Qi Gong sessions usually last around one hour, which includes 30-40 minutes of instruction and possibly an external Qi treatment. The instruction includes warm-up exercises where the instructor teaches movements, postures and mental exercises, along with proper breathing techniques to strengthen and tone the body. This in turn improves the flow of energy. Cool-down exercises are also utilized to ensure the muscles are properly wound down. Patients are expected to notify the practitioner of any existing medical condition that might require attention or serve as a contra-indication to therapy.

Qi Gong enthusiasts can begin teacher training from the ground level, with nothing but an interest in the field. They are required to obtain certification through a recognized program. Though individual courses may differ, classes are generally spread over a minimum of two or three hours per week, whereby students log between 250-750 hours of practice, read required books and write a thesis (25-75 pages long). Students also need to document the completion of at least one semester of anatomy and physiology. Those who are already practitioners or have some experience in the field might choose to obtain a higher educational position as Clinical Practitioner or Advanced Clinical Therapist of Qi Gong. These individuals need to complete 1000-2000 more hours of training/treatment.

Degree/License offered: Qi Gong Certification Training as an Instructor or Teacher; Clinical Practitioner, Advanced Clinical Therapist.

Length of study: 3-4 years to complete lower certification levels, up to 10 years of teaching experience required for Instructor/Teacher designation. For the Clinical track, practitioners have to have 2-10 years of experience.

Cost/Financial Aid: The cost of attending Qi Gong training can vary widely, depending on geographic location. For a certification program, students can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000-$6,000. The cost of certification is $150-$250 for two years.

Qi Gong has been practiced in China for thousands of years, and has been studied in many different capacities. The scientific community is slow to join in the investigation of so-called “alternative” health topics, but some areas of the world are more open to research in this field than others.

1. The Shanghai Institute of Hypertension conducted a 30-year study on the effects of self-healing Qi Gong on hypertension, in particular alleviating risk factors and avoiding stroke. In this study, 41% of the people in the control group had a stroke, compared to only 20.5% of the Qi Gong Group. Overall deaths and death from stroke were also significantly less in the Qigong group than the control group. view source

2. An independent, non-control study was performed at a New Jersey dental clinic, testing the effects of External Qi Gong on the chronic pain of ten women suffering from Orofacial pain. Of the ten women, nine of them reported a decrease in their pain after the treatment. On a 1-100 scale of pain (with 100 being the highest), the average reduction in pain was 48.5 points. view source

Qi Gong is not regulated in the United States, and there are no licensure requirements or educational standards. Considering this, Qi Gong training schools hold their students to standards that demand strict adherence. They often require students to complete extensive class-work and practical experience (up to ten years) before awarding them the title and respect of practitioner/instructor.

As with many alternative therapies, Qi Gong practitioners often rely more on nontraditional means of bringing in an income, such as producing videos or educational materials; however, therapists can charge $100 or more per private session, or $350 per student for a 4-session class.