Qigong is a time-tested practice that blends skillful movement, mindful absorption and deep, slow breathing. While firmly rooted in the tradition of Chinese medicine, it also serves as a manual for exploring the wider world of mindful movement. The cultivation and integration of body, breath and mind has been practiced in China since early times, and more recently these techniques have been taught and practiced in the West. Some of its practitioners favor quietness, stillness and deep presence. Others are drawn to the more physical rewards of a strong, aligned and balanced body, and especially to ‘internal’ martial arts such as tai chi — the training of soft but powerful movement. Qigong requires no special equipment or clothes, is free, and can be practiced anywhere. This book explains where qigong comes from, the philosophies behind it and the growing body of scientific research that illuminates it. It is also a how-to book, and because trying to learn qigong from illustrations and written instructions is challenging, the author has included links throughout this book to dozens of demonstration videos.