qigong

Where does the word "qigong" come from? It comes from Chinese qìgōng, and was adopted directly into English (1970s-1980s).

Qigong’s story begins in Chinese: qìgōng meant “practice for cultivating life energy.” Combining 'qi' (life energy) and 'gong' (skill/practice), naming a system of breathing and movement exercises. It reached English by 1970s-1980s as qigong. Borrowed as Chinese exercise and healing traditions spread to the West. Today, qigong means a Chinese practice combining breathing, gentle movement, and meditation to cultivate life energy.

1. Stage 1 · Chinese · 20th century qìgōng "practice for cultivating life energy", combining 'qi' (life energy) and 'gong' (skill/practice), naming a system of breathing and movement exercises.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1970s-1980s qigong "a Chinese system of coordinated breathing, movement, and meditation", borrowed as Chinese exercise and healing traditions spread to the West.