The Relationship Between Yoga And Qigong
In a couple of months I will finish my Qigong Master training course, and I’ve become aware of the incredible connection and similarities between yoga and qigong. These ancient practices are two of the most profound and holistic systems of movement, meditation, and energy cultivation in the world. Rooted in Indian and Chinese traditions, respectively, these disciplines have influenced countless generations seeking physical health, mental well-being, and spiritual growth. Despite their distinct cultural origins, yoga and qigong share significant similarities in philosophy, practice, and history. Furthermore, there is evidence that Indian yogic traditions may have influenced the development of qigong, shaping its evolution into one of China’s most revered art forms, and systems of wellness.
In this article I will delve into the connections between yoga and qigong, examining their history, philosophy, practices, and cross-cultural influences, particularly the role Indian philosophy has played in shaping qigong.
1. Historical Connections Between Yoga and Qigong
The origins of yoga and qigong can be traced back thousands of years, with both practices emerging in deeply spiritual and philosophical contexts. Yoga developed within the Indian subcontinent, while qigong evolved in China, yet the similarities in their evolution suggest an exchange of ideas between the two traditions. Following are a very brief summary of their histories.
Yoga: The Ancient Indian Tradition
Yoga originated in India over 5,000 years ago, with its roots in the Vedic traditions and later systematized in texts such as the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. It was initially a meditative and ascetic discipline practiced by sages seeking self-realization and union with the divine (samadhi). Over time, yoga developed various physical, mental, and spiritual practices, culminating in different schools such as Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Jnana Yoga. Other than connecting with the divine, its predominant practice was the cultivation of our spiritual energy, or prana. Yoga breathing exercises, pranayama, teach us to take in this spiritual energy with our breath, and store, distribute, and manipulate the energy through pranayama, yoga poses, meditation, and other yogic practices.
Qigong: The Chinese Energy Cultivation Practice
Qigong’s origins are believed to date back just under 4,000 years ago, with early references found in Daoist, Buddhist, and Confucian traditions. The term “qigong” (氣功) translates to “energy work” or “breath cultivation,” emphasizing the movement of life force (qi/chi), also through breath control, movement, and meditation. Qigong evolved alongside traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and martial arts, serving as a foundation for practices like Tai Chi, acupuncture, and Daoist internal alchemy.
Possible Indian Influence on Qigong
Several historical theories suggest that Indian yogic traditions influenced qigong’s development:
- The Buddha was from India and practiced yoga. Buddhism spread from India to China during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE), taking with it Indian philosophy and traditions.
- Bodhidharma’s Journey to China: Around the 5th-6th century CE, the Indian monk Bodhidharma traveled to the Shaolin Monastery, where he is believed to have introduced breath control, meditation, and physical exercises resembling yoga asanas and pranayama. These practices influenced Shaolin martial arts and later Daoist qigong methods.
- Similarities in Breath and Energy Work: The concept of prana in yoga, closely resembles qi/chi in Chinese thought, and both traditions emphasize breath control (pranayama in yoga and “tu na” in qigong) for working with our life-force.
These historical interactions suggest that while qigong developed independently in China, it integrated elements from Buddhism and Indian yoga, creating a cross-cultural synthesis of energy practices. The practices of yoga and qigong have continued to evolve over the centuries, with the practices we see today looking very different to what they were thousands of years ago.
2. Philosophical Similarities Between Yoga and Qigong
Despite their cultural differences, yoga and qigong share a deep philosophical foundation rooted in the concepts of energy, balance, and spiritual growth.
The Concept of Life-Force: Prana and Qi
- Yoga: The prana (life-force) flows through energy channels called nadis and is concentrated in chakras (energy centers). The left side of the nadis, called the Ida, is considered the moon feminine energy, cooler, calmer, creative, and intuitive. The right side, the pingala, is consider the solar male energy, which is hot, energetic, and logical.
- Qigong: The qi (life-force) moves through meridians, corresponding to acupressure points used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The Yin side of the body is considered the feminine moon side, aslo characterized by coolness, intuition, calm, and darkness. The Yang side is the solar male energy, characterized by heat, movement, passion and light.
Both systems view the harmonization of energy flow as essential for physical health, emotional balance, and spiritual awakening, and have many similarities.
Mind-Body Integration
- Yoga follows the Eightfold Path (Ashtanga) as described by Patanjali, which includes ethical precepts (yamas and niyamas), physical postures (asanas), breath-work (pranayama), meditation (dhyana), and ultimate liberation (samadhi).
