Qigong (qi gong, chi kung, chi gung, chi gong) is a series of exercises used to optimize energy within the body, mind, and spirit, intended to improve and maintain health and well-being.
Rooted in Chinese medicine, philosophy, and martial arts, qigong is a practice designed to achieve and maintain a balance of the qi, translated as "life energy." Qigong uses breathing exercises, gentle movement, and meditation to cleanse, strengthen, and balance the qi. Qigong is itself an amalgamation of two words: qi (subtle breath) and gong (skill cultivated through steady practice). Together, they describe the practice that utilizes the power of breathing, movement, and intention to create health and balance.
The four components of qigong are breathing techniques, body postures, guided imagery, and meditation.
Today, there are several styles of qigong, some focusing on health, while others emphasize spirituality or martial arts training. While some modern styles of qigong no longer draw upon Chinese philosophy, there are two main approaches within the traditional practices: Wai dan and Nei dan. The Wai Dan method is largely a physical practice that focuses on body postures, while the Nei Dan approach is more inward, with greater reliance on meditation and visualization while in a seated position.
Qigong styles can be classified according to their chief goal: medical (healing), martial (physical fitness and skill), or spiritual (enlightenment).
People practice qigong for exercise, recreation, relaxation, self-healing, preventative medicine, meditation, self-cultivation, and training for martial arts. As a medical practice, qigong is usually used as a complementary approach. In most cases, qigong is used by integrative medicine practitioners to complement conventional medical approaches. The practice is generally to be considered safe, and, because it is a low-impact activity, and can be done lying down, sitting, or standing up, qigong is accessible to people recovering from injuries, seniors, and people with disabilities.
In most forms of qigong, breathing exercises are slow, long, and deep. Breath patterns might switch from abdominal breathing to breathing combined with speech sounds. Body movements are generally gentle and smooth, promoting relaxation. Mind regulation includes focused meditation and visualization.
Dynamic qigong techniques focus primarily on body movements of the whole body, or of the arms and legs, while meditative qigong techniques may be practiced in any posture that can be maintained over a long period of time and involves breathing and mind exercises, typically with minimal body movement.
The ancient martial art known as tai chi is often used for health purposes today. When performed for health, it is a form of qigong. It involves integrated physical postures, focused attention, and controlled breathing. Lesser known forms of qigong include Baduanjin, Liuziljue, Hu Yue Xian, and Yijin Jing.
Qigong practitioners often use the practice as a complementary treatment for fibromyalgia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Parkinson's disease, high blood pressure, and chronic heart failure, as well as for the reduction of chronic pain. It has also been used in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee.
Qigong has been found to be helpful in reducing anxiety associated with addiction recovery.
While opinions differ as to the efficacy of qigong in the treatment of medical or mental health disorders, the practice does appear to be a safe form of activity, with most studies showing no negative side effects in people practicing qigong, including those with chronic diseases and older adults.
In the United States, and, I believe in other Western nations, there are no mandatory training, licensing, or certification requirements for qigong instructors, as the practice is not regulated by the federal government or individual states. While various organizations offer training and certification programs, there is no national certification standard.
Recommended Resources
Adam Wallace Chinese Health and Martial Arts
Sifu Adam Wallace offers authentic traditional Chinese health and martial art systems. As a certified senior instructor of the Tse Qigong Centre, he studied for thirty-five years with his Sifu, Michael Tse, and taught his own classes and seminars for more than twenty-five years. Based in Concord, California, his Centre offers Wild Goose Qigong, Chen Taijiquan, Ip Man Wing Chun, and Chun Yuen Quan, and teaches the same in-house. Contacts and schedules are provided.
https://www.sifuwallace.com/
The Communi-Qi is an online library of Qigong practices that can be accessed through a computer, tablet, smartphone, or smart television. The routines focus on building health, helping the body function at its best, calming, and centering the mind to be Present. Presented as a large collection of videos, including both short and long practices. Members' privileges include a monthly live meeting, a discussion forum, meditations, and other resources. A free trial is available.
