Tai Chi & Qigong: Gentle Movements, Powerful Results
Leyton Marshes sessions (Lee Valley Ice Centre)
Qigong - between 11 August - 29 September on Tuesdays at 12:00 - 13:30 and Thursdays at 17:30 - 19:00- book here
Qi Wu session – between 22 August - 10 October on Saturdays at 10:00 – 11:15 - Book here
Lee Valley White Water Centre sessions
Tai Chi - between 13 August - 19 November on Thursdays at 11:30 -13:00 - Book here
Health Qigong – Six Healing Sounds - between 13 August - 19 November on Thursdays at 13:30 - 15:00 - Book here
All sessions are free.
Tai Chi and Qigong are gentle, low-impact exercises that combine movement, breathing, and focus. They are suitable for many people and may help improve balance, flexibility, mobility, relaxation, and overall wellbeing. Health Stick Qigong is a variation that uses a stick to support movement and improve flexibility, particularly in the upper body.
What are Tai Chi, Qigong and Health Stick Qigong?
Tai Chi and Qigong are traditional Chinese practices that combine gentle movement, breathing, and mental focus to improve health and wellbeing.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi (full name: Tai Chi Chuan or Taijiquan) is a form of exercise based on martial arts movements. It involves:
Slow, flowing movements
Deep, controlled breathing
Relaxation and concentration
Repeated movement sequences
There are different styles of Tai Chi. Two common styles are:
Chen Style – the oldest form of Tai Chi
Yang Style – the most widely practised form
Qigong
Qigong (pronounced chee-gong) is an ancient practice that is over 2,500 years old. It aims to improve and balance the body's energy, known as qi ("chee").
Qigong involves:
Gentle movements
Breathing exercises
Relaxation and mindfulness
Health Stick Qigong
Health Stick Qigong is a gentle form of Qigong that uses a stick about 110-125 cm long.
It includes:
8 slow, flowing movements
Gentle twisting and turning of the waist
Exercises that improve spinal flexibility
Movements that help relax muscles and improve circulation
It is particularly useful for improving mobility in the shoulders and back.
What are the health benefits?
Tai Chi and Qigong are considered mind-body exercises that can support physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
Research from China, the US, Europe, and Australia suggests they may help with:
Diabetes
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and ADHD
Cancer and stroke rehabilitation
Improving balance and reducing falls
Managing pain from conditions such as:
Osteoarthritis
Fibromyalgia
Rheumatoid arthritis