QIGONG
Qìgōng
(Chee'-gung):
Ancient Energy
You Can Use Today for
Healing and Vitality.
Don’t let the name intimidate you.
Despite the unfamiliar spelling, Qigong is one of the most approachable and gentle healing practices you’ll ever encounter.
At its heart, Qigong invites you to slow down. Through calm breathing, simple movements, and relaxed attention, the body begins to heal, strengthen, and rebalance from within.
This centuries-old Chinese practice works with qi — the vital energy believed to animate all life — helping restore its smooth, natural flow. When that flow improves, many people notice more energy, less tension, and a greater sense of ease.
What Qigong Supports
Practiced regularly, Qigong is known to
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Increase energy and vitality
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Reduce stress and anxiety
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Ease aches, pains, and stiffness
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Support healing from old injuries
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Improve sleep and emotional balance
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Strengthen immune response
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Enhance posture, flexibility, and circulation
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Deepen awareness of body and breath
It’s gentle, accessible, and adaptable to nearly every age and ability.
And it’s free.
You can begin today, right where you are.
A Once-Quiet Tradition,
Now Widely Shared
For much of its history, Qigong was taught privately — passed from teacher to student in temples, families, and martial traditions. Its methods were considered precious, even sacred.
Over time, as its health benefits became more widely recognized, Qigong began to open outward. Today, while some schools still focus on martial or spiritual cultivation, a growing body of practice emphasizes healing, vitality, and everyday well-being.
This is the branch we focus on here.
What Is Qi, Really?
Qi (pronounced chee) is often translated as “life force” or “vital energy.”
In traditional Chinese medicine, it’s understood as a dynamic force that moves through the body along pathways called meridians.
When qi flows smoothly, we tend to feel energized, balanced, and resilient.
When it becomes stagnant or depleted, fatigue, stress, and discomfort often follow.
Qigong is the practice of cultivating and regulating this energy through breath, movement, and attention — much like tuning an instrument before playing.
Ancient Wisdom,
Modern Insight
What Qigong practitioners have felt for centuries is now being explored through modern science.
Fascia — the body’s connective web
Research shows fascia forms a continuous, responsive network throughout the body, transmitting force, fluid, and subtle electrical signals — echoing Qigong’s description of connected internal pathways.
Breath and the nervous system
Slow, mindful breathing directly influences the vagus nerve, helping calm the stress response, steady the mind, and lower blood pressure.
Gentle movement and circulation
Flowing, rhythmic motion improves microcirculation and nitric oxide release, supporting oxygen delivery and vascular health.
The gentle way, it turns out, is powerful medicine.
Simple, Yet Profound
You don’t need to be flexible.
You don’t need special equipment.
You don’t need more than a few quiet minutes and a small open space.
While there are hundreds of Qigong forms, health benefits come from simple movements practiced consistently. Depth grows from familiarity, not complexity.
As you begin, try approaching the practice with a small, relaxed smile. Even this subtle shift can signal safety and ease to the nervous system — a state where healing naturally unfolds.
Five to ten minutes a day is enough to start.
“Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.”
— THICH NHAT HANH
Practice Qìgōng
Start Your Practice Now
We’ve gathered a small selection of high-quality, free Qigong videos from experienced, trustworthy teachers. These guided sessions are suitable for beginners and focus on gentle movements that support healing and balance.
There’s no need to rush or sample everything. Choose one that feels approachable and give it a fair try.
Daily Energy Recharge
by Marisa at YOQI Yoga and Qigong
A gentle, well-paced Qigong flow designed to refresh your energy and calm your mind. Perfect as a morning pick-me-up or a reset any time of day. Marisa at YOQI introduced me to Qigong. I still practice with her videos often—especially when practicing Qigong with my granddaughters.
Level: All levels
Length: 18 min
Video by Marisa at YOQI, shared with appreciation.
7-Minute Qigong Routine – Easy Beginner Practice to Invigorate the Qi
by Jeffrey Chand of Qigong for Vitality
A quick, clinical-style Qigong practice focused on breathing and energy activation—great for busy days or when traveling. Jeffrey Chand is a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine. His shorter routines are invaluable when you need a fast shot of energy for recovery.
Level: Beginners
Length: 7 min
Video by Jeffrey Chand, shared with appreciation.
10-Minute Qigong Routine for Self-Healing to Feel AMAZING
by White Tiger Qigong
A lively, energizing routine designed to wake up your body and boost your mood. White Tiger Qigong does a great job showing younger people that Qigong can transform energy and mood—even in just 10 minutes.
Level: Beginner to advanced
Length: 10 min
Video by White Tiger Qigong, shared with appreciation.
CIRCULATE BLOOD and QI |
10-Minute Qigong Daily Routine
by Qigong Meditation
Cleanse Blood, generate a smooth circulation flows inside the body, Boost Immunity and Restore Energy.
Why I Chose It: Qigong Meditation channel comes from the monastery of Thich Nhat Hanh. The monks and nuns have a good vibe.
Level: Beginner to advanced
Length: 10 min
Video by Qigong Meditation, shared with appreciation.
“The breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts.”
– THICH NHAT HANH
Qìgōng Breathing
Qigong Breathing:
The Power of Calm in Motion
Breath is central to Qigong. Unlike seated breathwork practices, breathing here often flows alongside gentle movement, guiding attention into the body’s center — the Dan Tian, a traditional reservoir of vitality.
Different teachers approach Qigong breathing from different angles: some explain the theory, others offer short experiential practices. All can be useful.
If multiple approaches feel confusing, that’s okay. You don’t need to master them all. Choose one, explore it slowly, and let understanding grow through experience.
Qigong Breathing: Explanations, Theory, and Detail
by Tai Chi Foundation
Offers clear, concise teaching about breath in Qigong—how it flows, why it matters, and how posture plays a role. This one fills in the “why” behind the breath. Worth watching if you’re curious how breath connects to energy, focus, and movement.
Audience or Level: Beginner to curious practitioners
Length: 10 min
Video by Tai Chi Foundation, shared with appreciation.
CALM Your BODY and MIND — Do This Breathing Exercise Daily
by Qigong Meditation
A peaceful one-minute practice that emphasizes breath and presence. This is a go-to for a quick reset, to bring balance and draw new energy.
Level: Beginner
Length: 1 min
Video by Qigong Meditation, shared with appreciation.
3-Minute Qi Gong Breathing Exercise for Less Stress and More Energy
by Lee Holden of Holden QiGong
Breath takes center stage in this classic Qigong movement: Heart to the Sky. Try this one when your energy’s off. It’s quick, calming, and easy to carry with you throughout the day.
Audience or Level: Beginners
Length: 3 min
Video by Lee Holden of Holden QiGong, shared with appreciation.
Qigong Exercise Dan Tian Breathing
Creator: Jeffrey Chand of Qigong For Vitality
Why Chosen: Focused instruction in Dan Tian breathing—rooted, calming, and clear. A great next step if you’ve already tried some gentle Qigong. This one builds awareness in the body’s center.
Level: Beginner to advanced
Length: 7 min
Video by Qigong For Vitality, shared with appreciation.
Begin Where You Are
Qigong meets you quietly — right where you are.
There’s no competition, no performance, and no wrong place to start. Just breath, attention, and a little movement.
If something here caught your interest, trust that.
Try one breath. Try one video. Or simply stand and notice how it feels to pause.
You don’t have to believe in anything to begin.
You just have to begin.