The Tai Chi-Qigong Boating Wand
A few years after writing my book Jiangan - the Chinese Health Wand, I created a moving tai chi form using the same type of wand. This form is more than an amalgamation of tai chi and the Chinese Wand Exercises. It contains the best of both systems: the slow, deliberate footwork and coordinated, linked series of postures and meditative frame of mind of tai chi and more comprehensive stretches and strengthening movements for the arms, back, shoulders and entire upper body. The Tai Chi-Qigong Boating Wand stresses non-martial movements such as rowing, punting and steering a rudder. We embark on a peaceful mental journey through rivers, gorges and lakes, using mental imagery to create the sounds, aromas and sights of boating in peaceful surroundings.