While it is not clear how long the Chinese have been practicing qigong, it is clear that doctors were trying to repair disturbances in patients' chi with an early form of acupuncture during the Shang dynasty, which lasted from 1766 until 1154 B.C. During the first millennium B.C., writings on bamboo and bronze discuss different kinds of breath practice. Lao Tze, who died in 531 B.C., wrote verses describing breath practice and about how people could benefit from the practice of merging with the elements of nature. In 300 B.C., the Taoist poet and philosopher Chuang Tzu wrote that, "the ancients breathed down to their heels."

Five Animal Forms

Hua To, the third century A.D. acupuncture master, created a series of qigong exercises that have come to be called the "five animal forms." Philosophers say the reason animals should be imitated is because they behave instinctively and their bodies are more easily opened to the cosmic chi. Animal forms of movement include the white crane and the wild goose exercises, where practitioners aim to mimic the movements of birds. Other qigong animal movements include the dance of the monkey, and exercises in which one aims to copy the swaying of a bear, or head and neck movements of a tortoise. One well-known Chinese cancer treatment suggests that patients walk in the manner of a bear in order to combine relaxation with proper breathing in order to open the acupuncture channels.

Plant Exercises

More recently, qigong practitioners have created exercises that are similar to the gentle swaying movements of trees. Unlike animals, plants are not capable of sudden movements, and so the plant-based exercises are especially good for those who want to exercise their whole body without straining any specific part.

The Eight Section Brocade

One set of traditional qigong exercises is known as the "Eight Section Brocade." This most likely was derived from military drills and ancient dances, as well as shamanistic rituals. Old manuscripts that describe these health and fitness routines indicate they are at least 2,150 years old.

The Eight Section Brocade is usually done in a relaxed manner without excessive stretching or aggressive movements. The practitioner is encouraged to relax and breathe naturally, to move slowly, to move freely like gently running water. Thus, one can relax, listen to one's body, and lose the tensions of everyday life.