Tai Chi Ball refers to simple yet profound Qigong exercises. By “profound,” I mean that the exercises work on different layers and can be practiced at various levels. I love this type of exercise, where a beginner feels immediate results and someone who has been practicing for years still discovers something new about themselves and the practice.
I’ve been doing these exercises for over 20 years myself, and new insights and layers are still emerging. At first, the exercise helped make my back and muscles supple while strengthening them at the same time. This was important because I had suffered from back pain for years due to scoliosis. Now, the exercise helps me keep my organs and emotions in balance.
I learned Tai Chi Ball from various Chinese masters of Tai Chi and Qigong, as well as from my Dutch teacher. And yet, I’ve gained most of my knowledge through practicing a lot—and I mean a lot.
I enjoy Tai Chi ball because I can incorporate the basic aspects of Tai Chi into the exercises. I love Tai Chi and have been practicing it for as long as I can remember. I taught it for a short while, but I noticed that a lot of time and attention in class went toward cognitive memorization, and the focus was heavily on the external world and self-defense.
I am a therapist; my calling is to offer exercises that help people achieve relaxation, recovery from illness, and self-cultivation. That is how the Tai Chi ball exercises came about. It is a series of exercises, some of which I learned from Chinese masters and others I developed myself based on my knowledge and experience with Tai Chi.
When I teach, I mostly see happy faces around me, and I often hear people say that it’s a fun exercise to do on their own at home every day.
Tai Chi ball
The Tai Chi ball exercises promote relaxation and flexibility in the neck, shoulders, and back. This is the effect at the muscular level: making the body more flexible and open. Because relaxation and space are created in the muscles and the outer body, the circular movement of the Tai Chi ball can reach the internal organs. This creates balance in the energy of the organs and the body’s internal systems at a deeper level.
Coordination and concentration are important and bring peace to the mind. Practicing Tai Chi ball is more effective when you follow the exercise from within; thinking is not necessary here.
The walking exercises quickly calm the energy system and provide good grounding. Standing firmly in yourself and the world is a prerequisite when you set out on your path. This aspect of Tai Chi ball is very important: being at peace and grounded in every moment. Coordination of the upper and lower body, feet, and hands brings inner stability and peace.
Tai Chi Ball is an advanced-level exercise. Sometimes it takes a while before the exercise becomes completely second nature. The recommendation is to practice 10,000 times.
Exercises
Walking with Qi
Turning Ball
Flowing Qi
Tai Chi Ball One Hand
Tai Chi Ball Two Hands
Tai Chi Ball Walking
Tai Chi Ball for Two