The word Qigong literally means Energy Work. Qi = Energy and gong = work. I was told that this word only came into being during the 1980’s, but in fact many Chinese Qigong movements are quite ancient. Qigong movements can be very slow and Tai Chi like, or can be quite vigorous like sit-ups or push-ups. When performed as Qigong, there is always an emphasis on the energetic aspects of the movements. The movements can be internal and sometimes only internal, as in Meditation. Some basic sets of Qigong are called Tai Chi Qigong, and they look very similar to individual Tai Chi movements. Very often Qigong combines 3 elements: a movement, the breath and the energetic intention. It is the inclusion of the energetic intention that makes Qigong both unique and very powerful. When combining these 3 elements, Tai Chi itself becomes an advanced form of Qigong.