Watch Essentials of Tai Chi and Qigong

2014
1 Season

Essentials of Tai Chi and Qigong is a fascinating and informative course from The Great Courses that delves into the ancient practices of Tai Chi and Qigong. With over 20 lectures and a runtime of over six hours, this course provides a comprehensive introduction to these two practices, explaining their history, philosophy, and techniques in detail.

Presented by Dr. David-Dorian Ross, a renowned Tai Chi and Qigong teacher, this course offers a wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in these practices. Dr. Ross is an engaging and knowledgeable presenter who brings a deep understanding of these disciplines to the course.

The course starts by introducing Tai Chi and Qigong and their historical background. Dr. Ross explains how these practices originated in China and have been used for centuries to promote health and longevity. He also delves into the philosophical underpinnings of the practices, providing insights into the Taoist and Zen traditions that inform Tai Chi and Qigong.

From there, the course moves on to the essential techniques of Tai Chi and Qigong. Dr. Ross covers the basic movements, breathing, meditation, and mindfulness techniques used in these practices. He also explains how these techniques can be used to promote health, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.

One of the highlights of the course is the detailed instruction on Tai Chi forms. Dr. Ross provides step-by-step instructions for several Tai Chi forms, including the Yang-style form, the Chen-style form, and the Wu-style form. These forms are demonstrated by Dr. Ross and a group of students, making it easy to follow along and learn the movements.

Another fascinating aspect of the course is the discussion of the health benefits of Tai Chi and Qigong. Dr. Ross explains how these practices can reduce stress, improve balance, increase flexibility, and boost the immune system. He also discusses the application of Tai Chi and Qigong in treating specific conditions, such as arthritis, high blood pressure, and anxiety.

The final section of the course covers advanced techniques in Tai Chi and Qigong. Dr. Ross introduces the concept of Qi, the energy that flows through the body, and explains how it can be harnessed to improve health and well-being. He also covers advanced meditation techniques and the use of Tai Chi weapons, such as the sword and fan.

Throughout the course, Dr. Ross peppers his lectures with anecdotes and stories that bring the practices of Tai Chi and Qigong to life. He also provides plenty of tips and advice for practitioners of all levels, offering insights into how to get the most out of these ancient practices.

In conclusion, Essentials of Tai Chi and Qigong is an excellent course that provides a comprehensive introduction to these fascinating practices. Dr. Ross is an engaging and knowledgeable presenter who provides a wealth of information and insights into these disciplines. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, this course is sure to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Tai Chi and Qigong.

Essentials of Tai Chi and Qigong is a series that ran for 1 seasons (24 episodes) between November 13, 2014 and on The Great Courses

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Seasons

24. The Evolution of Tai Chi

November 14, 2014

After warming up with a final qigong exercise, analyze how tai chi is helping millions in the Western world adapt to the challenges of 21st-century life. Then learn the concluding exercises of the short form: Deflect Downward, Parry, and Punch; and Closing the Door. See how everything you've learned comes together while performing the entire 24-movement series.

23. Taking Practice Deeper

November 14, 2014

Mr. Ross devotes this entire lesson to the 24-movement short form, showing you how to take your practice to a deeper level by mastering subtleties in the poses and transitions. Go through all the moves you have learned so far.

22. Energy Flow in Your Surroundings

November 14, 2014

Qigong manipulates the flow of qi in your body. Learn how the art of feng shui allows you to harmonize qi energy in your surrounding environment. Also investigate the ancient Chinese five element theory. Close with Opening the Arms Like a Fan in the short form.

21. Flow at Work - When Business Is in Balance

November 14, 2014

Discover how to integrate the outlook and practice of tai chi into your work life. Study a routine that you can do in your office or cubicle, as it requires only one step in each direction. Then, learn Looking for the Needle at the Bottom of the Sea.

20. Creating Space for Choices

November 14, 2014

Imagine what it would be like if you were never entrapped by stress again. Thanks to your study of tai chi and qigong, this blissful state is already in your grasp. For your next segment of the 24-movement routine, perform Fair Lady Works at Shuttles.

19. Mental and Physical Flow

November 14, 2014

Experiencing life with balance and harmony requires that you master flow, which is a traditional principle of tai chi. Look at both mental and physical aspects of flow. Then for the short form, study Rooster Stands on One Leg on the other side.

18. Using the Mind - Inner Organizing Principles

November 14, 2014

Focus on tai chi's organizing principles, which underlie everything you have learned in the course. These include the balance of yin and yang; softness overcomes hardness; and use mind, not strength. Close with Snake Creeps through the Grass on the other side.

17. Tai Chi Weapons - When Hands Are Not Empty

November 14, 2014

As students advance in tai chi, they move from empty hands forms to weapons play, which has the same elegant choreography but with sticks, swords, or spears. Try out this ancient martial art, seeing how even everyday objects can be used for practice. Then master a new movement in the short form: Rooster Stands on One Leg.

