Qi gong is best described as an energy excercise that balances the intrinsic energy in the body. The excercise is often, but not necessarily, related to breathing. It is a unique mind and body discipline. The Chinese people used it as a means of curing disease and improving health over the centuries.

There are thousands of kinds of qi gong, however, the two main versions are Taoist and Buddhist qi gong. Taoist qi gong focuses on soft, internal relaxation and steady, gentle movements with postures moving from soft to hard (the Wu Dong way). The Buddhist qi gong is a strong, dynamic and external movement with postures moving from hard to soft (the Shaolin way). Different approaches, same goal. To achieve an equal balance of yin and yang.

Qi gong has a reputation of calming the nervous system, adjusting blood pressure, promoting better digestion, normalizing a persons body weight and slowing down the aging process. In many cases, the results are quite dramatic.

Many martial artists or athletes practice qi gong to enhance their power and skill. The high level practitioner can bear enormous weights or withstand hard blows on his body. His palm (iron palm) can smash a stone slab with a blow. Nevertheless, qi gong exercises should not be confused with any deception or supernatural activity. Rather, it is a form of relaxed energy exercises that unlock a persons inherent energy.