Chi gong has roots that reach back amongst the most ancient Chinese practices. However, its recent popularity came about during Mao Zedong’s Cultural Revolution. With a ban on conventional religions and a lack of health care, chi gong grew among the population as a practice that was both beneficial to health a slightly spiritualality.

The practice centers on the chi, which translates to “breath” or “life energy.” The chi is carried throughout the body by movement and concentration, focusing the mind on the present rather than on things that may cause stress. The movements are often soft and slow and when you focus only on the movement, everything else seems to fall away.

Beyond normal aches and pains, chi gong is also used as a self-healing treatment for arthritis and even cancer.

Dr. Yan Xin, known for his scientific research into chi gong, has found conclusive evidence backing the almost mystical healing powers tied to the practice. One of his studies proved that external emission of chi from a chi gong master can alter the molecular structure of water, along with those of saline and glucose solutions, DNA and RNA. An example of this can be seen in the popular documentary, “What the Bleep Do We Know.” The film shows pictures of water crystals taken through microscopes. Normal water crystals look amorphous, while the ones that have been affected with the emission of chi have rigid geometric shapes, much like snowflakes.

Guo Ling, who was diagnosed with uterine cancer in 1949, made the use of chi gong a treatment for cancer popular. Since her case, she has gone on to lead people diagnosed with cancer to better health and quality of living.