气 (qì): This character's original meaning is “steam,” “air,” or “breath.” In Chinese philosophy and medicine, it takes on the deeper meaning of “vital energy” or “life force” that flows through all living things.
功 (gōng): This character means “work,” “effort,” “skill,” or “achievement.” It's the same `gong` found in `功夫 (gōngfu)`, implying a skill that is developed through dedicated and disciplined practice over time.
When combined, 气功 (qìgōng) literally translates to “energy work” or “the skill of cultivating life force.” It perfectly captures the essence of the practice: using deliberate effort and skill to manage one's vital energy.
Qigong is far more than just a set of exercises; it's a cornerstone of the Chinese concept of 养生 (yǎngshēng), or “nourishing life.” Its principles are deeply embedded in Daoist and Buddhist philosophy, as well as the framework of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The ultimate goal is to achieve harmony (和谐 héxié) between the body, mind, and spirit, and to live in sync with the natural world.
A Western comparison might be a blend of yoga, mindfulness meditation, and gentle physical therapy.
Like yoga, Qigong involves specific postures and breathwork. However, Qigong's movements are generally simpler and more repetitive, with a primary focus on the circulation of qi through the body's meridians (经络 jīngluò).
Like mindfulness meditation, it emphasizes mental focus and being present. But Qigong integrates this mental state with specific physical movements, making it a form of moving meditation.
Like gentle physical therapy, it can improve balance, flexibility, and strength, and is often used to manage chronic conditions. However, its fundamental purpose is preventative and holistic, aimed at balancing the body's underlying energy system rather than just treating a specific physical ailment.
This unique combination makes Qigong a deeply cultural practice that views health not as the absence of disease, but as a state of vibrant, balanced energy.
In modern China, Qigong is a common and visible part of daily life, especially for middle-aged and elderly people.
Public Health Practice: You will frequently see groups of people practicing Qigong together in parks first thing in the morning. For them, it is a gentle, accessible way to maintain health, improve joint mobility, reduce stress, and socialize. This form is completely secular and treated like any other public health exercise.
Clinical and Therapeutic Use: In hospitals and clinics that practice Traditional Chinese Medicine, doctors may prescribe specific Qigong exercises to patients to aid in recovery from illness, manage chronic pain, or alleviate conditions like high blood pressure and anxiety.
Martial Arts: Certain “hard” Qigong styles are practiced within martial arts schools to develop internal strength, focus, and resilience to impact. This is a more specialized and demanding application.
Sensitive Connotation: It's important to be aware that during the “Qigong Fever” (气功热 qìgōng rè) of the 1980s and 90s, some masters made extraordinary claims and some groups, like Falun Gong (法轮功), evolved into spiritual movements that were later banned by the government. Because of this history, while the health practice is universally accepted, the term can sometimes be associated with pseudoscience or politically sensitive groups, depending on the context.