16. Eight Pieces of Brocade and a Better Back

November 14, 2014

Learn the last movement in the qigong series called the Eight Pieces of Brocade. Then go through the entire routine from the beginning, concentrating on how qigong and tai chi promote correct posture and a better back. Close with Snake Creeps through the Grass from the short form routine.

15. A Superior Workout - Use More of Your Muscles

November 14, 2014

How can the slow dance of tai chi compete with running or weightlifting as a workout? The secret is that tai chi activates many muscles at the same time, burning calories at a high rate. For the short form routine, practice Stand Up and Kick on the other side.

14. Reading the Tai Chi Classics

November 14, 2014

Study the oldest and newest chapters in the Tai Chi Classics, watching Mr. Ross demonstrate the principles of proper tai chi technique as he recites the texts. Then learn one of the more martial movements in the 24-part lesson: Boxing Both Ears.

13. Tai Chi Legends - Stories of the Masters

November 14, 2014

Marvel at the amazing exploits of classic tai chi masters, including two legendary champions, Zhang San-Feng and Wang Tsung-Yueh, and a historical figure, Yang Lu-Chan, who invented the Yang style. Conclude with another segment of the short form: Stand Up and Kick with Heel.

12. A Healthy Weight and a Healthy Mind

November 14, 2014

Continue your study of tai chi and health by looking at its documented benefits for treating obesity and Alzheimer's disease. Then reach the halfway point in your study of the 24-movement short form with a pose called High Pat on Horse.

11. Benefits to the Heart and Immune System

November 14, 2014

Delve into clinical studies showing that tai chi excels as a non-pharmaceutical treatment for heart and lung disease, as well as being a valuable adjunct to cancer therapy. In the short form, repeat Single Whip.

10. The Third Pillar - Standing Meditation

November 14, 2014

Experience the feeling of standing with proper alignment as you explore the third pillar of tai chi: standing meditation. Experiment with a qigong exercise called Standing Like a Tree. Then lose yourself in the next dream-like sequence of the 24 movements: Waving Hands Like Clouds.

9. The Second Pillar - Push Hands for Two

November 14, 2014

Begin a new qigong series called the Eight Pieces of Brocade. Next, explore the second pillar of tai chi practice: push hands, which involves gentle but challenging sparring with a partner. End with a movement called Single Whip.

8. The First Pillar of Practice - Forms

November 14, 2014

Learn how to walk with mindfulness. Then study the first pillar of tai chi practice: forms, which are the choreographed dance-like movements that most people associate with tai chi. For the short form routine, practice Grasp the Bird's Tail on the right side.

7. Energy Exercise - A Branch of Chinese Medicine

November 14, 2014

Deepen your understanding of qi and its role in traditional Chinese medicine, which is radically different from Western medicine. Discover how qigong and tai chi are designed to manipulate qi energy. Close by performing the next movement in the short form: Grasp the Bird's Tail on the left side.

6. Qigong and the Five Animal Frolics

November 14, 2014

Learn the final posture in the qigong series called the Frolic of the Five Animals. Then explore the ancient concept of qi, the life force that underlies the practice of qigong and tai chi. Finally, add Repulse the Monkey to your repertoire of the 24-movement short form.

5. The Five Families of Tai Chi Practice

November 14, 2014

Branch out from the Yang style to see how other families of tai chi perform the movement called Single Whip. Mr. Ross also explains the fascinating history of the five families: Chen, Yang, Wu, Wu/Hao, and Sun. Close with Playing the Pipa in the short form.

4. The Ultimate Martial Art

November 14, 2014

Tai chi as a martial art is called tai chi chuan (taijiquan), which can be translated as "the ultimate martial art." Investigate the defense and fighting aspects of tai chi, which deepen your appreciation for the power behind this seemingly gentle art. Then learn Brush Knee and Push in the short form.

3. Harmony and Balance

November 14, 2014

Continue with the Frolic of the Five Animals. Then delve into the concept of harmony and balance embodied in the idea of yin and yang, which inspires the philosophy and practice of tai chi. Close with Crane Spreads Wings in the short form routine.

2. First Steps in a Journey

November 14, 2014

Start the first of the qigong exercises, called the Frolic of the Five Animals. You also begin a regular routine of simple tai chi drills. Then learn the first two movements in the 24-movement short form: Opening the Door and Parting the Wild Horse's Mane.

1. 1. The Snake and the Crane

November 13, 2014

David-Dorian Ross recounts the history of tai chi and qigong, which are closely related practices. Then he introduces the Yang family short form of 24 individual movements, which is the most widely performed tai chi routine. He closes with his top ten tips for your personal practice. #Better Living

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Where to Watch Essentials of Tai Chi and Qigong

Essentials of Tai Chi and Qigong is available for streaming on the The Great Courses website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Essentials of Tai Chi and Qigong on demand at Amazon Prime, Amazon and Hoopla.