1. QI GONG

More than movement. Understand the practice.

Qi Gong is an ancient Chinese practice that brings together movement, breath, awareness and intention to cultivate Qi. At saigon om, we go beyond learning the movements. We explore the principles behind the practice — drawing from Traditional Chinese Medicine, mindfulness and movement science to help you understand what you are doing, why you are doing it, and what you can feel.

2. WHAT IS QI GONG?

A practice of cultivating Qi

Qi Gong (氣功) can be translated as the practice or cultivation of Qi. Some practices are flowing and dynamic. Others are quiet and still. We may move, stand, breathe, soften, root or simply observe. But Qi Gong is more than a sequence of movements to remember. As our practice deepens, we begin to notice how we stand, how we breathe, where we hold tension and how we move through the world. The movements are the doorway. The practice is what we discover through them.

3. OUR APPROACH

Ancient wisdom. Mindful awareness. Modern understanding.

We are curious about both the traditional teachings of Qi Gong and what a modern understanding of the body can teach us. Rather than following movements without understanding them, we explore Qi Gong through four interconnected lenses.

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE

Qi, Yin-Yang, the Five Elements, meridians and seasonal practices give us a traditional framework for understanding the energetic nature of Qi Gong.

MINDFULNESS

Awareness transforms movement into practice. We learn to listen to the body, notice our habitual patterns and cultivate presence rather than simply performing a form.

MOVEMENT SCIENCE

Anatomy, biomechanics and fascia give us another way to explore posture, movement, balance, mobility and whole-body connection.

EMBODIED PRACTICE

Understanding is important. Feeling is equally important. We explore, practice, observe and experience these principles directly in our own bodies.

4. TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE + QI GONG

Understanding the energetic roots of the practice

Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a rich framework for understanding the body, nature and our relationship with the changing world around us. Through Qi Gong, we explore concepts such as Qi, Yin-Yang, the Five Elements, meridians and the relationship between the seasons and our practice. These ideas give context to the movements and can also help us understand how emotional imbalance may arise and how our emotions are connected to our physical and energetic state.

  1. Why might we practice differently in winter than in summer?

  2. Why do certain movements traditionally relate to particular organs or meridians?

  3. How might emotional patterns, stress or imbalance show up in the body?

  4. What can our emotions teach us about what needs attention, support or care?

  5. What does it mean to cultivate, circulate or conserve Qi?

Our intention is not to turn Qi Gong students into Chinese medicine practitioners. It is to give you enough understanding to make your Qi Gong practice richer, more thoughtful and more meaningful — while developing a deeper awareness of your emotions and the ways they influence your wellbeing.

5. MOVEMENT SCIENCE + QI GONG

Looking at the body through another lens.

Traditional wisdom gives us one way of understanding the body. Modern movement science gives us another. At saigon om, we are interested in both. We explore anatomy, biomechanics and fascia alongside traditional ideas such as rooting, relaxation and whole-body connection.

  1. How does the foot create a stable foundation?

  2. How does the pelvis influence the spine?

  3. What happens when we stop using unnecessary muscular effort?

  4. How might fascia help us understand the feeling of connection through the whole body?

We don't need modern science to prove ancient teachings, nor do we need ancient teachings to explain everything we understand about anatomy. Instead, we stay curious. Different perspectives can help us experience the same practice with fresh eyes.

6. LEARN & PRACTICE WITH US

Take your practice further. Whether you are discovering Qi Gong for the first time or have been practicing for years, there are many ways to continue exploring with us. Join us for seasonal Qi Gong courses, Tai Chi, special workshops and deeper explorations of Traditional Chinese Medicine, fascia, movement and mindful practice.

COURSES & WORKSHOPS →

 

QI GONG TEACHER TRAINING

Ready to go deeper? Our Qi Gong Teacher Training Levels 1–4 are designed for practitioners and wellness professionals who want to understand the practice deeply — whether you intend to teach or simply wish to deepen your own journey.

EXPLORE TEACHER TRAINING →