qigong
Chinese breath practice
Qigong is a Chinese practice combining slow movements, breathing techniques, and meditation to cultivate and balance qi—the vital energy believed in traditional Chinese medicine to flow through the body.
Pronounced roughly "chee-gong," it's practiced for health, relaxation, and spiritual development: She does qigong in the park every morning.
Related to tai chi but typically simpler in form.
Mind-body exercise discipline
- somaticsBody-centered healing field
- breathworkTherapeutic breathing exercises
- stretchingExtending muscles or material
- mobilityCapacity for movement
flexibility · proprioception · alignment · posture · low-impact · mind-body · embodiment
Greek letter or energy
- kiVital life energy
- pranaVital breath energy
- life-forceAnimating spiritual energy
- vitalityCapacity for spirited existence
meridians · cultivation · circulation · blockage · stagnation · activation · channels · acupoints
Therapeutic needle insertion
- moxibustionBurning mugwort for healing
- cuppingSkin suction healing method
- herbalismPlant-based healing tradition
- TCMClassic film network
wellness · holistic · restoration · rejuvenation · self-healing · therapeutic · immunity · longevity
Pulmonary gas exchange
- movementChange in position
- postureBody position, alignment
- stretchingExtending muscles or material
- flowUnbroken forward movement
forms · routine · training · exercises · standing · sitting · walking · slow-motion
Awareness of the present
- stillnessComplete lack of motion
- tranquilityUndisturbed peacefulness
- serenityUndisturbed mental quietude
- contemplationSustained reflective attention
focus · silence · awareness · concentration · relaxation · calmness · introspection · centering
Chinese martial temple tradition
- TaoismPhilosophy of the Way
- DaoismPhilosophy of natural harmony
- LaoziTaoism's legendary founder
- ConfucianismChinese ethical philosophy
yoga
Mind-body exercise discipline
- somaticsBody-centered healing field
- breathworkTherapeutic breathing exercises
- stretchingExtending muscles or material
mobility · flexibility · proprioception · alignment · posture · low-impact · mind-body · embodiment
chi
Greek letter or energy
- kiVital life energy
- pranaVital breath energy
- life-forceAnimating spiritual energy
vitality · meridians · cultivation · circulation · blockage · stagnation · activation · channels · acupoints · vigor
acupuncture
Therapeutic needle insertion
- moxibustionBurning mugwort for healing
- cuppingSkin suction healing method
- herbalismPlant-based healing tradition
TCM · wellness · holistic · restoration · rejuvenation · self-healing · therapeutic · immunity · longevity · detoxification
breathing
Pulmonary gas exchange
- movementChange in position
- postureBody position, alignment
- stretchingExtending muscles or material
flow · forms · routine · training · exercises · standing · sitting · walking · slow-motion · repetition
mindfulness
Awareness of the present
- stillnessComplete lack of motion
- tranquilityUndisturbed peacefulness
- serenityUndisturbed mental quietude
contemplation · focus · silence · awareness · concentration · relaxation · calmness · introspection · centering · grounding
Shaolin
Chinese martial temple tradition
- Taoist Practicesincense burning, altar offerings, talismans, prostration, exorcism
- relaxationrelax, naps, break, rest, calm
- ChinaBeijing, Shanghai, Great Wall, Yellow River, Chinese calligraphy
- Chinese cultureConfucianism, Chinese calligraphy, Beijing, Chinese New Year, Daoism
- kung fukung fu, wushu, Shaolin, Shaolin Temple, tai chi
- Asian gamesgo, judo, karate, kendo, mahjong
qigonghigh-intensity interval training
Exercise alternating exertion and rest
HIIT · CrossFit · sprinting · aerobic exercise · cardio
qigongcalisthenics
Equipment-free resistance exercises
resistance training · bodybuilding · physical therapy · sports medicine
qigongsurgery
Invasive medical procedure
evidence-based medicine · physical therapy · sports medicine · biomechanics · pharmacology