Qigong is a family of exercises with roots in ancient China. The practice, pronounced CHEE-kung, involves a series of slow, graceful movements that you coordinate with your breathing. The idea is to influence the flow of your qi, or bodily energy, to yield benefits for your body and mind--and perhaps your spirit, too.
Health
Health qigong promotes overall wellness, with practitioners seeking benefits such as stress relief, increased energy, higher immune function and a longer lifespan. It has caught on in the United States among fitness buffs turning away from high-impact exercises and toward techniques that promote both inner and outer health, according to the New York Times. It appeals to some people who like yoga. And it can be a gentle workout for people nursing an injury or recovering from illness such as a heart attack.
Medical
As a component of traditional Chinese medicine, medical qigong targets specific health conditions. It treats the root cause of illnesses rather than the symptoms, according to the International Institute of Medical Qigong, which are "bio-energetic imbalances and blockages" stemming from improper diet, aging, suppression of emotions, injuries and a sedentary lifestyle. The qigong therapist passes his hands over the patient's body to emit qi, and sends the patient home with exercised tailored to specific problems. Pain, digestive disorders, Parkinson disease and multiple sclerosis are among the problems such practitioners treat, often as an adjunct to conventional medicine.
Martial
Martial arts practitioners sometimes incorporate qigong techniques into their training. They hope to derive extra fighting strength by increasing the flow of qi throughout their bodies. Other potential benefits include additional stamina, speed, flexibility, balance and resistance to injury, according to the International Institute of Medical Qigong. The techniques may also be useful for other sports, including tennis, football and golf.
Religious
Qigong became intertwined with religion, specifically Buddhism, as early as 206 B.C., the beginning of China's Han Dynasty. Practitioners sought to develop control of their qi to help them break free of the cycle of reincarnation, according to Shen Nong, a website concerned with traditional Chinese medicine. Today the religious category of qigong also includes Daoist and Confucian styles, with practitioners using techniques in their quest for increased spiritual awareness. A form of qigong has also been association with China's controversial Falun Gong spiritual movement. But you do not need to be religious to practice and enjoy qigong.
Folk
In China, you can see people practicing qigong in parks and other common areas early every morning. Their goals may relate to any combination of spirituality, health and sport. Provinces and cities have their own local qigong versions.
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