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Qigong

In its simplest form, the Chinese character for qi, in qigong, can mean air, breath, or "life force". Gong means work, so qigong is therefore the practice of "working" with ones "life force". Qigong is an internal Chinese meditative practice which often uses slow graceful movements and controlled breathing techniques to promote the circulation of qi within the human body. There are many forms of Qigong that are done with no movement at all but in standing position, sitting or supine positions, likewise, not all forms of Qigong use breath control techniques. Although not a martial art, qigong is often confused with the Chinese martial arts or tai chi. This misunderstanding can be attributed to the fact that most Chinese martial arts practitioners, usually practice some form of qigong and to the uninitiated, these arts may seem to be alike. There are more than 10,000 styles of qigong and 200 million people practicing, these methods. There are three main reasons why people do qigong:

1. To gain strength, improve health or reverse a disease
2. To gain skill working with qi, so as to become a healer
3. To become more connected with the "Tao, God, True Source, Great Spirit", for a more meaningful connection with nature and the universe.

The term was not widely known until the 1970s during a period some call the "Qigong Wave" where groups of 10,000-40,000 people gathered regularly inside Chinese stadiums to practice qigong together. Some in the Chinese government became concerned that one quasi religious/political group (Falun Dafa or Falun Gong) who practiced a Qigong form of their own might turn into a political weapon, and in 1999, banned all large qigong gatherings. Currently there is a movement underway in China, the United States, and Europe to preserve the valuable aspects of these traditional Chinese practices and to have them studied using Western scientific methods.