In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), human beings are considered mini versions of the universe, and they are like the universe. They are thought, to be made up of the constant interaction of five elements (metal, water, fire, wood, and earth). It is believed that these five elements flow in an interrelated manner throughout all the organs of the body as the five phases of universal Qi (pronounced "chi"), with Qi defined as the life force—the built-in energy in the body that travels along pathways in the body called meridians. Health is achieved when the interactions between these elements cause the flow of your Qi to occur in a smooth and balanced manner. You could say that one reason you study Tai Chi is to help your Qi flow smoothly.
Qigong, from which Tai Chi (Qi) originates, is a discipline that involves the mind, breath, and movement to create a calm, natural balance of energy that can be used in work, recreation or self-defense. Like yoga, where many varieties have evolved. There are more than 3,000 varieties of Qigong and five major traditions: Taoist, Buddhist, Confucian, Martial Arts, and Medical, and two major types: "soft" and "hard." Soft Qigong is called inner Qigong, of which Tai Chi is an example.
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