As the lead health and wellness specialist at FindItHealth, I’m committed to helping you make informed decisions about natural therapies.

In a 2010 study by Jahnke et al., Qigong was found to activate the body’s natural self-regulatory system, promoting natural health and recovery.

A traditional Chinese practice, Qigong, has gained popularity among contemporary practitioners. With its gentle rhythms, qigong seamlessly combines body postures, breathing techniques, and focused intentions to nurture healing and vitality. 

However, to truly unlock qigong’s potential, it’s essential to work with a reputable practitioner. This ensures you’re on the right track and can fully harness its benefits. 

Online Qigong Classes

If you’re keen on diving into online qigong courses, consider these resources:

• Specialized Qigong Websites: Many websites are dedicated exclusively to Qigong, offering a mix of online classes, video libraries, or even live sessions.
• Mainstream Learning Platforms: Sites like Udemy, Coursera, and Skillshare house a plethora of courses on diverse subjects, including qigong. A simple “qigong” search on these platforms can reveal a range of courses tailored for you.
• YouTube: This platform is a goldmine for qigong enthusiasts. Numerous instructors upload free tutorials, comprehensive routines, and insightful lessons. A quick search can lead you to quality content tailored to your pace.
• Your Local Studios and Gyms: Many traditional brick-and-mortar studios and gyms have adapted to the digital age, especially post-COVID-19, offering online renditions of their classes. It’s worth scanning their websites or reaching out directly to inquire about online options.
• Holistic Online Platforms: Several online wellness platforms or apps now incorporate qigong into their diverse offerings. Exploring platforms centered on holistic health, meditation, or general fitness might surprise you with their qigong content.
• Social Media: Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are not just about photos and updates. Many qigong instructors utilize them for live classes, tutorials, and workshops. Keeping tabs on popular qigong figures could open doors to fresh learning opportunities.
• Word of Mouth: Never underestimate the power of personal recommendations. Be it through wellness forums, community boards, or simply among friends and family, you might stumble upon some hidden gems.

Online Resources

Embarking on your qigong journey? You may find these online resources to be incredibly helpful:

Websites

• Qigong Institute

Established in 1988, the Qigong Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the scientific comprehension of qigong. As a hub for qigong and tai chi news and research, it aids practitioners, researchers, and enthusiasts. Its mission is to seamlessly connect the wisdom of ancient practices with the insights of Western medicine.

• National Qigong Association (NQA)

Serving as a beacon for the qigong community, the NQA is a premier non-profit that brings together qigong aficionados. It offers rich educational experiences through its events and conferences. With a commitment to integrity, the NQA provides certification for instructors, curates a professional directory, and harmoniously blends age-old traditions with contemporary necessities, all the while highlighting the scientifically backed practices of qigong and tai chi.

Online Forums and Communities

You can discover qigong literature on platforms like Reddit or niche forums focused on traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts. These communities are often populated by qigong enthusiasts who share book recommendations or engage in in-depth healing practices. They can reveal both popular and hidden gems in qigong literature by using their expertise.

Online Retailers and Libraries

• Amazon: As a behemoth in the online retail space, Amazon boasts a comprehensive collection of qigong-centric books. Whether you’re an e-reader enthusiast or prefer a tangible book, their inventory has got you covered. Plus, their review system and “Look Inside” feature can give you a sneak peek before committing to a purchase.
• Book Depository: With an expansive qigong book selection and the perk of free global shipping, it’s a haven for international readers.
• Google Books: This resource by Google lets you peruse a myriad of books and magazines they’ve digitized. It’s especially handy for catching excerpts or previewing content. Occasionally, you might even stumble upon entire qigong books from yesteryears.
• Online Libraries: Venture into platforms like Open Library or Project Gutenberg, where older, public domain texts might shine a light on qigong or related fields.

How To Find Good Qigong Training Online

When seeking top-notch qigong training online, here’s what to bear in mind:

Credentials

Always vet the instructor’s credentials. Where did they receive their training? Are they certified by notable institutions or associations? Instructor certification programs typically uphold a strict code of ethics or set professional standards. Staying true to these guidelines is a hallmark of integrity and expertise.

Experience

Learn about their teaching and practicing history. An instructor seasoned in qigong likely grasps its subtleties and intricacies. Certain certifications even mandate a specific duration of practice, say two years or so, as a prerequisite.

Teaching Style

Find an experienced practitioner whose style jives with your learning preference. While some stay true to time-honored methods, others might weave in contemporary techniques. Also, identify the primary goal of their qigong style. 

This could range from medical qigong, martial qigong, or spiritual qigong.

Foundations

A stellar course will immerse you in the roots of qigong, imparting its rich history, underlying philosophy, and guiding principles.

Techniques

Opt for comprehensive training encompassing a spectrum of qigong exercises, from the static postures (whether standing or seated) to the fluid, dynamic movements.

Breathing and Meditation

At the heart of qigong is the synergy of breath and meditation. A worthwhile course seamlessly integrates these elements, teaching you the essence of both.

Detailed Guidance

Clarity is paramount. Look for courses that offer lucid, thorough instructions, ensuring you grasp the significance, mechanics, and precautions of each movement.

Visual Aid

High-resolution videos showcasing varied angles can be instrumental in mastering precise postures and sequences.

