Often mistakenly classified as a martial art, Qi Gong is a traditional Chinese physical practice that focuses on an individual's vital energy. This energetic art is considered one of the five major branches of traditional Chinese medicine.

Lexicon

• Qi (气 qì): means breath, energy
• Gong (功 gōng): means mastery

Qi Gong is therefore the practice of learning to master one's energy, or breath.

What is Qi Gong?

Qi Gong is often mistaken by the uninitiated for a martial art. Yet while its connection to Chinese martial disciplines (as well as Japanese and Korean ones) is evident, its objectives have nothing to do with combat effectiveness.

Among Asian body-mind practices, Qi Gong falls into the category of energetic arts and is also considered one of the five pillars of traditional Chinese medicine.

The goal of Qi Gong is to bring well-being through better control of one's Qi and its circulation: practitioners learn exercises to strengthen it, purify it, balance it, unblock it, and direct it through the meridians where it is needed most.

The idea is simply to help the practitioner flourish and achieve a harmonious state of balance through the fluid circulation of energies throughout the body. By energies, we mean both telluric energy (yin) and celestial energy (yang), which must both circulate and remain in equilibrium.

Among the five foundations of traditional Chinese medicine, Qi Gong stands out because the patient, or practitioner, takes an active role in the therapy. There's no need to be in poor health to begin: Qi Gong is equally—if not more—effective as a daily preventative discipline.

Many Chinese people regularly use small exercises inspired by Qi Gong, which means "mastering one's energy," to maintain good health and relieve certain ailments.

Origins of Qi Gong Techniques

The precise origins of Qi Gong are difficult to pinpoint, given that this practice is so ancient (with more than 3,000 years of existence). Undoubtedly, this energetic art draws its principles from ideas born of Taoism or more broadly from concepts contained in the Yi Jing.

The discipline was subsequently influenced by Buddhism as well as other philosophies and spiritualities addressing the relationship between humanity and the universe. Its evolution has been constant throughout history.

Qi Gong in Martial Arts

Often incorrectly assimilated with a martial art, or even confused with Taiji Quan, Qi Gong is purely and simply an energetic art. It is certain martial arts—primarily those called internal styles (Taiji Quan, Bagua Zhang, Yi Quan...)—that employ Qi Gong exercises to enhance the energetic circulation of their practitioners.

Among the most frequently borrowed applications is, for example, the standing post position and its many variations. While in Taiji Quan or Bagua Zhang it is seen as a means of strengthening Qi and health, in Yi Quan it serves as the foundation for sensing different forces (particularly through tuishou) and can even function as a guard position.

Foundations of Qi Gong Practice

Anyone beginning to practice Qi Gong should do so under the guidance of a qualified instructor, otherwise they risk achieving results contrary to their intentions. Accessible to people of all ages, Qi Gong nevertheless requires regular and sustained practice to produce tangible results.

The various exercises are based on slow, fluid execution of precise movements or sequences (stretching, undulation), the holding of positions (which is why Qi Gong is sometimes nicknamed Chinese Yoga), breath work, and concentration. Practitioners may employ specific sounds to address a particular area.

While a complete session with an instructor may last one to two hours, many exercises are quite brief and therefore easily incorporated into other disciplines such as martial arts, sports, or the arts.

Benefits of Qi Gong

While scientific studies in the West have primarily focused on certifying Qi Gong's benefits for hypertension, many other advantages are attributed to it by practitioners. All are linked to improved Qi and its circulation.

Consistent practice over time offers better physical and mental health alike. The body, better supplied with energy, becomes more resilient through optimized vital functions and a strengthened immune system. Muscular and bone structures improve, particularly flexibility, and the aging process is slowed.

Since Chinese philosophy considers the human being as a whole, the mental benefits are equally present and connected to physical gains: the free circulation of energy depends on liberation from both physical and psychological blockages.

At a certain level of advancement, the practitioner reaches a state of personal fulfillment that enhances confidence, relaxation, calmness, and perception.

Given all these advantages, Qi Gong is presented as excellent preparatory work for any physical or artistic activity. Beyond protecting against or alleviating illness, Qi Gong also develops concentration qualities particularly valuable in professional and educational settings.