A bit about the health benefits & history of qigong

Rooted in nature, shaped by wisdom

Qigong originally grew through inspiration from nature—the earth, sky, and all living beings—encouraging people to live in harmony with their environment. Over time it has been influenced by various wisdom traditions including Daoism, Buddhism, and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

While qigong encompasses spiritual dimensions, it is not a religion. Think of qigong as the sturdy trunk of a vibrant tree, with various branches representing different systems and approaches—all offering valuable benefits.

Martha leading a qigong class in hawaii to a group of students

Qigong (pronounced “chee gung”) is an ancient Chinese healing art that integrates physical movement, breathing techniques, and focused intention to cultivate life energy. Suitable for all ages and abilities, qigong can be practiced standing, seated, or lying down.

This simple yet profound practice enhances self-healing abilities and promotes physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Many practitioners report feelings of harmony, tranquility, and a deeper connection to life’s purpose.

Connecting to life’s purpose

Our practices

At Qigong for Life, we offer diverse practices designed to maximize benefits for students


This system is easily accessible and highly effective. It was created by Dr. Pang Ming, an extraordinary qigong Grandmaster. He founded the largest physician-staffed energy-healing hospital in China where Zhineng Qigong was used to study body-mind science and its applications to self-healing.

The Zhineng Qigong Center, which closed in 2001 due to government policies, treated more than 200,000 patients. Patients came to the Center with over 185 different diseases. Over 95% of patients reported improvement. Results from the data collected at the Center are described in this paper. Insights from Dr. Pang’s 1994 interview remain informative and inspiring.

Zhineng Qigong Practices offered by Qigong for Life include: 

  • Organizing the Qi Field Meditation
  • Lift Qi Up, Pour Qi Down Form
  • Body-Mind Method Form
  • Three Center Standing Meditation
  • HYLT Mantra
  • Hun Yuan and Yi Yuan Ti Theory

Activates digestion, promotes flexibility and fitness, stimulates circulation in the lower back, and generates qi in the lower dantian to strengthen your whole being.

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A variety of techniques to address specific imbalances from injuries, illness, emotional upsets, or trauma. These practices activate self-healing abilities, release imbalances, strengthen the body, regulate the nervous system, and enhance the immune system.

A full-body practice with graceful movements to align and strengthen the skeletal system—including the skull, cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebra. Through gentle movements and powerful guided visualizations, agility, balance, and posture are enhanced.

Designed to activate the three main energy centers (dantians) in the body, enhancing connection with nature while reducing stress and balancing the brain. These exercises promote overall wellness while enhancing lung function.

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“The more I practice, the more I am able to  feel and visualize the qi energy. And having a group to practice with  makes everything easier and more joyful.”

M. S. – Artist

Types of Qigong

Self-Healing & Medical

Focused on cultivating self-healing abilities to prevent and recover from illness while enhancing vitality and balance. Many practitioners experience relief from pain and stress in their first class.

Spiritual Qigong

Non-religious practices combining movement and meditation to deepen your connection with physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of life—promoting inner peace and oneness.

Energy Healing & Clinical

Trained practitioners transmit Qi to clients for healing and offer personalized recommendations for exercises, nutrition, and meditations to restore balance.

Martial Qigong

Emphasizes development of defensive skills through graceful, grounded, and agile movements. While rooted in martial traditions, these practices benefit anyone seeking to develop strength, coordination, and body awareness.

“Cultivating one’s life energy (Qi) is important, but nurturing one’s spirit is paramount. Mastery of Qi is truly achieved through mastery of consciousness. We use consciousness with care and intention to shape our life and reach our goals. While the term Qi may seem mystifying to modern individuals, in contemporary terms, Qigong represents the refinement of consciousness to enhance the energy of the body. This leads to vibrant health, a harmonious body and mind, and an awakened spiritual life.” 

Dr. Ming Pang, Originator of Zhineng Qigong

What our students have to say

  • “The more I practice qigong, the more I realize  how I have only scratched the surface of the powerful layered benefits  and possibilities this lifelong practice can offer. I am grateful for  blessings that qigong continues to bring me including our sweet qigong  community and Martha for her wisdom and radiant awareness that  continues to inspire to me.”
    R.M.
    Editor and Feng Shui Consultant
  • “Zhineng qigong has made such a difference in my life on many  levels. With the consistency of my practice, it is now such a direct line  of universal energy that runs through my body, bringing it into a calm  and tranquil state. In that state, the universal knowledge and energy  is accessible which allows information in, and things become easy and  effortless, full of energy for the good of all.” 
    J. W.
    HHP

Disclaimer: The information provided by Martha Blane, Qigong for Life and the team of Qigong for Life is intended for educational and personal development purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice, diagnosis, or treatments of your physician or other healthcare provider. We encourage you to seek advice from your qualified medical professional or physician to determine if qigong is appropriate for you. Always listen to your body, modify movements as needed, and stop if you experience any pain or discomfort.