Qigong (pronounced “chee-gong”) is a practice of coordinated movement, breath, and attention that has been part of Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. The name combines qi - often translated as vital energy - and gong, meaning skill built through steady practice. It is often thought of as a form of moving meditation, and there are generally both obvious and subtle sensations one will notice as they practice. The movement is slow and steady, each motion done with the breath and intention.
What a session looks like
A typical session moves through three layers:
- Posture and movement - slow, repeated shapes that gently open the joints and spine.
- Breath - long, low breathing that settles the nervous system.
- Attention - placing the mind in the body, which is where the “moving meditation” description comes from.
Why it helps
From a TCM perspective, the practice cultivates and balances qi. From a Western perspective, the same movements read as low-impact exercise paired with breath-led parasympathetic activation - a combination with good evidence for stress, balance, and blood pressure.
You do not need to be flexible, fit, or experienced. If you can stand or sit and breathe, you can practice.
How to start
Anyone can do Qigong. Anyone of any age, gender, or fitness level can practice Qigong and get benefit from it. All you have to have is the desire to practice. There are many videos on YouTube that can guide new practitioners, or you can find a certified teacher to guide you. You can do group classes or one-on-one sessions - whatever will work best for you, there will be an option out there. It doesn't have to be perfect practice either. In Qigong we talk about intention, and that is often more important than perfect form. So don't be afraid to start today and start imperfectly!