An Introduction to Qigong

If you have 10 minutes a day, you have enough time to do qigong. This ancient Chinese practice is a popular way to calm your mind and energize your body that requires no special training or equipment. And — while it’s far from conclusive — some research suggests the practice is good for your health.

Integrative medicine specialist Yufang Lin, MD, explains what qigong is and how to add it into your wellness routine.

What is qigong?

Qigong is a 4,000-year-old traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice that blends intentional movement, meditation and breathing practices. It’s based on the theoretical principle that we all have qi (pronounced “chi”), an energetic life force, flowing through our bodies. The belief is that qigong reduces stagnation of that energy, allowing the body to better heal itself. The literal translation of qigong is “to work with qi.”

“According to TCM, your qi must flow throughout your body for you to feel your best,” Dr. Lin explains. “If qi becomes blocked or stuck in a certain area, health problems can occur.”

Like most practices that have been around for thousands of years, there isn’t one way to do qigong. There are hundreds of different traditions, schools and approaches.

The most popular variant of qigong in the Western world is tai chi, which is commonly practiced in medical and wellness settings. Its focus on intentional movement, breath control and meditation has documented health benefits. Current science doesn’t support health claims associated with other, more spiritual forms of qigong.

Health benefits of qigong

According to Dr. Lin, small studies have shown that qigong provides a wide variety of health benefits. But that research also has limitations. Some problems, like small sample sizes, could be corrected by larger, more robust studies. Other issues — like the fact that there are hundreds of different types of qigong — are harder to address.

The existing evidence isn’t strong enough to support using qigong to treat or prevent health problems. But it does suggest qigong is safe to try and could be a helpful supportive therapy.

Here’s what the research says about qigong.

Qigong and chronic illness

According to early studies, qigong may be a helpful complement to standard medical treatments for a wide range of conditions, including:

• Arthritis
• Depression and anxiety
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Parkinson’s disease

Qigong and sleep

Sleep comes up in lots of studies about qigong and chronic illness. A 2024 review looked at those results. Despite the flaws in the studies they examined, the researchers found the “predominantly positive outcomes” interesting.

Their conclusion? While more, better studies are needed, the existing literature suggests qigong may help people dealing with sleep issues.

Qigong and fall prevention

Like other types of intentional movement, qigong has been found to improve balance and gait, which reduces your risk of falling.

“As a child who grew up in Taiwan, I would see people practicing qigong in the park on my way to school,” Dr. Lin recalls. “Many were elderly. The slow, purposeful movements of qigong are less challenging to your balance. But they still enhance mobility, coordination and spatial awareness.”

Qigong and brain function

A 2023 review of qigong studies found that the practice changes the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of your brain in ways that may support memory, spatial awareness, focus and information processing.

How to do qigong

If you’re considering taking a class, ask the instructor:

• What type of qigong they teach (examples include Eight Pieces of Brocade, Swimming Dragon and Five Animals)
• How long they’ve been practicing
• What, if any, certifications they hold
• Who usually takes their classes
• Whether they have experience accommodating your specific health concerns

There is no licensing requirement for qigong instructors, but there are professional organizations, like the National Qigong Association, that offer certification programs. Those websites can be a great place to learn about courses in your area.

Not finding a group near you? That’s OK! While taking a class is helpful, Dr. Lin says it isn’t necessary. Many people learn qigong from free online videos.

“These movements are easy for most people to do, and you can modify them if you need to,” she explains. “Pay attention to the form and learn it properly first. Then, you can focus on breathing and being present.”

Dr. Lin’s other recommendation? Talk to your provider before starting qigong — or any other intentional movement practice, for that matter. Your healthcare team can help you figure out what safe participation looks like for you. You can even do chair-based qigong if you can’t stand.

Final thoughts

The science on the health benefits of qigong is growing, although more studies are needed. And Dr. Lin is crystal clear: Qigong isn’t a substitute for medical treatment.

But she also points out that it’s popular for a reason: People enjoy it! And it makes them feel good! So, give it a try. If it makes you happy, that’s more than enough reason to keep it up.