https://www.qigongforvitality.com/
East West Qigong International
Serving the Hawaiian community since 2000, EWQI offers qigong training on self-practice, as well as research into the principles and practice of qigong. EWQI conducts free or low-cost seminars, classes, and workshops are various conferences, workplaces, hospitals, clinics, retirement homes, and community centers. Its classes, seminars, private sessions, instructors, services, and products are highlighted, along with membership information, testimonials, and contacts.
http://eastwestqigong.org/
A resource guide to Qi, Qigong, Tai Chi, self-healing, and similar topics, Feel the Qi features updates on Tai Chi and Qigong research projects, information, and libraries on Qigong and Taiji practices, weekend and week-long retreats, and training opportunities with the Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi, private lessons, and other topics related to Chinese medicine. Introductory articles written by Dr. Jahnke offer a historical overview of each, along with guidelines for practice.
http://www.feeltheqi.com/
Dedicated to Grandmaster Yuanming Zhang, his antecedent Shifus, and his lineage disciples, the site includes information on his teachings, which were based on classical Eastern culture and tradition. Specializing in qigong and other Chinese traditions, appointment information is published on the site, which includes a schedule of events, and informational articles on qigong, including the Five Elements and the Heartland of the Dragon. A contact form is also included.
https://www.qigongmaster.com/
International Medical Tai Chi Qigong Association
The IMTQA was founded in 2017 to serve as an international professional organization for medical tai chi and qigong mind-body professionals. The organization also develops accreditation standards for medical tai chi and qigong instructors worldwide, establishes education and training modules for both practices, and trains providers in partnership with industry, universities, and other education and training providers. Certification and membership information are posted on the site.
https://imtqa.org/
Featuring the Chi-Lel style of Qigong, the site first defines Qigong and Zhineng Qigong, and then discusses Chi-Lel Qigong, defining it as a trademarked form of chi therapy by Luke and Frank Chan, that consists of visualizations combined with a series of gentle movements that can be learned by anyone who wants to improve and sustain their health. Video lessons in qigong are presented on the site, which includes information on related traditions, including Tao quotes and Tao lessons.
https://www.chilel.com/
The NQA is a not-for-profit organization formed to promote awareness and understanding of Qigong for present and future generations. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, the NQA hosts regional and national qigong conferences to provide a venue for education and fellowship, and sponsors regional events organized by local members, such as the annual World Tai Chi Qigong Day in April, and NQA Day in October. Membership benefits are listed, and information about NQA certifications is included.
https://www.nqa.org/
Based in Corvallis, Oregon, from the website, this appears to be a center for education and training in Qigong rather than an association, as there is no membership information or meeting notifications. Master Teacher Claire Guyu Johnson and her husband, Jerigtu, teach and provide qigong healing sessions, which are discussed here, along with an. upcoming schedule, informational articles, contacts, and an online shopping page offering a qigong kit, books, an audio CD, and a video DVD.
https://qi.org/
The international medical qigong school offers medical qigong workshops, a qigong instructor certification program, and a medical qigong practitioner certification program. As an accredited continuing education provider offers live massage CEUs, online acupuncture CEUs, and massage continuing education. Its live courses, online courses, certification program, sessions, and contacts are posted. Courses, books, apparel, and other products and services may be purchased from its online store.
https://qigongawareness.com/
Founded in 1988, the Qigong Institute is a not-for-profit organization committed to promoting the scientific understanding of qigong through research and education, and has served as a clearinghouse of related news and scientific facts to aid researchers, writers, practitioners, teachers, members of the Western medicine community, and the general public. Listings of teachers and therapists are included, along with educational resources, a research database, and an online store.
https://www.qigonginstitute.org/
Published on the Shanti School of Taijiquan, the relationships and benefits of tai chi and qigong are discussed here. Both disciplines and their individual benefits are defined, along with those that can be attained when the disciplines are integrated, largely to gain strength and become more supple, improve posture, rehabilitate injuries, alleviate chronic pain, improve balance and reflexes, assist in strength training and sports performance, and improve sexual, prostate, and bladder function.
https://susanamatthews.com/benefits_of_tai_chi_and_qigong.htm
