It’s not easy to explain qigong to people.
I should know. I’ve been trying to do it for over 20 years.
When I came back from my first trip to Asia, I was practically screaming from my New York rooftop.
“People, this stuff is uh-MAZE-ing!!!”
But when I tried to explain what it was, I struggled.
And honestly, I still struggle! Qigong is hard to explain using words.
I think I’m done with just words.
This 97-second video explains qigong better than most of my previous efforts. (Turn on the volume to hear the music.)
How did I do? Did I do a good job explaining qigong?
Let me know in the comments below, and please feel free to share the video if you need help explaining qigong to people!
Edit: Here are some of my previous attempts to explain qigong:
The 15 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Qigong
The Difference Between Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and Chai Tea
Kung Fu vs. Qigong: A Quick Visual Explanation From the heart, Sifu Anthony
Yes, you did a wonderful job explaining Qigong in less than 2 minutes! I love adding in the acupuncture cousin branch of the family tree. It’s a beautiful video! Thank you!
Thank you Anne!
Hi Sifu! Yes, you did it… This is the best way to try to explain this…
I love the video and the stage too 😍
Thank you Kathya! And yes, Costa Rica is amazing!
A Beautiful YES.
Thank you Diane!
The ‘mindfulness’ part can’t be overemphasized. Very insightful brief video. Thank you.
Thank you, Mark. And I agree with you completely!
What a great video! I think showing while telling makes a huge difference – nicely done!
Thanks Jack!
A beautiful video that reinforces my understanding of qigong. But I still feel confused when I do the 35 minute meditation that you call tai chi and use Flowing Breeze which I consider qigong?
Tom J
Thanks Tom. Remember that there is a ton of overlap between qigong and tai chi. Flowing Breeze Swaying Willow is certainly a qigong technique. But like many qigong techniques, it is incorporated into our tai chi practice.
In the end, it’s all just Flowing Zen isn’t it. 😉
Awesome article!
I was thinking of enrolling in a local beginners tai chi class but after seeing the qigong on this clip, my wife and I will instead enroll in your online Qigong class Sifu Anthony.
Beautiful visuals are important since they match the inner beauty resulting from the experience of Qigong. Great looking video!
That’s terrific, Steve! I’m glad you enjoyed it! And you’re totally right about the beautiful visuals! A lot of the videos in my program were shot at our retreat in Costa Rica because, well…look at that place!
Love the video!!
I wish there was an article like this in the newspaper every week ( of course without the video which can only be viewed on line)…. but still, it would open an “aha!” moment for a lot of people…
Beautiful, well produced video! Just wondering if you want to explain that the harmonious flow of qi or life force in our body can be disturbed or blocked by a variety of things like toxins, emotions, activity,etc. and that qigong movements open the blockages to restore the harmony and flow of our life energy thereby restoring health and well being. It’s so much more than pretty movements that feel good.
I love this video, it is a struggle to explain Qigong in a few minutes, you did great, loved the pics and the music in it. I will share it on my Qigong at HOME facebook page. To explain what Qigong is. Thank you for your passion.
Thank you, Dimitri!
Qigong is acupuncture without needles 🙂
True enough!
Beautiful, powerful, brilliant – to the mindful heart of the matter.
Thank you for your creative, inspiring work. John
Thanks John!
Great video, I have one thing I would critique and that is using the term qi or vital energy with the bulk of Americans. I have tried to use those terms to explain qigong and it is such a foreign concept to many people, they get lost in the idea that you can control or direct your body’s energy and to some it starts to sound mystic to and turns them off and so I have started leaving that portion out of my explanations until they actually start trying it and they can actually feel it working. Other than that one difficulty of terms great way to explain it. Especially the part about chronic pain and easing it, that interests many people because it is so prevalent these days of sedentary lifestyles and injuries. Flow on Sifu!
Thanks, Kahl. I don’t disagree with you. But to keep it short and sweet, I decided to just use the term “qi”. I’ve actually seen awareness change a lot over the last 10 years. People are familiar with the concept from acupuncture, cupping therapy, and tai chi. One step at a time!
Great Video. And Yes it is explained Very well.
I love it :}
Thanks Dariusz!
Yes, Sifu Anthony! You’ve got the hang of it!! … I’m getting the hang of it — by osmosis!!! I love your flowing qi message presented so effortlessly … well, You make it appear effortless! Thank You!!!
GREAT VIDEO. It makes me want to be there.
Great simple video. Using my routine to heal my recent back injury and I am sleeping a lot better now. Thank You Sifu
Awesome!
Hi Anthony..as a tai chi & qigong practioner & facilitator I struggle with the words to describe these arts too.. like you they lifted me put of serious health challenges.. I feel it’s a life duty & a privilege to share ..if you are ever Ireland bound it would be fantastic to collaborate & maybe create awareness!!
Irene
Ener Chi Balance
Thanks Irene! I have more and more students in the UK and Northern Ireland, so I think a visit will definitely happen!