Spring Qi Chats | Week 6
Why Qigong?
This week we discuss the history of Qigong and why it’s so important to your aging journey!
A Brief History of Chinese Medicine & Qigong's Modern Emergence
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems, with roots dating back over 2,500 years. It encompasses a range of practices including herbal medicine, acupuncture, dietary therapy, and energy-based movement systems like Qigong.
Before the 1970s, Qigong was traditionally known as Nei Gong (Internal Skill), a more esoteric and meditative internal martial art reserved for monks, healers, and martial artists. It was practiced in relative secrecy and was often transmitted orally within lineages.
However, during China's Cultural Revolution (1966–1976), many ancient traditions—including Chinese medicine, Tai Chi, and Nei Gong—were viewed as superstitious or feudal relics. These practices were banned or suppressed, and practitioners were often persecuted. This crackdown led to a steep decline in the availability of traditional healers and methods.
As the revolution progressed, China experienced a public health crisis: a shortage of trained medical professionals and accessible healthcare. Recognizing the need for affordable and practical health solutions, Chairman Mao Zedong and his administration allowed for the resurgence of simplified TCM practices—including Qigong—under more scientific and modern frameworks.
By renaming and rebranding Nei Gong as Qigong, the government could promote it as a public health exercise instead of a mystical or spiritual practice. This opened the door for Qigong to be taught to the general public as a preventative health tool, emphasizing breath, posture, and gentle movement to build vitality and resilience. It became part of China’s “barefoot doctor” movement, which trained ordinary people in basic healthcare and Qigong to serve rural communities.
In essence, Mao reintroduced Qigong not for spiritual or martial purposes, but as a cost-effective, scalable tool to improve public health, bridging ancient practices with the needs of a modernizing nation. But even today, the people who survived the Cultural Revolution have brought the esoteric root back into the movement as we can see the benefits of that connection with the mind, body and soul.
Qigong & the Science.
While Qigong is not as popular in America, it is widely know throughout the world. European countries have a longer relationship with Qigong as this practice moved with the people of China. But we have to consider WHY was it ‘erased’ and why was it ‘resurrected’. What is the science behind this movement-based practice for health.
1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Qigong's slow, rhythmic movements combined with deep breathing activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping reduce cortisol levels and promote a relaxation response.
2. Improves Balance and Mobility
The controlled movements and focus on body awareness enhance proprioception, core strength, and stability—especially beneficial for aging adults or those recovering from injury.
3. Supports Cardiovascular Health
Regular practice can lower blood pressure, improve circulation, and reduce heart rate variability—all linked to a healthier cardiovascular system.
4. Enhances Immune Function
Gentle movement, breath regulation, and stress reduction support the immune system’s ability to fight off illness.
Neuro-Qi Tip o’the day!
Get things moving...
Sink into your morning routine and add in the Qigong routine this Spring (every morning)
*Video posts every Friday by 11:30am MDT
