Qigong, also known as chi kung (pronounced "ch'i gung"), is the Chinese art of developing and encouraging vital energy in order to cure illness and improve health, to expand the mind and expand the intellect, to promote vitality and develop the internal force and for spiritual cultivation.

There are many kinds of qigong. Some practitioners divide it into two varieties, quiescent and dynamic, or internal and external. Some divide it into three varieties: quiescent, quiescent- cum-dynamic, and dynamic. Others schools see four varieties: lying down, sitting, standing and moving. Still others have five varieties: Confucian, Taoist, Buddhist, medical and martial. Schools of qigong include the Shaolin Cosmos Qigong, Shaolin Damo Qigong, Fragrance Qigong, Flying Crane Qigong, and Taiji Eighteen Steps Qigong.

Medical Qigong

The practice of qigong is said to cure as well as prevent many kinds of illness, including diabetes, cancer, asthma, and hypertension. Qigong has also been found to be useful in overcoming psychological problems.

According to traditional Chinese medical thought, no disease is considered incurable because humans have the ability to overcome any kind of disease if the patient's psychological and physiological systems are working properly. Illness comes about only if one or many of these natural systems do not perform their proper function. When all the patient's systems are functioning properly, the Chinese say that this is a harmonious chi flow. That means the energy flow that brings the appropriate information to every part of the body and makes proper repairs is functioning properly. If the harmonious flow of chi is interrupted, illness may occur. Qigong can restore and enhance this harmonious flow of chi.

Qigong, Taijiquan, and Kung Fu

Taijiquan, a Chinese martial art makes extensive use of qigong. Some of the movements of taijiquan are very similar to some qigong movements. However, some qigong movements are very different from conventional taijiquan movements.

Kung fu also uses energy training to develop internal force. Thus, a kung fu master may look and act in a gentle manner, but can use his internal force to cause much damage to an opponent. This internal force does not grow weaker with age, and the master can use it for peaceful use in daily living. Unlike other martial arts systems where the training itself can bring about physical and emotional injuries, kung fu training which employs qigong will enhance the harmonious flow of chi, promoting health, vitality and longevity.