The Chinese character for Chi in Chi Gung means air or energy. Gung means discipline or skill, so Chi Gung can be described as breath or energy skill. Chi Gung is an internal Chinese meditative practice which uses slow graceful movements and controlled breathing techniques to promote the circulation of Chi within the human body, and enhance the practitioner's overall health. Although Chi Gung is often confused with martial arts or tai chi, Chi Gung is usually much slower and focuses on the Chi aspect to a much greater degree. With several thousand styles of Chi Gung and 200 million people practicing there are a variety of methods. There are three main reasons why people do Chi Gung: 1) To gain strength and performance, improve health or reverse a disease 2) To gain skill working with Chi so as to become a healer 3) To become more connected with the Tao, God, Great Spirit or Buddha for a more meaningful connection with nature and the universe.
Today tens of millions of people in China and around the world regularly practice Chi Gung as a health maintenance exercise. Chi Gung and related disciplines are still associated with the martial arts and meditation routines practiced by Taoist and Buddhist monks, professional martial artists, and their students. Once more closely guarded, in the modern era such practices have become widely available to the general public both in China and around the world.
Medical Chi Gung treatment has been officially recognized as a standard medical technique in Chinese hospitals since 1989. It has been included in the curriculum of major universities in China. After years of debate, the Chinese government decided to officially manage Chi Gung through government regulation in 1996 and has also listed Chi Gung as part of their National Health Plan.