About Qi Gong

Qi Gong (pronounced chee-gong) is an ancient Chinese practice that combines gentle movement, breathing and mindful awareness to support health and wellbeing.

Practised for thousands of years, Qi Gong is both a system of self-care and a way of developing greater harmony between mind and body. Its movements are generally simple, flowing and easy to learn, making it accessible to people of all ages and abilities.

Some forms of Qi Gong are practised for health and relaxation, while others have roots in martial arts or spiritual traditions. Today, millions of people around the world practise Qi Gong to support physical wellbeing, emotional balance and a greater sense of calm.

The Origins of Qi Gong

The term Qi Gong combines two Chinese words:

Qi (Chi) – often translated as life energy or vital energy.
Gong – meaning skill, practice or cultivation developed through time and dedication.

Together, Qi Gong can be understood as the practice of cultivating and working with our vital energy.

Historically, Qi Gong developed from a variety of traditions, including Chinese medicine, Daoist philosophy, Buddhist practices and martial arts. Although these traditions have different purposes, they share an appreciation of the close relationship between movement, breathing, awareness and overall wellbeing.

Today, many people practise Qi Gong simply as a gentle, mindful movement practice that supports everyday health.

What Happens in Qi Gong Practice?

Qi Gong usually consists of a series of individual movements or short sequences that are repeated slowly and mindfully.

Practice often includes:

gentle flowing movements
relaxed breathing
comfortable posture
coordinated whole-body movement
focused attention
periods of stillness

Some exercises are performed standing, while others can be adapted for seated practice.

Rather than trying to perform movements perfectly, the emphasis is on moving comfortably, paying attention to how your body feels and allowing movement to become natural over time.

The Principles of Qi Gong

Although there are many different systems of Qi Gong, most share several common principles.

Relaxation

Qi Gong encourages unnecessary tension to soften, allowing movement and breathing to become more comfortable and efficient.

Breath

Breathing remains relaxed and natural, gently supporting movement and helping to cultivate a sense of calm.

Awareness

Attention is directed towards the experience of movement, posture and breathing, helping us become more present and connected with ourselves.

Balance

Qi Gong encourages balanced movement throughout the body, developing coordination, stability and ease.

Flow

Movements are performed smoothly and continuously, encouraging a sense of rhythm and harmony.

These principles can gradually influence how we move, breathe and respond throughout everyday life.

Different Types of Qi Gong

Qi Gong is not a single exercise programme but a broad family of practices developed over many centuries.

Some forms focus on maintaining health and wellbeing.

Others were developed within martial arts traditions to improve coordination, strength and internal awareness.

There are also meditative forms that place greater emphasis on stillness, breathing and focused attention.

At Movement In Mind, we primarily teach Health Qi Gong, selecting practices that are gentle, accessible and suitable for supporting everyday wellbeing.

These include traditional sets such as:

Ba Duan Jin (Eight Pieces of Brocade)
Yi Jin Jing (Muscle and Tendon Changing Classic)
Ma Wang Dui Qi Gong
Five Animal Qi Gong
Five Element Qi Gong

Each offers a different way of developing movement, balance, breathing and body awareness while sharing the same underlying principles.

Qi Gong for Health and Wellbeing

Many people choose Qi Gong because it is gentle, adaptable and easy to incorporate into everyday life.

People often enjoy Qi Gong as a way of:

moving with greater ease
improving body awareness
supporting balance and mobility
developing relaxation
creating moments of calm during busy days

Research into Qi Gong continues to grow, particularly in areas relating to healthy ageing, balance, stress management and long-term health conditions.

While Qi Gong is not a replacement for medical care, it can be a valuable complement to a healthy lifestyle and existing healthcare.

Learn more about Tai Chi, Qi Gong and Health →

Can Anyone Practise Qi Gong?

One of the strengths of Qi Gong is its adaptability.

Movements can often be modified to suit different levels of mobility and can frequently be practised standing or seated.

No previous experience is needed.

There is no requirement to be particularly fit or flexible before beginning.

Instead, Qi Gong encourages people to begin with where they are today, gradually developing confidence, coordination and body awareness through regular practice.

Qi Gong and Tai Chi

Qi Gong and Tai Chi share many principles, including mindful movement, relaxed breathing and coordinated whole-body movement.

However, they are different practices.

Qi Gong usually consists of individual exercises or shorter movement sequences that can be learnt relatively quickly.

Tai Chi combines these same qualities within longer choreographed forms that evolved from martial arts traditions.

Many people enjoy practising both, finding that each complements the other.

Learn more About Tai Chi →

A Practice for Life

One of the reasons Qi Gong has remained popular for centuries is its simplicity.

The movements may appear gentle, yet they continue to reveal new layers of awareness and understanding through regular practice.

Many people find that Qi Gong becomes a regular part of daily life—a quiet opportunity to slow down, reconnect with themselves and care for both body and mind.

Rather than striving for perfection, the practice encourages patience, curiosity and enjoyment of the process.

Continue Exploring

If you’d like to learn more, you may also enjoy:

Health Qi Gong – Discover the traditional practices we teach and how they differ.
About Tai Chi – Explore the relationship between Tai Chi and Qi Gong.
Embodied Wellbeing – Learn how mindful movement supports the connection between mind and body.
Health Conditions – Find information about practising Tai Chi and Qi Gong alongside a range of health conditions.
Research & Evidence – Explore current research into Qi Gong, Tai Chi and wellbeing.