Flexibility

Opt for platforms compatible across devices, allowing you to immerse in your practice anytime, anywhere.

Supplementary Materials

Top-tier courses often sweeten the deal with instant access to resources, such as e-books, insightful articles, or video series, enhancing your understanding.

Feedback Channels

The opportunity to interact with the instructor or receive periodic evaluations on your form and progress can be invaluable. This feedback loop ensures you’re on the right track.

Community Vibes

Courses fostering a sense of community through forums or discussion groups are gems. They provide avenues to exchange stories, queries, and insights with like-minded enthusiasts.

Safety First

Exceptional training underscores safety, detailing potential risks linked to specific exercises and suggesting alternatives suited for varied health profiles.

Reviews and Testimonials

Previous students’ feedback can offer a candid snapshot of the course quality and the instructor’s approach.

Value for Money

Quality training is undoubtedly worth the investment, but it’s essential to balance cost with the depth and breadth of content offered. Keep an eye out for platforms that present scholarships, enticing discounts, or even free trial periods.

Sustained Growth

Seek out online programs that cater to continued advancement and lifetime access to materials. Choosing those that offer progressive courses or extended learning avenues means you can deepen your qigong expertise without the hassle of hopping between different platforms or instructors.

Chinese Medicine Theory

Chinese medicine is a time-honored holistic system grounded in millennia of tradition. It perceives the body as a dance between two intertwined forces: yin and yang. When these energies harmonize, we flourish in health. 

Central to this belief is the flow of life force, or qi, coursing through pathways known as meridians. Illness emerges when this flow faces obstacles or imbalances. 

Remedies range from acupuncture and herbal concoctions to therapies like cupping and qigong. This philosophy champions a comprehensive view, weaving together the mind, body, and the surrounding world in both diagnosis and healing sessions.

Daoist Studies & Internal Energetic Arts

Daoist studies explore the depths of ancient Chinese philosophies and spiritual paths, centered around harmonizing with the Dao — a universal force or journey. This profound wisdom shapes various disciplines that champion balance, extended vitality, and serene introspection. 

Rooted in Daoist teachings, the Internal Energetic Arts emphasize nurturing and harmonizing one’s intrinsic energy levels, known as qi. Practices like qigong, tai chi, and Neigong blend breathwork, contemplative meditation, and graceful movements to channel qi seamlessly across the body’s energy highways. 

By syncing with the Dao and fine-tuning this inner energy, devotees pursue physical rejuvenation, spiritual evolution, and an enriched bond with nature.

Adding to this tapestry, Quanzhen Daoists notably wove together elements of Buddhism and Confucian thought. Merging the Buddhist ethos of transcendence, Confucian moral codes, and Daoist pursuits of longevity, they carved a pathway to tap into a grand cosmic truth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you learn Qigong online by yourself?

Yes. Numerous esteemed instructors offer online courses, presenting techniques with vivid demonstrations. But, while digital learning is convenient, it often misses real-time feedback, which might result in subtle oversights in posture or technique. It’s wise to complement online lessons with occasional in-person workshops, enriching your overall learning journey.

Is online Qigong easier than online Tai Chi?

While diving into online lessons, many find the simple motions of qigong more intuitive. In contrast, the nuanced postures and sequences of tai chi may demand a keener eye, proving a bit tricky without face-to-face guidance. As highlighted, it’s recommended to couple online materials with in-person sessions, especially when venturing into advanced techniques.

How do I start practicing Qigong?

Here are some steps and considerations to set you on the right path:

Mindset

• Approach qigong with a receptive heart, eager to dive into and savor this unique discipline.
• Commitment is key. Carve out regular moments to nurture and evolve your qigong journey.

Clothing & Environment

• Opt for relaxed, breathable attire that champions free movement.
• Seek a serene, distraction-free spot for practice. Both nature’s embrace outdoors and a quiet corner indoors can be perfect.

Physical Preparations

• Initiate with gentle stretches to awaken your body and amplify flexibility.
• Grasp the essence of qigong’s stance and alignment to guarantee optimal energy flow and sidestep injuries.

Breathing

• Center on diaphragmatic breathing; mastering this breath control is pivotal to qigong.
• Hydrate before and post-practice to refresh your body.

Should I learn Qigong or Tai Chi online?

The beauty of learning tai chi and qigong online lies in the vast array of courses and instructors catering to various styles. While group settings suit many, others find solace and focus in the comfort of home learning or online private sessions.

However, it’s essential to tread with caution online. Amidst the wealth of information, there’s potential for misinformation. Always ensure your chosen qigong master or platform boasts a strong reputation and expertise.

Conclusion

In response to Find It Health’s extensive research and analysis, online platforms dedicated to health and wellness have flourished due to technological advancements and a global shift towards holistic well-being. This trend caters to people craving convenient, self-paced learning—a direct countermeasure to our modern lives marred by stress, inactivity, and a yearning for inner tranquility.

As findings suggest, web-based programs can indeed boost physical activity levels, making an online qigong class a promising venture. 

It is important to note that even though qigong boasts many proponents, its effectiveness is largely based on anecdotal evidence and should never replace medical care. Always consult a healthcare professional before incorporating these practices into your daily regimen,