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What is Qiqong?
Qigong: What You Need To Know
Although the term "Qigong" came into general usage as recently as the middle of the 20th Century, the origin of the practices (e.g. nei-gong, nei-dan, yang-sheng, shamanism, and dao-yin) that now constitute Qigong predate recorded history. These methods formed the early roots of Chinese medicine and are still considered an integral part of modern Traditional Chinese Medicine, along with acupuncture, acupressure, and herbal medicine. Qigong is a combination of qi (aka life-force, life energy, bioenergy, creativity, consciousness, breath, function) and gong (cultivation or practice over time, as in the practice of an Art). Qigong is a self-initiated health and wellness practice consisting of a combination of exercise (posture, movement, and breathing techniques) and meditation (mindfulness and interoception). It can also include self-massage. Researchers describe qigong as Meditative Movement that has the following characteristics: "(a) some form of movement or body positioning, (b) a focus on breathing, and (c) a cleared or calm state of mind with a goal of (d) deep states of relaxation" (Meditative movement as a category of exercise. Larkey 2009).
What is qigong and how does it work?
Qigong pronounced "chi gong," was developed in China thousands of years ago as part of traditional Chinese medicine. It involves using exercises to optimize energy within the body, mind, and spirit, with the goal of improving and maintaining health and well-being. Qigong has both psychological and physical components and involves the regulation of the mind, breath, and body's movement and posture.
In most forms of qigong: The breath is slow, long, and deep. Breath patterns may switch from abdominal breathing to breathing combined with speech sounds. Movements are typically gentle and smooth, aimed for relaxation. Mind regulation includes focusing one's attention and visualization.
Dynamic (active) qigong techniques primarily focus on body movements, especially movements of the whole body or arms and legs. Meditative (passive) qigong techniques can be practiced in any posture that can be maintained over time and involve breath and mind exercises, with almost no body movement.
Is Qigong the same as Tai chi?
Tai chi originated as an ancient martial art, but over the years it has become more focused on health promotion and rehabilitation. When tai chi is performed for health, it is considered a form of qigong and involves integrated physical postures, focused attention, and controlled breathing. Tai chi is one of the hundreds of forms of qigong exercises that was developed in China. Other forms of qigong include Baduanjin, Liuzijue, Hu Yue Xian, Yijin Jing, and medical qigong.
There are thousands of Qigong systems. Medical and spiritual components such as clearing the mind to reduce stress and increasing focus are built-in to all forms and styles of Qigong. Literally millions of people practice Qigong in China and around the world each day. Qigong is not just a physical exercise system or a healing technique; it is a way of maintaining optimal health and well-being through integrating its practice into an individual's lifestyle. It gives an individual a practical way to take more responsibility for their own personal health care through self-care.
Qigong is the pillar stone and foundation to additionally studying Taiji. If there is an interest in studying Taiji , I will be teaching the 37 Posture Northern Wu Style in the original authentic manner of the Yin Cheng Family of Beijing in 2026.