qigong

Qigong, from qi meaning life energy and gong meaning work or skill, is a broad Chinese practice intended to cultivate and balance qi through coordinated posture or movement, breath control, and focused intention. Practices vary widely but commonly combine slow or dynamic movement, slow, deep breathing, and mental calm to promote vitality, health, and well-being. Qigong has roots in traditional Chinese medicine, Daoist and Buddhist philosophy, and is often linked to concepts of energy channels called meridians, though interpretations vary.

Qigong includes health-focused forms, martial forms, and spiritual practices. Health qigong emphasizes postures, breathing, and circulation of qi for relaxation, balance, and disease prevention; martial qigong develops power, speed, and sensitivity; spiritual qigong aims at inner cultivation and moral development. Some well-known forms are Baduanjin (Eight Pieces of Silk) and Liuzijue (Six Silences); Tai chi is a widely practiced martial art that is also performed as a qigong for health.

Historically, qigong has ancient roots in China and was incorporated into traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts. The modern qigong movement emerged in the 20th century, gaining global popularity as a health practice and cultural tradition. Scientific research on qigong finds mixed results; some studies report improvements in balance, flexibility, respiration, and stress reduction, but qi itself is not widely demonstrated as a measurable energy. Safety depends on form and instruction; beginners should learn from qualified teachers.