Chi Kung may be defined as "any training or study concerned with 'chi' which requires effort". The practices that most people refer to when using the term are those physical and mental exercises which utilise Chi energy trained in, before, during or after T'ai Chi classes.

'Chi' is a difficult concept for many people but if we equate it with 'Prana' of the Indian Yogic Systems, 'vitality', 'orgone energy', or 'The Quantum Field' of modern physics, we are really talking about the same thing. However, we could very well say that there is ONLY Chi (life energy) in the universe, and its manifestations are infinite, from the most subtle to the most dense; from the most super-subtle subjective states of consciousness to the densest form of matter in the material universe.

The word 'Kung' (gong) is a relatively modern term, and refers to the effort and time required in order to accomplish a particular task. Therefore, Chi Kung can mean "energy exercise", "internal energy exercise" or "energy-work performed over a period of time" for the purpose of self-transformation.

There are many types of Chi Kung exercise, but they can be divided into a small number of main styles such as 'medical', 'martial art', 'Buddhist' and 'Taoist'. Today the best known forms are 'The Eight Pieces of Brocade', 'Wild Goose' and 'Five Animal Frolics'.

Chi Kung has been known by many names throughout Chinese history. In ancient times it was called 'Expelling the Old Energy, Drawing in the New', 'Moving the Qi', 'Nourishing the Forces of Life' and 'Inner Achievement'. Most commonly it was known as Dao-Yin - 'Leading and Guiding the Energy'.

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