What Is Qi Gong?
What is Qi Gong?
Qi Gong (pronounced chee-gong) is an ancient Chinese practice that combines gentle movement, relaxed breathing and mindful awareness. The name is often translated as “cultivating life energy”, but you don’t need to understand traditional Chinese philosophy to experience its benefits.
At Movement In Mind, the practice is an important part of our approach to mindful movement. In our face-to-face classes, we often begin with gentle Qi Gong exercises to help you settle into your body, release tension and prepare for Tai Chi practice. Members can also enjoy dedicated Health Qi Gong sessions through our online programme, providing the opportunity to explore the practice in greater depth.
Qi Gong at a Glance
- Gentle, mindful movement for health and wellbeing
- Pronounced “chee-gong”
- Suitable for beginners and all abilities
- Combines movement, breathing and mindful awareness
- Adaptable for standing or seated practice
- Used in our in-person classes to prepare for Tai Chi
- Dedicated Health Qi Gong sessions available through our online membership
Whether you’re looking to move more comfortably, feel calmer or simply take some time for yourself, this gentle practice offers a gentle and accessible place to begin.
What is Qi Gong?
Qi Gong (also known as Qigong or Chi Kung) has been practised in China for thousands of years as a way of supporting health, vitality and inner balance. It combines slow, flowing movements with natural breathing and focused attention, encouraging you to move with ease rather than effort.
Unlike many forms of exercise, this isn’t about pushing yourself or striving for physical achievement. Instead, it invites you to slow down, become more aware of your body and develop a greater sense of ease in movement.
Many people notice that they finish a session feeling calmer, more grounded and more connected with themselves.
How can it help?
Regular practice may help to:
- Improve flexibility and joint mobility
- Enhance balance and coordination
- Encourage relaxed, natural breathing
- Reduce stress and tension
- Develop greater body awareness
- Improve confidence in movement
- Support emotional wellbeing
- Promote a greater sense of calm and presence
Research suggests that regular practice may also support people living with a range of long-term health conditions by encouraging gentle movement, relaxation and improved quality of life.
Read more: Qi Gong Research
Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes. This is one of the most accessible mindful movement practices you can learn. The movements are gentle, easy to follow and can be adapted to suit your individual needs.
You don’t need previous experience, special equipment or a high level of fitness. Whether you prefer to practise standing or seated, you’ll be encouraged to work at your own pace.
Our classes are welcoming, supportive and non-competitive, allowing you to discover what feels comfortable for your own body.
How does Qi Gong relate to Tai Chi?
People often ask about the difference between Tai Chi and Qi Gong.
Both practices share the same principles of mindful movement, relaxed breathing and body awareness, and both are widely recognised for their health and wellbeing benefits.
Qi Gong usually involves shorter movement sequences that are repeated several times, making it easy to learn and practise. Tai Chi brings these same principles into longer, flowing forms that develop gradually over time.
At Movement In Mind, we see the two practices as complementary rather than separate. In our face-to-face classes, Qi Gong often provides a gentle beginning to the session, helping you prepare physically and mentally before moving into Tai Chi practice.
Qi Gong in our classes
Our approach is centred on supporting health and wellbeing rather than achieving perfect technique.
In our in-person classes, Qi Gong is woven naturally into each session. Gentle exercises help to:
- Prepare the joints and muscles for movement
- Encourage relaxed breathing
- Improve body awareness
- Develop balance and coordination
- Help you arrive fully in the present moment
Members who would like to explore more deeply can also access our dedicated online Health Qi Gong sessions, offering complete practices that can be enjoyed from the comfort of home.
Who is Qi Gong suitable for?
It can be adapted for people of many different ages and abilities.
Many of our members join us because they are living with:
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Parkinson’s
- Stroke recovery
- Fibromyalgia
- Persistent pain
- Reduced balance or mobility
- Stress and anxiety
Movements can be modified to suit your individual needs, making Qi Gong an accessible way to support your wellbeing alongside your everyday life.
What makes our approach different?
Movement In Mind combines traditional Tai Chi and Qi Gong with contemporary understanding of movement, health and wellbeing.
Our teaching is:
- Gentle and accessible
- Trauma-informed
- Adapted for different abilities
- Suitable for beginners
- Focused on everyday movement and wellbeing
- Warm, encouraging and inclusive
Rather than striving for perfect performance, we help you develop greater confidence, awareness and ease in the way you move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be fit?
No. Qi Gong is suitable for a wide range of abilities and every movement can be adapted.
What should I wear?
Wear loose, comfortable clothing and flat, supportive shoes with flexible soles.
Can I practise if I have a health condition?
In many cases, yes. Our classes are designed to be adaptable for people living with long-term health conditions. If you have any concerns, it’s always sensible to seek advice from your healthcare professional before beginning a new activity.
Is it difficult to learn?
Not at all. The movements are simple and repetitive, making them easy to learn and enjoyable to practise.
Can I learn it on its own?
If you’re a member, you’ll have access to dedicated online Health Qi Gong sessions. In our face-to-face classes, Qi Gong is combined with Tai Chi to create a balanced and supportive practice.
Continue exploring
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Begin your journey
Whether you’re completely new to mindful movement or returning after a break, we’d love to welcome you.
Our gentle, supportive approach combines the benefits of Qi Gong and Tai Chi to help you move with greater ease, improve your confidence and support your overall wellbeing. Explore our classes or discover the benefits of becoming a member.