a cultural emblem of power used in martial arts and fengshui. Parents still call their children "dragon sons" in hopes they will grow to be strong and successful.

To understand why dragons aren't evil in China is to glimpse a cultural mindset shaped by harmony rather than conflict. The dragon does not need to be slain. It needs to be understood and respected.

Autumn is for the Lungs: Seasonal Health Tips from TCM

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), each season corresponds to a specific organ system. Autumn, with its crisp air and increasing dryness, is associated with the Lungs. In Chinese thought, the Lungs are not only responsible for respiration but also for governing qi, regulating the skin and pores, and defending the body from external illness. Autumn is the ideal time to support this system—both to stay well now and to build resilience for winter.

As the weather cools and the air becomes dry, symptoms like dry throat, coughing, constipation, and itchy skin often appear. These are signs that the Lungs and their paired organ, the Large Intestine, may need attention. In TCM theory, dryness is considered one of the six external pathogens, and it tends to invade the Lungs first. The goal during autumn is to nourish Lung yin, moisten dryness, and protect the body's surface from the chill to come.

Simple practices can help. Breathing exercises and qigong that open the chest and promote deep, even respiration can strengthen Lung function. Gentle stretching and early morning walks in fresh air—when pollution is lowest—are particularly beneficial. Emotional balance also matters. Grief and sadness are the emotions associated with the Lungs, and unexpressed sorrow can stagnate qi. Taking time to reflect, write, or simply let go of past burdens aligns with the season's inward-turning nature.

Dietary choices should follow the season as well. Pears, white mushrooms, almonds, sesame seeds, tofu, and cooked daikon radish are traditionally used to moisten the Lungs. Soups and warm teas replace raw and chilled foods. Avoiding overly spicy or drying foods such as fried dishes and excess alcohol helps maintain internal moisture.

In TCM, seasonal living is not a restriction but a rhythm. Autumn invites us to breathe more deeply, to clear what no longer serves us, and to prepare gently for the stillness of winter. By caring for the Lungs now, we foster a smoother transition through the cold months ahead.