Introduction: A Practice for Health, Balance and Inner Transformation
Qigong (pronounced “chee-gong”) is an ancient Chinese practice that combines breath, gentle movement, and focused awareness to cultivate and balance the body’s vital energy, called “Qi”. As both a personal health system and a spiritual discipline, Qigong has been practiced for thousands of years across various Chinese traditions, including Taoism, Buddhism and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Today, Qigong is used around the world as a method for stress relief, emotional stability, physical wellness, and personal growth. But more than just a wellness trend, it is a gateway to rediscovering the connection between body, breath and mind.
The aspect that had the greatest impact after my first experience practicing Qigong was feeling peaceful and whole. A state of equanimity and inner strength.
When I have the opportunity to meet with a person or student who has never practiced Qigong, I emphasize that they simply focus on observing within, feeling the nature of the breath. Breathing is the heart of Qigong. From here, everything begins in the life of a new practitioner. This initial introduction is a vital point in the Aknanda Qigong methodology, since today, training mostly focuses on physical movements. Physical movements, lacking internal substance.
What Does “Qigong” Mean?
Exploring the Word and the Practice
The word “Qigong” is composed of two Chinese characters:
- Qi (氣) – often translated as “life energy”, “vital force” or “breath”. Qi is the invisible yet palpable force that flows through all living things and the universe.
- Gong (功) – meaning “work”, “skill” or “cultivation”.
Together, Qigong can be translated as “cultivating life energy” or “energy mastery”. But beyond translation, Qigong refers to a holistic system for regulating body, breath, and consciousness. It’s a way to become aware of the flow of Qi and harmonize it, leading to a better quality of life and deeper self-understanding.
In modern China, Qigong is officially recognized as a science dedicated to human development. It is also classified as a branch of TCM (Traditional Chinesse Mecine), like acupuncture or herbal medicine.
Qi is something difficult to express in words because it is essentially experiential. However, I like to define it as the “wind of life”. That vitality that gives rise to life. It’s also important to emphasize that everyone can cultivate and awaken their Qi vital force.
How do we do this? By strengthening the dialogue; uniting body and mind. By applying certain postures in just a few minutes, we can all appreciate and perceive the “wind of life”, Qi. And gradually, with each encounter with the practice, it will become increasingly abundant, dense, and tangible.
It’s moving to watch people during their first experience with Qi. It’s truly thrilling to see their reactions to the awakening of Qi vital energy. At first, students often describe a sensation of magnetism or warmth in their hands. Over time, the experience will change.
Where Does Qigong Come From?
Roots in Taoism, Buddhism and Traditional Chinese Medicine
Qigong’s historical roots are deeply woven into the spiritual and philosophical fabric of ancient China. Its origins trace back over 4,000 years, and its development was influenced by three main pillars:
- Taoism: Emphasizing harmony with nature, internal alchemy, and effortless action (wu wei), Taoist Qigong focused on longevity, flow and energetic balance.
- Buddhism: Especially Chan (Zen) Buddhism introduced meditative Qigong as a method for cultivating stillness, presence, and spiritual insight.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine: In TCM, Qigong is used to regulate the flow of Qi throughout the meridians to restore balance and prevent disease.
Over centuries, Qigong evolved into multiple branches—medical, martial, spiritual, and scholarly—each emphasizing different applications but sharing the same foundation: the harmonization of Qi in the human body.
Today, Qigong continues to evolve, integrating scientific research with traditional wisdom. According to the U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, clinical studies suggest that Qigong may help reduce stress, improve balance, and support mental and physical well-being.
Aknanda Qigong method is an organized system made up of a corpus or syllabus of knowledge that aims to facilitate the practice of Qigong, offering the practitioner a concrete path of development and evolution. In this search and purpose, Aknanda Qigong nourishes and integrates authentic and traditional knowledge from the great Shaolin University, the Daoist heritage of Wudang, the Taijiquan of the Yang family, Xinyiba and Baguazhang.
It is interesting to highlight that we do not offer a “fusion” but rather a refinement and selection of exercises, practices and principles that respond to traditional styles within the cloister of traditional Chinese arts (Buddhist and Daoist) with a clear perspective oriented towards the cultivation of Zen.
How Does Qigong Work?
The Three Regulations: Body, Breath and Mind
Qigong is not simply a sequence of slow movements—it is a system rooted in internal harmony. At its core are the Three Regulations (Sān Tiáo 三條):
- Regulating the Body (調身 Tiáo Shēn)
Through specific postures—like standing in Wuji (emptiness stance) or rooted forms such as Horse Stance—we cultivate grounding, physical structure, balance and alignment. These postures activate energetic centers like the Lower Dan Tian, the “battery” of Qi within the body. - Regulating the Breath (調息 Tiáo Xī)
Breathing in Qigong is both physical and energetic. Practices like “abdominal breathing” or “energy accordion” cultivate a deeper, slower breath that nourishes the organs, enhances Qi circulation, and calms the nervous system. - Regulating the Mind (調心 Tiáo Xīn)
The mind is invited to become still, yet present. With consistent practice, awareness naturally deepens. This state—sometimes described as “water mind”—lets Qi flow unobstructed. The mind, breath, and movement align as one.
