
Qigong is an ancient form of meditation that combines slow movements and breathing techniques to promote health and well-being.
Although qigong meditation has become popular among celebrities and influencers, research regarding its effectiveness is lacking.
Learn about the potential benefits of qigong meditation and whether it is worth trying.
What is qigong meditation?
Qigong is derived from two words: “qi,” which means breath or vital life force, and “gong,” which means skill harnessed through steady practice. Qigong therefore emphasizes the continuous practice of harnessing the power of qi in the body.
This ancient Chinese practice is based on the belief that the flow of healing energy or qi can lead to optimal physical, emotional, spiritual, and psychological health—and that blockages or disruptions in that flow can lead to health problems.
Through controlled breathing, gentle movements, and meditation, qigong aims to allow qi to flow throughout your body.
What are different types of qigong meditation?
Qigong meditation can be divided into categories based on purpose and whether it is active or passive.
Purpose
Qigong can be divided into three broad categories based on the goal of this practice:
- Medical qigong: Focuses on healing and is further divided into two categories based on the need of a teacher or therapist:
- Internal qigong: Also called self-treatment, a form of qigong that is practiced alone to heal yourself.
- External qigong: Also called qi emission, involves the guidance of a trained qigong practitioner to direct or emit their qi to you through touching you or moving their hands over your body without touching.
- Spiritual qigong: Done for the purpose of spiritual growth or enlightenment.
- Martial (sports) qigong: Done to improve physical ability, strength, and dexterity.
Movement
Qigong can be divided into two categories based on whether it involves active or passive movement.
- Active qigong: Also called dynamic qigong or dong gong, involves coordinated, intentional, yet gentle body movements.
- Passive qigong: Does not involve active body movements but instead involves breathing techniques, stillness, and meditation to enhance the flow of qi through the body.

QUESTION
Laughter feels good because… See AnswerHow is qigong meditation done?
Qigong meditation techniques differ depending on the type. However, basic guidelines usually involve a combination of the following:
- Breathing techniques
- Meditation
- Certain postures and movements (in the case of active qigong)
- Guided imagery (a relaxation technique that involves focusing on positive images in your mind under the guidance of a trainer or teacher)
Although the movements are quite gentle, it is recommended to consult your doctor if you have any underlying health conditions before you start qigong.
7 potential health benefits of qigong meditation
Although there is no sufficient scientific proof to support the health benefits of qigong meditation, practitioners believe that the practice can result in the following:
1. Improved mental health
Qigong is believed to help treat mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. It may also help improve mood and relieve stress.
2. Improved stamina
Qigong may improve concentration, strength, balance, and stamina.
3. Better heart health
Some studies suggest that qigong can help improve your heart health and regulate blood pressure. This may be due to reduced stress, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.
4. Healthier bones
According to some studies, the slow, coordinated movements and postures of qigong meditation may help improve bone mass, reduce stress on joints, and improve range of motion.
5. Pain relief
Some studies suggest that qigong may help reduce pain associated with chronic conditions, such as arthritis and cancer. This may be due to an improved pain threshold, better physical health, or both.
6. Improved immunity
Studies suggest that regular qigong meditation helps strengthen the immune system, which can help the body fight infections and prevent chronic health conditions.
7. Lowered risk of chronic disease
Qigong is often suggested as an alternative treatment approach for chronic health conditions, such as cancer and autoimmune diseases. Many patients report that it helps them feel better and improves their response to treatment.
Types of Qigong. https://www.medicalqigong.org/index.php/icmq-news/resources/44-resources/96-types-of-qigong
A Comprehensive Review of Health Benefits of Qigong and Tai Chi. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3085832/
Meditation. https://www.qigonginstitute.org/category/18/meditation
The difference between tai chi and qi gong. https://www.piedmont.org/living-better/the-difference-between-tai-chi-and-qi-gong
Top Qigong Meditation: Techniques, Benefits Related Articles
Tips to Fast Stress Relief
Stop stress and stress-related problems like overeating, headaches, hives, and anxiety. Try simple interventions like chewing gum, getting outside, spending time with friends, smiling, listening to music, sniffing lavender, journaling, and listening to music to stop stress in its tracks.Anxiety, Stress, and Worry
What is the definition of anxiety, stress, and worry? Find treatments to relieve stress, eliminate worry, and combat anxiety as you discover how stress affects your body. Learn whether stress fights colds or encourages them, why some stress is bad and some is good, and why exercise and diet can be relaxing.Stress-Reducing Foods
While there are many ways to cope with stress, one strategy is to eat stress-fighting foods. Find out which foods to eat as part of a stress management diet.Stress and Heart Disease
Stress itself may be a risk factor for heart disease, or high levels of stress may make risk factors for heart disease worse. The warning signs of stress can be physical, mental, emotional, or behavioral. Check out the center below for more medical references on stress and heart disease, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related diseases, treatment, diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.Stress Management Techniques
Stress may be considered as any physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental unrest and that may be a factor in disease causation. Managing stress in our lives is important. Elimination of stress is unrealistic, since stress is a part of normal life. We can however, learn to manage stress through techniques such as exercise, relaxation, meditation, time management, and support systems so that we have control over our stress and its effects on our physical and mental health.Stress Quiz
Stress creeps into everyone's life at one time or another, while some people will suffer from poorly managed chronic stress. If you're suffering, there are things you can do. Take the Stress Quiz to learn what you can do to beat the long-term effects of chronic stress.What Are the 8 Ways to Overcome Stress?
Learn eight ways to overcome stress to better relieve the emotional or physical tension it takes on your mind and body.What Is the Effect of Stress?
Stress is the body’s response to a situation. It is typically a change in the environment that requires one’s body to react and adjust. These changes evoke physical, mental and emotional reactions in a person. Short-term stress will have no significant impact on the body. Long-term stress may cause various issues. The diseases that often arise due to long-standing stress are called psychosomatic diseases.