World Tai Chi & Qigong Day is celebrated in hundreds of locations in more than 80 nations on the last Saturday in April. It is officially observed at 10 am local time. The Myrtle Beach event is sponsored by The Chapin Memorial Library on April 28, 2018, beginning at 9 am in Chapin Park at 16th Avenue North and King’s Highway.
Dawud Hasan, pictured, teaches tai chi mind body exercise at the Chapin Memorial library.
It’s an important day for teachers, students, enthusiasts and anyone interested in learning about the health, healing and internal martial aspects of these practices.
According to the World Tai Chi organization, World Tai Chi & Qigong Day has been officially proclaimed, recognized, or supported by 22 US Governors; Senates of Puerto Rico, California, New York; the Brazilian National Congress; by consulates and embassies from Italy to the U.S., China to India, and by government ministries and bodies in countries worldwide. Events have been presented at the United Nations Building and the Nobel Peace Center
The worldwide observance was founded by Bill Douglas and Angela Wong Douglas who authored the book The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Tai Chi and Qigong. The book includes illustrated instruction and 300 support web video demonstrations. The authors teach in Kansas City focusing on the health benefits of tai chi and qigong.
Tai Chi is the name of the philosophy of yin yang which begins with movement.
Both tai chi and qigong are thousands of years old and based in Chinese medicine practices which promote mental concentration and breathing to increase and balance a person’s vital energy. Many forms and styles of both incorporate the same general principles with slight variations.
Many major diseases including diabetes, Parkinson’s and heart disease are proven to be affected by tai chi form of meditation. It’s suitable for any age and any physical level and can be practiced alone or with a group indoors or out. Hundreds of research studies have shown the benefits including improved balance, decreased pain and fatigue as well as improved overall quality of life with less depression and anxiety.
Health benefits can be realized in a short time period, and beginners are encouraged to recognize the importance of the mind-body connection and the power of correct relaxation and corresponding abdominal breathing exercises. The mind and body can be strengthened through the gentle and repetitive moves. The exercises are intended to be cleansing and meditative. When the mind and body are present in the moment and engaged in the movement, negativity is pushed aside and the mind freed of its tension. As little as 17 minutes a couple of times a day is recommended by Douglas to lead to hours of restful sleep in the following days and weeks.
