Pacific College Celebrates World Tai Chi & Qigong Day

Pacific College of Oriental Medicine is one of many institutions around the world to recognize World Tai Chi and Qigong Day (WTCQD). Beginning at 10 a.m., Saturday April 29 in New Zealand and spreading across time zones, World Tai Chi and Qigong Day will see people in over 50 nations gather to practice these disciplines.

World Tai Chi and Qigong Day provides teachers, schools and Tai Chi and Qigong associations with many free tools and services to educate communities about the potential benefits of these disciplines. It is also a day to promote worldwide wellbeing.

Qigong has a long history. In ancient China, people believed that through controlled body movements and mental concentration, paired with various breathing techniques, they could balance and enhance physical, metabolic and mental functions. Qigong exercise relies on the traditional Chinese belief that the body has an energy field, known as Qi. "Qi" in Mandarin Chinese means breath or to breathe and "gong" means work or technique. The pairing of the two is the basis for the art of Qigong.

Tai Chi is also a centuries-old Chinese discipline that aids health, relaxation, balance, flexibility, strength, meditation, self-defense and self-cultivation. It is referred to as moving meditation. The practice began as a martial art and is based on the principles of the Yin Yang symbol, called Tai Chi in Chinese, meaning "grand ultimate."

Activities at most events include Tai Chi and Qigong exercise demonstrations, and many feature prominent masters leading exercises. Events are free and open to the public. A good way to find events in your area is to check with the nearest Oriental medicine school. In stressful times such as these, a day such as WTCQD is much needed. It can bring both relaxation and a sense of community and shared peace. It also brings people together across economic and geopolitical lines to celebrate health and healing.

To find out more information about World Tai Chi & Qi Gong Day please contact Pacific College of Oriental Medicine at (800) 729-0941, or visit www.PacificCollege.edu.

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