Yoga meets qigong
A journey of movement, energy and grounding
Yoga and Qigong might come from different traditions, but they share a deep intention: to support well-being (physical, emotional, spiritual) through movement, breath, awareness and energy. They feel different in the body — and that’s part of what makes them so beautifully complementary. In this article, I’ll explore some key differences and similarities, and share how both have shaped and deepened my own practice over the past 15 years.
A Little History: Yoga's Shifting Shape
Many people come to yoga for the stretch and the calm. That’s often what draws us in — and it’s also worth remembering that the yoga many of us encounter today has been shaped by recent history as much as ancient wisdom.
Modern postural yoga (especially in the West) was strongly influenced by Scandinavian gymnastics and British military training. In the UK, the Inner London Education Authority (ILEA) recognised the benefits of yoga but stipulated that it be taught without reference to its spiritual roots. That influence still lingers in some approaches today, particularly in the Iyengar system.
But at its heart, yoga is a spiritual path — its true goal is liberation (moksha). As a practice, it invites us to explore the layers of being, known in yogic philosophy as the koshas: the physical body, breath body, emotional body, mental body, and spiritual (or bliss) body.
Qigong: Harmony with Nature
Qigong, meanwhile, is rooted in Daoist thought and traditional Chinese medicine. It’s a practice of aligning with nature — cultivating internal balance so we can harmonise with the rhythms of the world around us.
In Daoist belief, the universe is already whole. Nature is seen as innately balanced, and humans are a microcosm of that greater wholeness. Qigong works by harmonising the energies within our body so that we can feel more connected, both inwardly and outwardly. It’s considered a healing art — in China, it's classified as preventative medicine and also used as a therapeutic tool.
Qigong addresses both body and spirit. It works gently, yet profoundly, to refine the qualities of both.
So, What’s the Difference Between Yoga and Qigong?
How They Feel in the Body
Speaking in general terms, yoga asanas (postures) tend to be more linear: stretching and extending the limbs and trunk in two directions. Qigong movements are softer and rounder, with a focus on circular, relaxed motion. Movements are usually slow, rhythmic and repetitive. There’s less emphasis on complex bodily shapes and more attention to how the mind directs the qi (energy) through intention.
For me, one of the most fascinating aspects is how the direction of energy differs. In Qigong, energy is encouraged to sink towards the earth, creating a grounded, rooted presence. In yoga, energy often moves upward through the spine, expressing expansion and uplift.
When I began practising Qigong, I was amazed by the strength and stability that came from sinking energy. It completely changed the way I experienced Tadasana (mountain pose) — from a striving upward stretch to a rooted, radiant vertical presence.
In yoga, there is a sophisticated understanding of how prana moves in different directions — but in practice, these distinctions can be overlooked. Qigong, by contrast, makes the direction of energy an explicit, foundational part of each movement.
Discovering Qigong Through Yoga
I first encountered Qigong through yoga. I’d had a long-standing yoga practice when a teacher began introducing elements of Qigong into her classes. I was instantly hooked. It felt different — slower, softer, but deeply profound. I went to a workshop, and something clicked. I knew I wanted to go deeper. That was over 15 years ago, and I’ve been practising both ever since.
Over the years, I explored weaving the two together — blending the stillness of one with the flow of the other. I used to fuse them quite freely, and found joy in the creative interplay between the two. But more recently, I’ve come to appreciate the distinct rhythm and feel of each practice. I now tend to practise them side by side — one after the other — really allowing each tradition to impart its own wisdom, energetic texture and spaciousness. This slower, more attentive approach has deepened how I sense their effects: how Qigong grounds and harmonises me, and how yoga lifts and refines my awareness.
Why Practise Both?
Each practice has something different to offer. Practising both can:
Support different aspects of your energy body
Offer multiple tools for grounding and regulation
Balance strength with softness, structure with spontaneity
Help you connect with nature, spirit and self
Provide fresh insight and inspiration across traditions
As a teacher and practitioner, I work through the koshas — body, breath, energy, mind, and spirit — using both traditions to explore and nourish these layers.
Qigong has a particularly profound effect on my mind and mood. Yoga helps me feel clear and expansive. Together, they help me stay grounded, curious, and in conversation with my energy.
🌿 Curious to Try Both?
With over 35 years of combined practice and teaching in yoga and Qigong, I’ve seen how these arts beautifully support mind-body wellness, grounding, and creative energy. Whether you’re new to either practice or looking to deepen your connection, exploring both can offer profound benefits.
If this article has sparked your interest, I’d love to welcome you to one of my classes or workshops in Bournemouth. I teach both Qigong and yoga in a way that is supportive, inclusive, and rooted in tradition — but with space for play and exploration. Together, we can explore movement, breath, and energy in a way that feels balanced and deeply nourishing.
👉 Visit my classes page or sign up to my newsletter to find out what’s coming up.
Image by Avi Chomotovski from Pixabay