Marty Chapman demonstrates a series of seated qigong movements. From left: Open arms represent the exchange of unconditional love with the universe; holding fresh chi next to the heart creates a relaxation and open-mindedness; moving the hands along the body's center cleanses the spirit and opens the heart.

It's an oft-repeated image from China – dozens of people together in a public park performing beautifully choreographed rhythmic movements, one posture flowing gracefully into the next. The people practicing tai chi and qigong (pronounced “chee gong”), both components of Chinese medical arts. These ancient practices are quietly making their way into the lives of millions of Americans.
According to the latest sporting Goods Manufactures Assosciation fitness praticipation report, from 2000-06, American participation in yoga/tai chi increased 136 percent; from 2005-06, participation increased by 19 percent.

Tai chi is a martial art; qigong is considered a healing art. Both involve slow, graceful, and methodical movements designed to improve physical well-being, balance and muscle strength, and to reduce stress and promote inner peacefulness. In china, they are blended together in their practice, not separated as often happens in this country.

Tai chi and qigong are key components of Chinese medicine, where the mind and body work together to channel and focus the energy in body for healing purposes. Chinese medical traditions are involved with both tai chi and qigong, teaching that our life force energy (qi) must flow through us smoothly and without obstruction to have good health.

“Qi” (or chi) means air, breath or essence; “gong” means discipline and achievement; together they mean vital life force energy. The different breathing patterns, postures and movements are employed primarily for maintaining and improving one's own health. Qigong is the connection to nature, and is used primarily to heal the body from disease.

Tai chi means “supreme ultimate fist” and is a soft-style martial art sometimes described as meditation in motion. “This is more than calisthenics with a Chinese name,” says Jacqui Shumway, who has been teaching the Tai Chi project at the Denver Botanic Gardens for eight years. “Tai chi and qigong exercises often work together to create a complete flow of the system. The same exercises that teach us how to fight disease also teach us how to fight an opponent.”

While it is considered a martial art, tai chi is more about using a flowing, steady rhythm of smooth and relaxed movements as opposed to the kicks, spins and punches usually associated with this genre. This means that nearly everybody – regardless of age, fitness level, disability or health challenge – can participate, feel enjoyment and experience some success.

Shumway, who has a master's degree in kinesiology and physical education from the University of Northern Colorado, has been a specialist in preventive and rehabilitative exercise through physical education for more than 20 years. Through their many tai chi classes in metro denver she and her husband, Joseph Brady, a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine, promote combining Eastern and Western approaches to good health.

Among their more popular programs is the free Tuesday-morning class they teach each summer at the Botanic Gardens. More than 200 people typically attend. The program was featured in 2006 as a model program for the Oxford Roundtable in England.

John Plessinger, 60, a small-business owner and artist, at the first of the year began taking three tai chi classes weekly with Shumway and Brady. “I have never been exposed to anything like this before. My balance is so much better it is not even comparable,” says Plessinger. “I am a golfer and tai chi has really improved my golf swing. Because the forms are about transferring weight from one foot to another, my concentration and feel for the club has vastly improved.”

Tom Trujillo, 54, a teacher and artist, had his first tai chi experience at the Denver Botanic Gardens four years ago. “There is nothing like getting a hundred or more people together for tai chi in one of the most gorgeous places in Denver,” says Trujillo, who used to practice tae kwon do in the military and college. “I suffered a very serious illness a few years ago but after a few tai chi classes my recovery seemed to accelerate. I feel I am better at dealing with the world and my recovery. My body, brain and attitude feel more centered.”

Marty Chapman demonstrates a movement that stimulates the spirit of an open heart and inspires new qi energy.

Qigong also heads outdoors in the summer. Marty Chapman, a certified qigong instructor and corporate wellness coach, practices outdoors on Wednesday evenings at area parks and other locatons. “People practicing qigong may vary lifestyle, age, gender and occupation,” Chapman says, “but commonly they are all looking for a more effective way to heal the body, add emotional balance and feel a moving meditation for internal awareness.”

Anita Beilhart, 47, started qigong recently at the recommendation of her acupuncturist and immediately got results. “I have increased energy, better relaxation, improved muscle tone and strength, and noticeable improvement in my balance and coordination,” she says.

Douglas Brady, 55, a psychotherapist, long has been an avid athlete and yoga practitioner. Last year he had an open-heart surgery and was advised to add qigong to his daily routine. “As part of my rehabilitation, qigong has made the recovery much easier than I expected,” Brady remarked while hiking last week. “My morning practice gives me a special gratitude for living and I appreciate the gift qigong offers the healing process.”

Hospitals with an eye to improving healthcare options for patients are opening up to the possibilities offered by this 5,000-year-old healing technique. Holly Ice, a dietitian and stress reduction instructor for the Seton Family of Hospitals in Austin, Texas, has been teaching qigong classes for pulmonary, cancer and cardiac rehabilitation. With the pulmonary patients she has noted a decrease in depression, improved blood pressure and less oxygen use. With the cancer patients, less fatigue, fewer medications, less dry mouth and increase in hope.

“Why not use the best of multiple systems of help people feel better?” says Ice. “It's increasing the quality of their life to use the best of what Western medicine has to offer along with other modalities.”

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HOW IT HELPS

The martial art of tai chi is recommended because of the following positive effects on health:

Promotion of relaxation and reduction of stress.
Improved lung capacity.
Improved function of the digestive system.
Enhancement of cardiovascular and respiratory function.
Improved balance and posture.
Prevention of falls.
Increased flexibility and range of motion of joints.
Reduction of pain.
Reduced blood pressure.
Improved coordination.
Increased muscle strength.
Increased physical confidence.
Improved sleep.

In addition, a study published in April by the Journal of the American Geriatric Society reported that after 16 weeks of tai chi classes, the immune response of older people to chickenpox and shingles surged by 40 percent.

-The Mayo Clinic, The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability (ncpad@uic.edu), AARP (AARP.org), and Athritis Foundation (arthritis.org)

Classes and information

Qigong classes, 7 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, various locations, taught by Marty Chapman, senior qigong instructor. Call Life Council for locations, 303-691-0093; thelifecouncil.com.

Yu Xiang Tseng, known as Master Chen, is a Taoist priest who practices various healing arts. He grew up in China and trained from the age of 6 at Wu Dang Mountain, moving to the United States 17 years ago. He lives in Fort Collins, where he is president of Chi for longevity Inc, runs the Assocation for Chinese American Enrichment, directs Wu Dang Cultural Studies and hopes to build a monastery. More at 970-482-3201: or wudangtao.com.

- Linda J. Buch is a ceertified fitness trainer inDenver and
co-author of "The Commercial Break Workout." Write he at linda@Ljblanace.com.

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