Qigong is an internal moving or still meditative practice, derived from Taoism and Ch'an Buddhist sources. This practice uses breathing techniques and meditative movements that forge a connection between the mind and body to promote the uninterrupted circulation of qi (energy) within the human body and still the human spirit. Qigong methods can also be used to provide a foundational understanding of the energy aspects of the martial arts known as T'ai Chi, Hsing I and Ba Gua.

There are more than 10,000 styles and approximately 200 million people who practice qigong. http://web.mit.edu/kungfu/FAQ.htm Improvement of health and overcoming disease are fundamental reasons why people practice qigong. In addition, healers in medical qigong use qigong practice to improve their ability to work with qi. http://www.medicalqigong.org/resources.htm Qigong can also be a path for developing and deepening spiritual consciousness for those seeking personal spiritual realization and enlightenment. Qigong and tai chi have been shown to improve health, particularly in older adults.

Most of the clinical trails have been done with Tai Chi, a choreographed form of qigong. All of the following information is based on Tai Chi practice results, mostly performed on older adults.

Tai Chi practice improves posture, balance, flexibility, muscle mass and tone, stamina, and strength. Tai chi practice groups improve their balance and have fewer falls than the stretching groups. Practice also leads to a sense of improved well-being and increased motivation to continue exercising. Improvements have also been seen for chronic diseases such as arthritis, fibromyalgia,http://fibrohaven.wordpress.com/2008/11/10/fibromyalgia-pain-breakthrough-qigong/ osteoporosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and peripheral artery disease.

Research has also found that tai chi can reduce stress, improve sleep and provide the same cardiovascular benefits as moderate exercise, such as reduced heart rate and blood pressure. Evidence also suggests that tai chi is helpful when used with conventional treatments for cancer. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_5_3X_Tai_Chi.asp There is an active research program at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Research is ongoing in this area, and if you are interested visit the current medical research site.

Medical qigong is one of the branches of traditional Chinese medicine. Practicioners must know the energy channels of the body and all of the elemental theory that relates to the five yin organs of the body. It is necessary for medical qigong doctors to know the skills of external qi manipulation, including 1) purgation, 2) tonification and, and 3) regulation. They are able to do this because they develop their own energy through the practice of qigong and/or tai chi. Patients are often given qigong practices so that they can learn how to help improve the flow of qi and become healthier, these are called medical qigong prescriptions. http://www.medicalqigong.org/resources.htm

1. Zhan Zhuang - Standing meditation qigong, more correctly termed a neigong because the breath is not controlled. Zhan Zhuang is a foundational practice for developing strength and endurance, and overcoming chronic illnesses.
2. Eight Brocades Qigong - Also known as Ba Duan Jin. This site has PDF files for verbal instructions and pictures of the stances.
3. Energy Arts - Site for Taoist Lineage Master Bruce Frantzis, where books on neigong, instuctional videos and schedules for workshops can be found. Dragon-Tiger Qigong is a starting practice with this tradition.
4. Ken Cohen - Demonstrates simple qigong styles for clearing stagnant energy and recharging the body. Whole body breathing is shown in this instructional video.