Yoga vs Tai Chi: Which is Better?

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Many people who do not know say that Tai Chi is simply a Chinese form of yoga, but is this true? Why then is it not simply called yoga? Where are the similarities precisely? Where are the differences? Should we practice yoga or tai chi? The answer is both simple and complex. There are as many fundamental similarities as there are essential differences. Let's try to discover them and clarify a bit.

As a spectator, yoga or tai chi is more or less the same thing, relaxing gestures by the performer, postures, and movements in order to benefit health, mental concentration, personal and spiritual development, stress management, relaxation, and a harmonious atmosphere and meditation. But they are not the same.

Yoga or Tai Chi?
Yoga in all its diversity is a system of movement with hundreds of postures and performances that are deeply rooted in a cultural, philosophical, and spiritual tradition, especially Hinduism and Buddhism. Depending on the style, the postures, and the physical movements, it gives a combined impression of asceticism and athleticism, and sometimes even unnatural. The effects on the contrary are undeniable and millions of people practice it. It is good for health, and people aspire to happiness.

There are different types of yoga, starting from simple and strict postures towards slow movements, with extremely intense physical training.

Tai Chi also knows different styles in a limited number, such as the Yang style, which is the best known. Relaxing and smooth execution, this art of movement is at once a martial art, a form of self-defense with limitless applications. Paradoxically, this martial aspect does not carry any sign of aggressiveness or competition.

In addition, it is a practice aimed at young people through intensive training, which provides aspects of perseverance and patience like classic sports but based on an approach of respect for the body.

In this way, Tai Chi is transmitted from generation to generation for centuries as a sport, defense system, and preventive pharmacy that brings people pleasure, health, well-being, and optimal condition. Its operation is very subtle and is undeniably based on the essential principles of energy, yin-yang balance, medicinal system, and refined breathing techniques that are the basis of Chinese culture and art.

Yoga
Yoga is an ancient practice from India that seeks harmony between the body and the spirit. The practice is characterized by postures that aim to progressively develop body flexibility but also breathing capacity, attention, listening, improving physical condition, relaxation state, concentration, self-knowledge, and releasing muscular tension.

With frequent practice there is a beneficial action on chronic problems, considerably reducing stress. The postures or asanas work all parts of the body by stretching and toning the muscles and massaging the internal organs. In this way, the slowing down of the respiratory rhythm is trained and the breathing flow is regulated. Relaxation and meditation tend to calm the mind and emotions.