How Qigong and Reiki Complement Each Other
I’ve always been fascinated by the Chinese energy practice of Qigong (pronounced chee gong) and its similarity to Reiki. I’m not trained in Qigong but I sometimes share some Qigong-based grounding and healing techniques with students. I also own several books by Master Lin of Spring Forest Qigong, which I find really insightful.
Both Qigong and Reiki are practices that work with our life force energy. They come from different cultural roots, yet they share the same core understanding:
When our life force energy flows freely, we feel well. When it’s blocked, it causes illness.
The Origins
Reiki originates from Japan and works with universal life force energy (Rei = universal, Ki = life energy). In Reiki, we channel this energy gently through the hands to support balance, relaxation and initiate the body's natural ability to heal itself.
Qigong originates from ancient Chinese medicine, which also works with Qi (life energy) through movement, breathwork and visualisation to cultivate, strengthen and circulate energy throughout the body.
Incidentally, the Japanese Kanji for ‘Ki’, seen below in the top image, is the same as the Chinese Kanji for ‘Qi’, seen in the bottom image.
Reiki
Calms the nervous system and
softens the body into healing
Works through stillness and presence
Encourages emotional release and energetic realignment
Qigong
Gently wakes the body up and builds energy capacity
Works through mindful movement and breath
Strengthens the physical channels through which energy flows
How they complement each other
Reiki is more still, receptive and hands-on, whereas Qigong is generally more active, embodied and movement-based. They complement each other beautifully, as both practices help us reconnect to our energy and our body.
Together, they offer a balanced, holistic energy practice.
Many of us carry stored tension, emotions and fear in our bodies. Reiki offers softness and permission to rest. Whereas Qigong gently reminds the body how to move energy again.
Both practices invite us to remember that healing isn’t something we have to force. It’s something that unfolds naturally when we create the right conditions - when we slow down, breathe, reconnect with our bodies and allow energy to move.
Whether through the stillness of Reiki or the gentle flow of Qigong, we’re not adding anything new to ourselves; we’re simply uncovering what was always there.
If this piques your interest, perhaps try incorporating even a few moments of mindful breath or slow movement into your day and notice how your energy responds.
Enjoy your practice.
With love and light
Gwen x
