Question from a Student

“I have a miserable cold. Is it wise to do qigong during this time and if so, which forms might be better?”

My Answer

First of all, I’m sorry to hear that you’re not feeling well. Get well soon!

With Flowing Zen Qigong, it’s not only okay to practice while sick — it’s recommended!

If you know it, and if you have the strength, then do the 5-Phase Routine.

Stick to simple exercises like Lifting The Sky, Swimming Dragon, or Pushing Mountains. Avoid advanced exercises like the Small Universe, zhan zhuang, One Finger Zen, Sinew Metamorphosis, and Bone Marrow Cleansing.

But don’t force it! If you don’t have the energy for the 5-Phase Routine, then do the 2-Minute Drill instead. Just get up from your bed or from the couch and do 2 minutes. Simple.

The goal with the 2-Minute Drill is to engage the Wei Qi, which is the energy that powers your immune response and your lymphatic system.

Flowing Breeze Swaying Willow

Different qigong schools have different approaches to this. Some schools recommend that you do not practice qigong while sick, especially with a high fever.

Obviously, I disagree with this approach. But why the disagreement?

The difference can be boiled down to one thing: Flowing Breeze Swaying Willow.

Most schools do not teach this skill. It’s not their fault. It was kept secret for centuries.

I happened to win the qigong lottery by learning this technique, and I don’t hold it against other teachers who haven’t.

But Flowing Breeze Swaying Willow makes all the difference and allows us to do things that schools without it simply can’t do.

Let it Flow

With Flowing Breeze Swaying Willow (FBSW), we stimulate the qi so that it flows freely in the body.

Then — and here’s the important part — we ALLOW it to flow. In other words, we allow the body’s own wisdom to do the healing.

If you’re sick and you go to an acupuncture physician, then she’ll have to do a diagnostic to determine exactly what is wrong with you. Once she knows what’s wrong, she can choose a treatment plan.

For example, colds and flus are common categorized in Chinese Medicine as either Wind Heat or Wind Cold.

But which one is it?

If you’re treating yourself with some types of qigong, then you need to know the answer, which means that you need a diagnostic.

But with FBSW, we don’t need to know. This is because we don’t direct the qi to any particular organ or meridian or system. Instead, we just get the qi flowing, and then let it flow.

But what about the 2-Minute Drill? In that routine, we don’t do FBSW. Is it still safe?

Yes, it’s safe because the dosage is so small. It’s true that the exercise that you choose, like Lifting The Sky or Pushing Mountains, will direct the qi to certain meridians. But because the session is so short, the qi doesn’t really get directed very much. The overall effect is simply a small boost to the ENTIRE system.

Feedback from Students

Why do I give this advice about practicing qigong while sick?

In a word: evidence.

When I make a decision to implement a teaching or a methodology in my school of qigong, it’s based on evidence.

I’m not just talking about scientific research. Sure, that’s important too. (Click here for a free infographic on the 13 proven benefits of qigong and tai chi.)

But I’m also talking about actual, real-world feedback from students.

For example, many of us have followed the advice above, and we’ve found that it works. Practicing a little qigong while sick typically kicks it out faster than usual.

“I continued Qigong while I had a cold/fever. And I believe that helped me recover faster. Thanks Sifu for the advice.” – George from the US 

“When I have been sick, Qigong is a lot harder, but I still do it, and I’ve felt a lot better because of it. Also: I’ve had magic results with Shooting Bow and Arrow helping breathing related symptoms.” – Charles from the US

Other Tips

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