Qigong + Reiki: A Powerful Daily Practice
You know those rare moments when something quietly clicks and suddenly everything feels just a little more in tune? That’s how I felt after a few humble lessons in qigong—simple movements, mindful breathing, a bit of gentle stillness—and it started transforming my Reiki practice in ways I didn’t expect. Whether you're a seasoned Reiki practitioner or just starting, incorporating qigong into your daily practice might be the energetic upgrade you didn’t know you needed.
So, What Is Qigong, Exactly?
In short: qigong (pronounced chee-gong) is an ancient Chinese practice that combines slow, deliberate movements, deep breathing, and meditation to cultivate life force energy—or qi.
If that sounds eerily familiar to the idea of ki in Reiki… you’re already on the right track.
Both qigong and Reiki aim to harmonize the body’s energy, promote healing, and support holistic well-being. But while Reiki is hands-off (or gently hands-on), qigong gets the whole body moving and involved. Think of it as Reiki’s energetic cousin who prefers yoga pants and a morning walk in the forest.
How Qigong Supercharged My Reiki Practice
Let me set the scene: I’m still fairly new to qigong. I’ve had just a few lessons focusing on movement, breathing, and meditation.
But the difference?
Oh, I feel it.
My self-Reiki sessions are deeper and more effective. My client sessions feel more intuitive. It’s like my energy sensitivity dial got turned up a few notches—and now I’m hearing, sensing, and feeling things with a clarity I didn’t have before.
Turns out, I’m not alone. According to the team over at Holden Qigong (yes, I did some light research), qigong and Reiki complement each other beautifully. Both encourage relaxation, emotional regulation, energy awareness, and spiritual connection. Practising them together can deepen your energetic practice and enhance your capacity to support others.
The Science-ish Bit
While energy practices are often labelled "woo" by sceptics (and, I’m really trying to find a new adjective to replace “woo”), more studies are slowly catching up. Research shows that qigong reduces stress, lowers cortisol levels, and improves overall well-being—which is also what we’re aiming for in Reiki.
One study in the Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine found that qigong significantly reduced anxiety and improved emotional balance in participants after just a few weeks. Another review highlighted qigong’s positive effects on immune function and sleep quality. Translation? More energy, more clarity, and less running on fumes.
A Morning Routine to Align Our Energy (Before the World Starts Demanding Things)
We don’t need a mountain retreat or 90 minutes of silence. Here’s a manageable, soul-soothing morning energy routine combining qigong, Gassho meditation, and self-Reiki. It’s under 30 minutes and designed to centre our energy before the emails start flying.
1. Qigong Flow (10 minutes)
Start with a simple qigong routine to wake up your body and move stagnant energy. If you’re new, search YouTube for “10-minute qigong morning routine”.
2. Gassho Meditation (5 minutes)
Sit comfortably with your hands in the prayer position at the heart centre. Focus on your breath. With each inhale, invite calm. With each exhale, release anything that doesn't serve you. Set an intention for your day.
3. Self-Reiki Practice (10–15 minutes)
Place your hands intuitively on different areas of your body, starting at your crown and working your way down. Let the energy guide you. This is your time—no rush, no rules. Just flow.
Has Qigong Shifted Your Reiki Practice?
Alright, I’m genuinely curious: have you tried integrating qigong into your Reiki routine? Have you noticed changes in your self-healing or sessions with others? Drop your thoughts in the comments —I’d love to hear how it’s going for you. Let’s share the wisdom. You never know who might need exactly what you’ve discovered.
Want help creating your own customized Reiki + qigong flow? Come say hi over on Instagram @NaturaReiki or drop me a message. Energy likes movement—and so do I.
