The Mind Directs the Chi - Or Does It?

In Tai Chi, we often say that "the mind directs the chi"? But isn't chi circulation a natural process? Do we really have to direct it?

In this article, we examine the meaning behind "mind directs the chi", and how the Taoist background of Tai Chi influences how we interpret this phrase.

Two Imporant Practice Tips for Improving Your "Opening The Spine" Chi

Opening the Spine is one of the most beneficial practices we teach in Level 1 of the Complete ChiFusion Course. Given the large number of people who have back and neck problems in today's society, this Qigong pattern is especially valuable.

However, students have asked me about two unusual aspects of Opening the Spine. These aspects are "unusual" in that they differ from other "forward bend" exercises you may have learned from other instructors or programs.

Read about these two important aspects in this informative article.

Organizing Your Practice for Maximum Health and Chi Development

How do you organize practice? How do you decide what material to work on and in what order during your practice sessions?

Read our tips on organizing your ChiFusion practice to increase the health, stress relief, and Chi Development benefits you get from the time you spend.

"Tai Chi Fist" - Using Practice Variations to Develop Chi Skills

Practice variations involve taking a series of movements, then creatively making changes in the movements to emphasize a particular skill.

I sometimes get the inspiration for these practice variations from some of the most unlikely sources. But one of my favorite practice variations was inspired directly by the full name of the art - Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan).

Do You Know Your Tai Chi / Qigong "Frame"?

The term "Tai Chi frame" sometimes describes the "size" of the movements you make with your body, especially your limbs, during practice. As such, we often refer to frames as large, medium, or small in a given Tai Chi or Qigong practice.

What is the purpose of large, medium, and small frames? Which frame or frames should you include in your practice? What frame or frames give you the best overall Chi Development?

The Four Treasures of Tai Chi: A Special Report

Recently, we released a 90+ page Special Report, available to all Mini-Course students, entitled The Four Treasures of Tai Chi: Essence, Energy, Spirit, and Power.

This special report "de-mystifies" the theories behind Tai Chi, Qigong, and Chi Development, with practical, direct explanations and applications of these theories for the ChiFusion student.

"Let's Do The Twist" - Body Positioning in Tai Chi Bow Stances

The Bow Stance is the most common stance used in Tai Chi. But did you know that Tai Chi masters don't always agree on how to perform it!

Learn the difference between "favorable" and "twist" Bow Stances, and how they can improve your Tai Chi skills.

"Dancing with Elephants and Bears" - Learn the Tai Chi "BioMechanics" That Will Make You Graceful and Powerful!

"The Constant Bear and Reverse Bear exercises from Level 2 are some of my favorite movements in the entire ChiFusion curriculum.

"Reflecting on the biomechanics of this exercise, I began to form a mental image that for me helped to cognitively recognize how the energy was flowing. This mental image is something of a mechanical model, kind of like the fine-tuned inner workings of an antique clock."

In this article, certified instructor Jeffry C. Lawson describes how the biomechanics of Constant and Reverse Bear Qigong.