Qigong has evolved over millennia through four major periods:
- Shamanistic Qigong (before 206 B.C.)
- Religious Qigong (206 B.C. to 502 A.D.)
- Qigong Martial Arts (502 A.D. to 1911 A.D.)
(Including the Yi Jin Jing & the Spread of Neigong and Qigong Martial Arts after Bodhidharma) - Medical Qigong & Qigong for Health (1911 A.D. to the present)
Qigong (also known as chi kung) has a history spanning at least four to five millennia in China.
While I find the details of qigong’s origins fascinating, I understand that many readers may prefer a more concise overview. Therefore, I have provided a brief summary of how qigong has evolved over the centuries.
For a deeper dive into its origins, legendary figures, archaeological discoveries, and the events shaping each period, you can explore the individual sections of the outline above for more detailed explanations.
Shamanistic Qigong: The Beginning
Shamanistic qigong is steeped in ancient history and legendary folklore. What little we know of this period suggests that qigong originated from shamanic dances performed by tribal members to counteract the cold and damp climate. These dances mimicked the movements of wild animals and eventually evolved into gymnastic exercises known as daoyin.
Over time, our understanding of qi energy circulation deepened. Healing practices in qigong began to incorporate breathing techniques (such as abdominal breathing), mental concentration, self-massage, acupuncture, along with gymnastic movements and meditation.
Religious Qigong: Taoist and Buddhist Influences
The next major development in qigong was strongly influenced by Taoism and Buddhism. Buddhism, introduced from India, brought with it ancient yogic practices that had developed over thousands of years. These, along with Tibetan practices and Taoist internal alchemy, contributed to more refined and efficient qigong practices.
By 527 A.D., as Buddhism began to wane, qigong history took another dramatic turn. Bodhidharma, a Buddhist monk from India, arrived at the Shaolin Temple, where he authored two famous classics: Yi Jin Jing (Muscle Development Classic) and Xi Sui Jing (Tendon Washing Classic).
Although only Yi Jin Jing survived, it led to the birth of Shaolin martial arts and gave rise to various internal martial arts, or neigong.
Qigong Martial Arts: From Bodhidharma to Modern Practices
After Bodhidharma’s death, qigong martial arts continued to evolve, resulting in forms that are still practiced today, such as Tai Chi Chuan (also spelled Taijiquan), Ba Duan Jin (Eight Pieces of Brocade), Hsing Yi Chuan (or Xing Yi Quan), and Pa Kua Chang (also known as Ba Gua Zhang).
Qigong for Health: A Modern Renaissance
Following the fall of the Ch’ing Dynasty and the rise of the Communist regime, qigong faced a period of suppression, especially as anything related to religion was politically taboo. The practice of qigong slowed as practitioners remained discreet due to government scrutiny.
However, after the Cultural Revolution, China recognized the health benefits of qigong and began promoting it as part of a national health initiative. This decision sparked a resurgence of interest and research, leading to the modern era of qigong as we know it today.
Qigong has undergone significant evolution over the centuries, but its most remarkable transformation has occurred in recent decades. Once a closely guarded practice between master and disciple, qigong is now a global phenomenon, researched, taught, and practiced worldwide, reaching new audiences every day.