Qigong has its roots in Chinese medicine, the martial arts such as Tai Chi, and is even considered a branch of philosophy. Qigong harnesses and balances qi, your life force, and is a wonderful complement to Water Up, Fire Down exercises.

Think of Qigong as the energetic flip side of aerobics! Whereas aerobics is meant to get your heart rate up and go for the burn–calories and muscles–Qigong pumps up the volume on your energy flow and ‘works’ the subtle body for that healthy auric glow.

Qigong exercises typically involves slow, deep and rhythmic breathing along with slow, fluid choreographed movements according to stylized forms, and visualizing Qi circulating through your body. Ancient texts describe 75 Qigong forms and modern day Qigong has 56 forms. There are Qigong forms named after the natural world, including the Five Elements (wood, fire, earth, metal and water); the spiritual realm, Heaven; forms named after emperors and leaders; and even some modern forms inspired by people’s personal healing experiences with Qigong.

From a philosophical viewpoint, Qigong meditation is believed to awaken, cultivate and show you how to utilize your highest human potential.

Qigong is a slow and meditative exercise that puts practically no stress on the joints and is easy on the body. Qigong exercises are ideal for those who are recovering from illness or injury, have restricted movement, or otherwise prefer a slower pace to intense cardio workouts.

Here are six basic Qigong exercises for Qi cultivation in your body to prepare for actual Qigong form practice. Use them as warm up before practice, or just to start your day!