The Historical Development of Qigong: From Ancient Practice to Modern Wellness

Qigong, a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has a history spanning thousands of years. However, the term 'qigong' itself is relatively recent, first appearing in the Jin dynasty text Ling Jian Zi (Sword of the Spirit) attributed to Xu Xun. Scholars believe the book was compiled no earlier than the Song dynasty due to later terminology, but its teachings were passed down orally within Xu Xun's lineage. In this early context, qigong was not a standalone term but part of the phrase 'dao qi gong cheng' (achieving qigong through the Way), describing the culmination of self-cultivation through moral virtue and breath practice.

During the Jin, Sui, and Tang dynasties, Daoism and Buddhism flourished, incorporating qigong into religious frameworks. Practices that were once practical and scientific—focused on cultivating qi and virtue—became shrouded in mysticism, as practitioners sought immortality, divinity, or Buddhahood. This obscured qigong's scientific essence. Yet, texts from that era, such as Qi Jue (Breath Formulas) and Qi Jing (Breath Classic), documented dozens of methods for regulating and using qi, including 'bu qi' (spreading qi to others, akin to external qi emission). Over time, religious dominance caused the term qigong to fade from common use.

During the Jin and Yuan periods, as foreign invasions threatened China, qigong techniques were adapted for martial arts, giving birth to martial qigong. This shift gradually dispelled religious mysticism; when fighters realized that gods or Buddhas did not intervene in battle, faith in supernatural protection waned. Qigong re-emerged as a practical discipline focused on breath and energy. By the Song dynasty, 'tu na' (breathing exercises) was widely discussed. The two great schools of martial qigong—Wudang and Shaolin—took shape, with the Shaolin text Shaolin Quan Shu Mi Jue (Secrets of Shaolin Boxing) containing a dedicated chapter, Qi Gong Chan Wei (Subtle Explanations of Qigong), which explicitly stated: 'The theory of qigong has two aspects: nourishing qi and training qi.' This revived the term qigong.

In the Ming and Qing dynasties, qi practice became more prominent, and by the early Republic of China (early 20th century), many practitioners emerged. In 1931, Wang Zhulin published Yi Qi Gong Xiang Jie (Detailed Explanation of Intent-Qigong), using qigong in its title. Physicians studying Daoist and Buddhist methods began applying them to medicine, coining 'qigong therapy.' Notable works include Dong Hao's 1934 Pulmonary Tuberculosis Special Therapy – Qigong Therapy and Fang Gongpu's 1938 Qigong Treatment Records, who also founded the Gongpu Qigong Treatment Center.

Despite these efforts, the term qigong did not become widespread until after the founding of the People's Republic of China. A veteran cadre, Liu Guizhen, with support from the Hebei Provincial Health Department, compiled his personal practice and clinical experience into Qigong Therapy Practice. Endorsed by the Ministry of Health, the book was published and later translated into foreign languages, spreading 'qigong therapy' both domestically and internationally. Qigong was then integrated into TCM, leading to the establishment of qigong sanatoriums and research institutes. Unfortunately, the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976) severely suppressed qigong, labeling practitioners as 'ox demons and snake spirits' and nearly eradicating the tradition. After the Cultural Revolution ended, qigong experienced an unprecedented revival, evolving into a unique scientific discipline focused on holistic health. Today, 'qigong' is widely understood as a specialized practice for physical and mental well-being.

Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic). Unschuld, P. U. (Trans.). University of California Press, 2016.
Xu Xun. Ling Jian Zi (Sword of the Spirit). Attributed to Jin dynasty, compiled in Song dynasty.
Shaolin Quan Shu Mi Jue (Secrets of Shaolin Boxing). Qing dynasty.
Liu Guizhen. Qigong Therapy Practice. People's Health Publishing House, 1957.
Wang Zhulin. Yi Qi Gong Xiang Jie (Detailed Explanation of Intent-Qigong). 1931.

References

Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic). Unschuld, P. U. (Trans.). University of California Press, 2016.
Xu Xun. Ling Jian Zi (Sword of the Spirit). Attributed to Jin dynasty, compiled in Song dynasty.
Shaolin Quan Shu Mi Jue (Secrets of Shaolin Boxing). Qing dynasty.
Liu Guizhen. Qigong Therapy Practice. People's Health Publishing House, 1957.
Wang Zhulin. Yi Qi Gong Xiang Jie (Detailed Explanation of Intent-Qigong). 1931.