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Typical passive qi gong stance

Qi gong (ch'i kung)

Ch'i kung - more correctly written as qi gong - is a term embracing numerous different exercise routines from China. The origins of these routines can stretch back many thousands of years.

Translated, qi gong means something like 'the method of breathing' or 'the cultivation of energy through breathing'. Although there are many different styles of qi gong, the movements themselves are usually easy to learn. The challenge comes from coordinating these with the correct way of breathing. When this is achieved, the body's natural vitality (Qi) is circulated far more efficiently than would normally be the case. With daily practice, therefore, qi gong can strengthen the overall state of health and increase resistance to illness. This is achieved through combining the breath with certain gentle movements or, sometimes, without any movement at all. I call these two varieties of qi gong active and passive respectively.

My book Teach Yourself Chi Kung (Books) provides an introduction to several different styles of qi gong that you might like to use as a gateway to finding an experienced instructor or school that suits you. The more active styles are becoming very popular these days, while the passive exercises (like the one illustrated here to the left), requires a fair bit of patience and dedication. No matter what we choose, and providing our interests are simply for health and relaxation purposes, most of us can achieve positive results within a few weeks of daily practice. Follow the links below in this section to discover a little more about the history and benefits of the timeless art of qi gong.

History of Qi Gong Qi Gong Illustrated Books
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