Knowra Qigong Qigong Qigong is a Chinese practice combining coordinated movement, breathing, and focused attention to cultivate or regulate qi. It is practiced for health, meditation, and martial arts.
Qi : A concept in Chinese thought describing vital influence or activity in the body and the natural world. Qigong names the cultivation or regulation of this traditional vital force.
Daoyin : An ancient Chinese practice of guiding and stretching the body, often with regulated breathing. Daoyin is a historical movement-and-breath tradition closely related to qigong.
Tai chi : A Chinese martial art whose solo practice uses slow, flowing sequences of movement. Tai chi is often practiced for health and shares qigong’s coordinated movement and attention.
Daoism : A Chinese religious and philosophical tradition concerned with living in accord with the Dao. Daoist cultivation practices helped shape some qigong methods and ideas about qi.
Evidence-based medicine : Clinical practice that integrates research evidence, professional expertise, and patient values. It provides a framework for judging clinical claims made for qigong.
Dantian : An energetic center in Chinese internal arts, commonly located in the lower abdomen. Many qigong practices direct attention and breathing toward the lower dantian.
Zhan zhuang : A standing practice in Chinese martial arts involving relaxed, sustained postures. It shows how qigong can train alignment and attention with little or no movement.
Traditional Chinese medicine : A system of health practices and theories developed in China, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and therapeutic exercise. Qigong is used in some traditional Chinese medicine settings as therapeutic exercise.
Chinese medicine : Medical traditions developed in China, including theories of qi, meridians, and therapeutic practices. Qigong’s health rationale draws on concepts also used in Chinese medicine.
Randomized controlled trial : A study that randomly assigns participants to interventions to compare outcomes and reduce bias. Trials of qigong test whether reported benefits exceed effects of attention, expectation, and activity.
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