Let us take for granted the existence of ch’i, at least as a paradigm for certain aspects of the body-mind connection that are essential to the effective practice of T’ai Chi Ch’uan. The question then arises as to the best method for cultivating the ch’i. There are countless methods of ch’i kung that could be followed. My principle teacher in Cheng Man-ch’ing Style, Ben Lo, has always taken the position that the correct practice of T’ai Chi Ch’uan is itself a form of ch’i kung. (more…)

Many report experiencing the elusive force called ch’i (qi) on a personal level in profound ways. Indeed, anyone off the street can be given some fairly straightforward exercises that give rise to sensations that many will define as the flow of ch’i. Moreover, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which has demonstrated efficacy, is based largely on ch’i following some general rules of behavior identified through empirical study over thousands of years. (more…)