The development of “song” in Taijiquan
By Paul Cavel
“Relaxation” is an essential theme in both Taijiquan and Qigong. But what deep relaxation actually means is an issue that often remains unclear. Paul Cavel explains the difference between an active form of relaxation and a collapsing of the body, the interplay of rising and sinking, and the significance of the ligaments that hold the body together. Through the specific combination of bending and stretching, the tissues can also release tension in movement. In order to achieve this, he believes it also necessary that movements are not carried out to their maximum loading but instead in a manner that maintains one’s own boundaries.

Letting go and sensing. Tian Tao Yoga – A gentle path to self-healing
By Julia Kant
A fairly new item on the “Qigong market” is Tian Tao Yoga, which has arrived in German-speaking regions by way of Australia. This originally monastery-based tradition features gentle, spontaneously arising movements that have a particularly strong effect on the spine and its associated energy pathways. The series of exercises is very relaxed and emphasises letting go and sensing – an approach that can also be applied to other Qigong methods. Julia Kant describes the special properties of Tian Tao Yoga and its origins, insofar as these are still known.

Qigong and Taijiquan as spiritual paths of practice
By Klemens J. P. Speer
For Klemens Speer, Taijiquan and Qigong are spiritual paths of practice. He describes how he understands this concept, in what form the meditative, mentally oriented aspect of Qigong or Taijiquan practice can be developed and how teachers can pass this aspect on if so desired. In order to encourage a personal reflection on this theme, he asks questions that practitioners and teachers can answer for themselves.

Integration of fascial impulses in Qigong and Taijiquan
By Heinz Peter Steiner
After Heinz Peter Steiner provided an introduction to the structure and functions of the fascial tissues in the previous issue, in the second part of this article he now explains how a “fascial tension” can be utilised in Qigong and Taijiquan movements in order to relieve the spine and above all the intervertebral discs, and how small variations in the movements can intensify the effect on the fascia.

Life-care through the seasons, Part 4: Summer
By Zheng Buyin
Chinese healing arts show way in which one can overcome poor habits that are harmful to health and how one can instead build up positive attributes. One aspect here is adjusting one’s own lifestyle to the current season. In summer this includes cultivating the yang and avoiding dampness. In the last part of the series “Life-care through the seasons”, Zheng Buyin describes how we can bring ourselves into harmony with the energy of summer.