Together, these regulations foster the cultivation of the Three Treasures (Sān Bǎo 三寶):
Jing (Essence), Qi (Vital Energy), and Shen (Spirit or Consciousness).
What Are the Benefits of Qigong?
Ancient Practice, Modern Science
From its roots in Daoist temples to its modern clinical application, Qigong offers a wide range of physical, emotional, and energetic benefits. Increasingly, Western science is beginning to catch up with what Chinese medicine has long known.
Mind and Mood
- Reduces stress and anxiety
A 2019 meta-analysis published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that Qigong was effective in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in both healthy adults and those with chronic illness. - Enhances emotional regulation
By synchronizing breath and movement, Qigong lowers cortisol levels and promotes parasympathetic nervous system activity.
Physical Health
- Improves balance and flexibility
Especially in older adults, Qigong has been shown to reduce fall risk by enhancing lower-body strength and proprioception. - Supports cardiovascular and immune function
Studies cited by the NCCIH highlight improvements in heart rate variability and immune markers with regular practice. - Aids in chronic condition management
Including hypertension, arthritis, and fibromyalgia. Qigong’s gentle nature makes it accessible for many conditions.
Inner Growth
- Cultivates awareness and inner calm
Practitioners report a heightened sense of connection, emotional clarity, and purpose. - Supports spiritual well-being
In traditional systems, Qigong is not only a healing modality but also a path to self-realization and harmony with the Tao.
“When body, mind, and breath are unified, your Spirit (Shen) can manifest.” — Taoist Saying
Beyond often fulfilling the role of transmitting the art of Qigong, I consider myself above all a practitioner. I’ve been committed to daily practice for many years, and I can say that whenever I feel even slightly off-balance—physically or emotionally—I know I have the resource and inner knowledge to return to my center. Qigong has become a concrete ally in maintaining my overall health, with a particular focus on longevity and inner balance.
Types of Qigong
Different Paths, Shared Foundations
Qigong encompasses a variety of styles and forms, each adapted to a specific goal or tradition. These include:
- Medical Qigong: Used in clinical or therapeutic contexts to address physical or energetic imbalances.
- Martial Qigong: Designed to increase strength, resilience, and internal power in martial artists.
- Spiritual Qigong: Focused on consciousness, meditation, and spiritual insight.
Practices may be dynamic (moving), static (standing), or seated (meditative). Well-known sequences include Ba Duan Jin (Eight Brocades), Yi Jin Jing, and Zhan Zhuang (Standing Like a Tree).
At Aknanda, we emphasize the three main forms of Qigong practice—seated, standing, and dynamic—because each offers a unique path to develop one’s gong (acquired skill).
- Seated Qigong prepares and refines the mind, creating the internal conditions for cultivating vital energy.
- Standing Qigong helps ground the body and strengthen internal connections, building the structure that supports deeper energetic work.
- Dynamic Qigong allows for coordinated circulation of Qi through movement, enhancing fluidity and awareness in action.
Each form complements the others, and together they offer a complete system for physical, energetic, and spiritual development.
Who Can Practice Qigong?
Accessible for All Ages and Levels
One of Qigong’s most powerful qualities is its accessibility. It can be practiced by:
- Seniors looking to improve mobility and balance
- Individuals recovering from stress, illness, or burnout
- People with limited mobility or chronic conditions
- Beginners seeking an easy entry point into meditation and movement
Qigong requires no equipment and can be practiced standing, seated, or lying down. It’s always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before beginning a new movement practice—especially for those with medical conditions.
How to Start Practicing Qigong
Tips for Beginners
Getting started with Qigong is simple. Here are a few suggestions:
- Begin with 5–10 minutes a day, focusing on breath and gentle movement
- Try standing postures like Wuji and simple arm circles with mindful breathing
- Explore free online videos or join a local class
- Consider a retreat or structured program for deeper immersion
The key is consistency. Even a few minutes each day can bring noticeable shifts in energy and calm.
In the Aknanda Qigong methodology, we usually begin each session by seeking stillness and silence, creating the conditions to accumulate energy and prepare the correct mindset for the practice.
From there, we move into body preparation through specific exercises: warming up, opening the joints, and releasing tension. Once the body and mind establish a dialogue, we shift the focus toward breathing. The heart of Qigong practice.
This is often explored through standing Qigong, which strengthens the body frame and inner alignment. As the Qi begins to circulate, the transformation unfolds.
To deepen the experience, we conclude with a Dynamic Qigong set such as the 5 Harmonies, the 14 Jewels, or the Five Animals. These sequences are a true meditation in movement, allowing us to lose ourselves in the present moment.
Conclusion
Energy in Motion, Stillness Within
Qigong is not just a set of movements. It is a path to personal transformation. As you cultivate awareness of your breath, posture, and mind, you begin to harmonize with the rhythms of nature and your own inner landscape.
In a world that moves quickly, Qigong invites us to slow down and feel. To breathe with intention. To move with presence. And ultimately, to rediscover the wisdom already alive within us.
“When we listen to the Qi, we listen to life itself.”
It is a true privilege to accompany others in their discovery and development through the practice of Qigong. This powerful vehicle offers a path to health, vitality, and inner balance. In time, it also becomes a gateway to Zen.
