Great Blue Lake Tai Chi & Qigong

01/13/2026

Article on Tai chi and Lowering Blood Pressure

Research suggests that tai chi may help lower blood pressure better than aerobic exercise.

01/13/2026

Article on Tai Chi for insomnia

Can tai chi improve modern sleep problems? Here's what new research reveals about the effects of this centuries-old practice in people with chronic insomnia.

10/20/2025

01/05/2025

https://rollingout.com/2024/12/14/tai-chi-brain-health-revolution/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2Lsfd8wI58jp4RhEJ6VY1zOtZRcYds8fTFVuAaWgYk-B4V4ol7B4Y3qVo_aem_48GLgbBvnDyRr8rz23mTww

Uncover how tai chi blends ancient wisdom and modern science to boost brain health and cognitive function in aging adults.

11/09/2024

A nice description of Sinking the Qi from Chinese Whisperers.

The term "Qi Sinking to the Dantian" (气沉丹田) is mentioned in various fields in the Chinese language, in martial arts and internal practices, in sports, arts, theatre performances, singing techniques and many more.
"Qi" commonly refers to the breath; but it also includes innate energy, the subtle essence within the organs; the body’s sensations; a person’s emotional states; and much more.
To achieve this in taijiquan practice it may be helpful to use the term "Focus on the Dantian". “Qi sinking to the Dantian” is the result of performing actions such as "relaxing the chest and rounding the back", "sinking the shoulders and dropping the elbows" etc. These actions create a sensation of "loosened, grounded strength" in the lower body. We’re using this "loosened, grounded strength" to cultivate a sense of "Qi." The "Qi sensation" helps direct our centre of gravity toward the lower abdomen around the Dantian area, guiding it downward smoothly and eventually achieving an ideal framework of lightness above and solidity below.
The process is also helped by abdominal breathing. It involves the diaphragm constantly contracting and relaxing, pressing on the abdominal cavity, which produces a feeling of heaviness, fullness and strength in the Dantian area.
"Focus on the Dantian" and "Sinking Qi to the Dantian" are about creating a certain sensation. Ultimately, it’s more about the use of "intention" rather than the use of Qi or force to achieve this.

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02/17/2023

Interesting article on Tai Chi and the nervous systems.
https://earthbalance-taichi.com/2010/12/parasympathetic-system-and-tai-chi/?fbclid=IwAR2tLWeILKRbGqXZmq4Prom3vffUpIo5OcjVt9kjnNi58VNA5RbHVzbXjNc

Parasympathetic System and Tai Chi. Learn how to activate the relaxation response and the vagus nerve with deep breathing & slow connected whole body movements.

08/11/2022

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202208/1272383.shtml?fbclid=IwAR1-RJ5q9kTvEC_GGTrgC_z643r0nWQDFdRYV66ZYE5AJ67h7EGU-O4ShYU

Taijiquan, also known as Tai Chi, is a kind of traditional Chinese martial art. It focuses on the Chinese philosophical concepts of Yin and Yang, the five elements and traditional Chinese medicine, aiming to strengthen the body, cultivate the mind and combat attackers.

08/10/2022

Thought this comparison of Tai Chi and Feldenkrais was interesting.
https://feldenkrais.com/if-its-a-martial-art-why-is-it-so-slow-exploring-the-similarities-between-feldenkrais-method-teachings-and-taiji-quan/?fbclid=IwAR164lLjYL0O9yO22gzabT4nXY5V7evAyMFJHr87HE32sGjxAb-oncoXD38

By Joe Webster, GCFP CM   Many people are confused by the slow and tranquil practice of Taiji Quan (Tai Chi) thinking that just because the sequences are practised slowly that there is no way that could translate into an actual fighting situation, let alone be a useful and effective way of defendin...

05/06/2022

Tai Chi/San Shou applications.

太極散手實戰用法演練，散手技擊的方向與目的用法講解https://youtu.be/SM53YCsKSao散手技擊怎麼破交叉摟抱，太極推手對於散手實戰的作用https://youtu.be/_BcwIvUbWW8----------------------------太極拳推手摔法，實戰訓練https://www...

04/20/2022

Interesting article.
https://slantedflying.com/go-slow-to-go-fast-and-more-a-rationale-for-slow-tai-chi-practice/?fbclid=IwAR2a9WSUfcM1_ox138Ppmo5sIE2S2pg0UdMDZ31xPEJ7Y4oB0KNjra-Hv7I

The popular misconception about t’ai chi is that it is just a slow motion dance, and many people are surprised that it is also a highly skilled martial art.

04/20/2022

An interesting explanation of Nei Jin and Fa Jing.

Taiji Online: https://taijiacademy.onlineAll those Fa Jin methods on the internet that use pushing the feet, turning the K...