With Qi Gong making its debut on the Humane Yoga timetable soon, we wanted to share with our yoga community exactly what all the fuss is about. From its origins to what makes this practice a little bit magic, we’re excited to introduce you to the wonderful world of Qi Gong.
Qi Gong vs Yoga: The origins
Qi Gong, an ancient Chinese practice, is often described as the art of cultivating energy, or ‘qi,’ through mindful movement, breath control, and meditation.
For yoga practitioners, Qi Gong may be thought of as a kind of ‘Chinese yoga.’ While traditional yoga originates from India and the Hindu religion, Qi Gong’s origins can be traced back to early Taoist and Buddhist traditions - which both emphasise the importance of harmonising the body and mind with the rhythms of nature. Over time, Qi Gong became an essential part of Chinese health practices, believed to promote longevity, improve vitality, and foster a deep sense of inner peace.
Like yoga, Qi Gong has been practised for thousands of years, evolving from a healing technique into a holistic discipline aimed at nurturing the body, mind, and spirit. Despite their different origins, both practices share a deep commitment to mindfulness and conscious movement.
So, what exactly is Qi Gong practice?
We know you’re probably itching to understand what this mysterious practice actually looks like. And you may have already anticipated the answer - it has to be experienced to be truly understood!
Let us somewhat soften your curiosity here. Unlike the postures of yoga, Qi Gong’s movements may appear simple at first— imagine your hands moving slowly through space as if you’re swimming through honey. However, with consistent practice, Qi Gong will heighten your awareness and sensitivity to energy, enhancing and complementing other mindful movement and meditation practices. From a philosophical perspective, the practice is working on the subtle body (i.e. the meridians) to direct and restore energy. You might also be surprised by its ability to build physical strength and discipline through slow, deliberate movement.
Accessible movement to heal and transform
Qi Gong’s gentle, flowing movements are accessible to every body - something we strive for at Humane. It also acts as an antidote to today’s fast-paced world, with philosophies similar to those you may have encountered in Yin yoga. Qi Gong’s focus on slowing down and being present with your body and mind can be a powerful tool for personal healing and transformation.
We are so excited to offer Qi Gong at Humane Yoga and look forward to welcoming you to a class soon. See the latest timetable with all our offerings here.