Difference Between Qigong and Yoga?

Posted 26 oct. 2020

There are often comparisons between Yoga and Qi-Gong. Both systems have been around for thousands of years, created for specific purposes and both have their own merits. It will not be fair to compare the two but for those who wish to know the difference, here are 5 differences that can give a fair understanding of both systems. While there are many dimensions to Yoga and Qigong systems, we will be limiting our comparison to the practice of yoga asana & qigong forms as they are currently being practiced.

1. Static vs Dynamic postures: Yoga tends to focus more on “Static” physical postures or asanas. Qigong focuses on “Dynamic” physical movements in coordination with the breath and mind in its exercises. Yoga requires you to hold a posture for a few seconds. Qigong on the other hands is a continuous flowing movement.

2. Gentle vs Brisk movements: Qigong movements are slower and gentler than yoga movements. For yoga you may need slightly more athleticism than you will need for Qigong. Yoga requires a certain amount of strength and flexibility to perform. It is more demanding physical movements than Qigong. The gentle paced moves of Qigong flows from one movement to another, hence can be easily practiced by people of all age groups.

3. Breath-work & Meditation: In yoga the breath is stabilized while assuming a particular posture and in advanced meditative levels the breath is held for some time. The objective of qi-gong is to harmonize one’s breath with the free flowing motion thereby achieving a meditative state while being in motion. Moreover the breath is seldom held in most qi-gong practices since the idea is to lengthen & deepen the breath while performing actions. In yoga meditation one uses abdominal breathing i.e. normal breathing, while qi-gong meditative practices require a special type of Daoist breathing known as “Reverse breathing” or “Dan-tian breathing. (This topic will be covered in detail in future articles)

4. Physical abilities vs limitations: Performing yoga postures may require some amount of agility, strength and flexibility which makes it a bit difficult as age progresses and for those with physical limitations. Anyone of any level of mobility can perform the slow and flowing movements of Qigong, even those in a wheelchair or those with severe physical limitations. This makes it easier for people to practice qigong despite of their physical limitations which start manifesting beyond a certain age limit.

5. Mobility and Balance: Moving in the physical world requires one to have good control over one’s mobility skills & sense of balance while being in motion. There are specific yoga balance postures but not every asana in yoga incorporates a balance element to it. Since most Qigong moves are dynamic, nearly every Qigong exercise improves your balance in some way.

Qigong, when practiced regularly, can make you very strong and fit. It will unblock stagnant Qi and allow it to flow more freely so that your health improves. Do bear in mind though that Qigong does not offer you instant gratification. Significant results in terms of health are achieved over a long period of time. You should instantly feel more relaxed and recharged when you practice Qigong though!

Begin your Qi-Gong journey with India Qi-Gong Academy’s first module of VITAL QI-GONG..