Tai Chi Chuan

Celebrate World Tai Chi and Qigong Day-April 28, 2012

by Barbara Langley

April 23, 2012

"The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame."-Thomas Alva Edison

"The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame."—Thomas Alva Edison

World Tai Chi and Qigong Day is a healing wave of positive intention circling the planet on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 10 a.m. In every time zone around the world—70 countries—people will practice tai chi, qigong and meditation in parks, fields, community centers, or at their local tai chi school. This year marks the 14th anniversary of the day, organized by founder, Bill Douglas, a 2009 Internal Arts Hall of Fame Inductee.

Quietly the day paints a vision of possibilities for humanity each year providing a profound example to millions who participate. The purpose of the day can be summed up in four steps:

To educate the world about the profound health and healing benefits of tai chi and qigong.
To thank Chinese culture for creating and sharing these profoundly valuable gifts with the world. 
To bring together people across racial, economic, religious, and geo-political boundaries, to join together for the purpose of health and healing.
To give a powerful example of how the power of the Internet can be used to foster global health and healing.

"World Tai Chi Day promotes health, body awareness, and exercise through the practice of tai chi. In a time when health problems such as cancer, obesity, anxiety, stress, and arthritis are so common, tai chi becomes even more important to learn and train," said Nicholas C. Yang, president YMAA International Boston.

Dr. Yang Speaks About The Benefits of Tai Chi

"After many years of practice, research, and experience, I often like saying that tai chi chuan is just like classical music. It is very deep, profound, and endless in knowledge, feeling, and creativity," said Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming, author of many DVDs in tai chi and qigong. He was recently voted the "Best Author on Tai Chi Chuan" in the 2012 IMOS Journal Reader's Choice Awards.

Dr. Yang says that the internal arts discipline the mind and body. These arts also train sensitivity to qi (energy) and the ability to control and generate qi. "The feeling of internal arts is very unique and rewarding. The only way to experience it is through diligent practice. It keeps evolving into something much more the deeper you get. I enjoy the depth of this feeling very much," he said.

Yang Tai Chi is the most popular tai chi style in the world, and it is practiced by millions of people daily. This low-impact form will help relax the mind and body, improve strength, flexibility, defuse stress, and help promote the healing of many chronic conditions including fibromyalgia and arthritis.

YMAA Supports These Free Events

World Tai Chi & Qigong Day in Boston, Mass—April 28
YMAA Boston will be holding its annual free and open to the public, taijiquan and qigong event at the Arnold Arboretum, Forest Hills Road in celebration of World Tai Chi & Qigong Day on Saturday, April 28, from 10 a.m. to noon. YMAA instructors will lead the group practicing the Yang-style Taijiquan form following the tradition of World Tai Chi & Qigong Day. Also offered will be qigong exercises for health and pushing hands.
World Tai Chi & Qigong Day in Framingham Commons, Mass—April 28

Come and join the Tai Chi & Qi Gong Healing Institute in its 12th celebration of World Tai Chi & Qi Gong Day. Dr. Aihan Kuhn, author of Simple Chinese Medicine, and president of the Tai Chi & Qi Gong Healing Institute, will celebrate World Tai Chi & Qigong Day, on Saturday, April 28 at Framingham Commons, Edgell Rd. & Vernon St. (just north of Framingham State College), Framingham, Mass. Opening remarks start at 9:50 a.m. and qigong, tai chi and Xin Yi practice and demonstrations will be from 10 a.m. to noon. The public is invited to enjoy the energy of group practice or just watch various forms demonstrated. Other tai chi schools are welcome to demonstrate, but preregistration is required.
World Tai Chi & Qigong Day in Ontario, Canada—April 28

Group tai chi and qigong practice led by Professor Ben Wu, president of the college. The celebration for World Tai Chi & Qigong Day is set for Saturday, April 28 from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Ontario College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 100-145 Sheppard Ave E. North York, Ontario, Canada. This is a free event and the public is invited.
World Tai Chi & Qigong Day in Milwaukee, WI—April 28

U.W.M.'s College of Health Sciences will sponsor World Tai Chi & Qigong Day this year. The event is set for Saturday, April 28 from 10 a.m. until noon. It will be held at the U.W.M. Student Union at 2200 East Kenwood Boulevard, Milwaukee, Wis. in the Wisconsin Room located on the 2nd floor. Anyone interested in becoming more familiar with the healthful practice of tai chi and qigong will have an opportunity to view and participate in demonstrations by five different professionals in this field. Attending this event will lead to a greater understanding of the health benefits that are derived from the art of tai chi and qigong, as well as martial and cultural foundations of these systems. Angela Laughingheart, director, YMAA Tai Chi Ch'uan of Wisconsin invites the public to this free event.