What Is Qigong?

Qi (pronounced “chee”) means life energy, and gong (pronounced “kung”) means skill or practice. Hence, qigong is simply the skill or practice of cultivating energy. It is an ancient Chinese way of enriching and balancing the body’s Qi (~ energy) using meditations, visualizations, breathing techniques, movement forms and body postures.

Is Qigong the Same as Chi Kung?

Yes. These terms are simply derived from different translation systems of the Chinese pictographs. Tai Chi is also commonly referred to as its full name of Tai Chi Ch’uan. Some other depictions include qi gong, and taiji. All are synonymous with each other.

Is Qigong a Religion?

No. Qigong is a practice. Qigong and Qi healing are used as tools for healing, personal growth and spiritual development.  Spiritual development is a process of self-cultivation of Qi that allows your innate potential to mature naturally and deeply root itself while expanding its connection to the Universe.  Although the techniques and practices have their roots from the religions of the Far East, it is not the same thing as organized religion.

It is entirely your own decision whether you wish to incorporate qigong methods into your religious life or not in order enhance your own path.  Students of all faiths have practiced qigong methods without conflicting with their religious beliefs and without having to change their religious affiliation. However, the study of qigong does require an open mind and heart and a suspension of fear and judgment. Students interested in learning such religious practices are encouraged to do so with any such local organization or group.

Is Qigong the same as Tai Chi ?

Yes and No. The graceful postures and exercises in Tai Chi and Qigong all follow the same principals of movement and share many of the same postures. Whereas Tai Chi exercises tend to follow a set pattern for movement over a set duration of time, Qigong exercises tend to be shorter and require less space in which to perform the exercises in. In some respects, Tai Chi is taught as a very effective martial art program, despite it possessing relaxing and meditative benefits. The only difference between the learning Tai Chi as a martial art or as a relaxation exercise is the intent in which you practice. Qigong tends to be almost entirely for relaxation and meditative practices. No matter their differences or similarities, both can be easily integrated together to meet your personal fitness goals and interests. We are please to offer both Qigong and Tai Chi to meet your individual needs.

Is Qigong Therapy the same as Qigong Exercise or Tai Chi?

No. Despite their differences, the Chinese refer to anything related to qi exercises or therapy as qigong because both cultivate qi for the body through very different means. The primary goal of Qigong therapy is to locate and correct imbalances in the circulation of qi and lead the patient back to the natural state of good health. This often is done by private healing sessions with a qi healer or therapist. Qigong therapy can be referred to as "acupuncture with out needles"*. Qigong exercises help cultivate and self-regulate the energy in the body through gentle exercises  and meditations. Qigong exercises and Tai Chi can be taught and performed individually or in a small group setting.  All three can combined together to create a total health regimen.