Qi gong (pronounced Chi Gong), or breath exercise is the art of mastering qi (vital breath). It was originally practiced by the Taoists and is mentioned in the Catalogue of Pure and Enlightening Beliefs, in the Jin era (cc 265-420 AD). 

The medical community first started showing its interest in Qi Gong in 1934 when Tong Hao published Special Treatment for Pulmonary Tuberculosis; Qi Gong Therapy.   It is common for acupuncture students to practice Qi Gong and Tai Qi while undergoing their training. 

The practice of Qi Gong is based on 3 principles:

• Control of the body
• Regulation of the breath
• Mastery of the spirit (shen).

• Control of the body comes from correct posture: standing, sitting, lying down or walking.
• Regulated breathing is achieved either by static breath, (i.e., breathing naturally, with calm, slow gentle and inaudible breaths), or by “wind breathing,” (i.e., noisy accelerated breaths).
• Mastery of the spirit is achieved by concentration and meditation techniques.

There are 3 different kinds of qi gong techniques practiced with varying degrees of difficulty:

• The most difficult types are practiced within the martial arts and are used to build strength
• The most internal, which is practiced by the Taoists, focuses on the balance of non activity (i.e., concentration and meditation).
• The medicinal kind benefits the metabolism which is useful in the treatment of chronic diseases.  

Qi gong exercises  might be recommended to patients who suffer from stress, fatigue, respiratory ailments, back and neck pain, Raynaud’s Syndrome and  headaches.

Reference: (B. Auteroche, 1992)