- Qigong, especially in Daoist traditions, focuses on three harmonizations: body (posture/movements), breath-work, and mind (meditation).
Both systems cultivate mindfulness, promoting an integrated approach to well-being.
Spiritual Growth and Enlightenment
- Yoga seeks moksha (liberation)—freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara) through self-discipline, meditation, and self-inquiry.
- Qigong (particularly Daoist and Buddhist versions) seeks immortality or spiritual refinement, emphasizing longevity and the transformation of the self through energy work.
Despite differences in terminology, both aim for spiritual elevation and inner peace.
3. The Obvious Similarities in Practices of Yoga and Qigong
The physical and meditative practices of yoga and qigong overlap significantly in terms of movement, breathing, and meditation techniques.
Breath Control (Pranayama vs. Tu Na)
- Pranayama (Yoga): Techniques like Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) and Kapalabhati (breath of fire) cultivate and regulate prana and cleanse energy channels.
- Tu Na (Qigong): Also practice alternate nostril breathing and other similar breathing techniques used to cultivate and regulate qi and direct energy through the meridians.
Both systems recognize breath as a powerful tool for healing and consciousness expansion.
Postures and Movement (Asanas vs. Qigong Forms)
- Yoga asanas focus on flexibility, strength, flowing and static holding of postures with the breath, to balance the body and mind, and cultivate prana.
- Qigong forms uses more gentle flowing movements, and static holding, to harmonize qi with the breath, also cultivating flexibility, strength, and qi for overall well-being.
Certain qigong movements, such as “Ba Duan Jin” (Eight Brocades), bear striking resemblances to yogic postures in their emphasis on spinal alignment, breath coordination, and meditative focus.
Meditation and Mindfulness
Both traditions emphasize meditation as a key practice:
- Yoga uses a variety of meditation techniques including mantra, dhyana (concentration), visualization, and mindfulness techniques to reach higher states of consciousness.
- Qigong also incorporates stillness meditation (Zhan Zhuang), visualization, and sound vibrations to refine and guide qi.
Both emphasize being present, cultivating awareness, and achieving a calm open mind.
4. Influence of Indian Philosophy on Qigong
Indian yogic philosophy likely influenced qigong through:
- Buddhism’s spread into China, bringing yogic meditation and breath-work.
- Bodhidharma’s teachings at Shaolin, blending Indian and Chinese health practices.
- Similarities in breath control, energy flow, and meditative focus across both traditions.
This cross-cultural exchange led to an integration of yogic prana concepts into qigong’s energy work, showing a deep connection between these traditions.
The Candle
I recently found another interesting comparison that will make sense to those who have in-depth knowledge of Indian and Chinese philosophy. In yogic philosophy, the image of an oil candle or lamp is often used to explain the interplay of the gunas, the three energies or qualities that make up the world. Tamas being represented by the sturdy basin, rajas being the oil, and sattva being the wick. I recently read a similar analogy relating to the three energies in the Qigong path of the Dao, which reminded me of the gunas and the oil candle. This one described Jing (essence) as the wick of the candle, the Qi (vitality) as the flame, and the Shen (spirit) as the light radiating from the burning candle. Both traditions emphasize the importance and balance of these three qualities, as integral to human life, and the world.
Conclusion: Yoga and Qigong
While yoga and qigong originate from different cultures, their similarities in history, philosophy, and practices highlight a shared wisdom in cultivating energy, mindfulness, and spiritual growth. The historical transmission of yogic ideas into China influenced qigong, contributing to its rich tapestry of breath-work, movement, and meditation.
Both practices remain highly relevant today, offering holistic pathways to health, longevity, and enlightenment. Whether one chooses yoga, qigong, or a combination of both, these disciplines continue to provide profound benefits for body, mind, and spirit, and are both a form of moving meditation.
However, there is a mistaken belief held by some, that both yoga and qigong are soft, gentle forms of exercise. Holding poses or flowing in movement, in either tradition, can be extremely taxing on the body, not to mention the discipline required for the breathing and meditation exercises. So don’t be fooled! There are different styles of yoga and of qigong, so I recommend trying them out, and if you don’t enjoy one, try another, or a different teacher. Stick with it for a little while to see if you begin to appreciate the ancient wisdom that has brought endless benefits to so many.
If you are interested in practicing qigong and yoga with Charlie join her 2025 retreat HERE.
