Breath and Meditation · 5 October 2026
What Is Qigong? Chikung, Chi Kung, Chi Gong: Spellings and Meaning
Qigong is a practice of Chinese origin that brings together posture, breath, slow movement and attention. Chikung, chi kung, chi gong and qigong are not different things; they are different spellings of the same Chinese word. Below you will find what the word means, why there are so many spellings and what is done in a practice.
What does qigong mean?
The word is made of two Chinese words. The first, “qi” (chi), basically means air or breath. The second, “gong” (kung), carries the sense of work and of skill gained through effort.
Together they can be rendered roughly as “working with the breath” or “working with qi”. Qigong is not the name of one series of movements; it is a shared name for many sets handed down by different teachers and schools.
Which tradition does qigong come from?
Qigong has its roots in old Chinese traditions of breath and body work. These practices were passed on over generations in different circles and under different names, from teacher to student. Today they are taught in classes and in individual sessions in many parts of the world.
Why are there so many spellings?
Chinese is not written in Latin letters. When its words are carried over into the Latin alphabet, different systems have been used at different times, and each system shows the same sound with different letters. Turkish adds one more layer: the habit of writing a word the way it is pronounced.
- Qigong: the spelling in Pinyin, the system in wide use today. The letter “q” here sounds close to “ch”.
- Ch’i kung and chi kung: from the older Wade-Giles system; the apostrophe is often dropped.
- Chi gung and chi gong: spellings that come from other systems and from mixed usage.
- Chikung: chi kung written as one word.
- Çigong, çi gong, çi kung: Turkish spellings that follow the pronunciation.
Whichever one you see, the same practice is meant. Merve Tüfekçi’s service page uses the spelling “Chikung”.
How is qigong pronounced?
A close pronunciation in English is “chee-gong”. The letter “q” in the spelling qigong is not read like a “k”. The spelling changes, while the pronunciation stays roughly the same.
What is done in a qigong practice?
Sets differ from one another, but in general terms a practice has four elements:
- Posture: many practices begin standing, with the feet resting comfortably on the floor; there are seated practices as well.
- Breath: movement is paired with the breath, and the breath is left at its own pace without forcing.
- Slow movement: the arms and the trunk move slowly, softly and with repetition.
- Attention: attention is kept on the body, the movement and the breath.
A practice generally opens with a short preparation, the movements are repeated several times in turn, and it ends with a quiet closing.
What do moving and still qigong mean?
Qigong practices fall roughly into two groups. In moving practices, slow and flowing movements are paired with the breath. In still practices a posture is held, standing or seated, and attention stays on the breath. Many sets contain both: they begin with movement and end in stillness.
Who can join a qigong practice?
You do not need prior knowledge or special equipment for qigong; comfortable clothing is enough. Classes are generally open to beginners. Seeing the movements from a teacher first makes it easier to settle into the posture and the pace.
Qigong is not a treatment. If you have a health concern, a treatment in progress, a particular situation such as pregnancy or any limitation related to movement, you need to consult your doctor before you start. What you feel differs from person to person.
How is Chikung practised with Merve Tüfekçi?
Merve Tüfekçi works with Chikung as one part of her one to one Tao session, which brings together Universal Tao, Inner Smile and Chikung. In this part, slow, repeated movements are joined with breath and attention.
The session begins with a short conversation; the movements are shown step by step and done together. If you wish, you can repeat the movements on your own at home. The session is held at Şifa Köyü in Şile or online, in Turkish or in English. First contact is through our team.
Qigong, chikung and chi kung are different spellings of one word, and the practice they describe consists of posture, breath, slow movement and attention. A difference in spelling tells you which source you are reading; it does not change the practice.
This post is for general information only; it is not medical or legal advice.
Universal Tao, Inner Smile and Chikung session page →
Frequently asked questions
What is qigong?
Qigong is a practice of Chinese origin that brings together posture, breath, slow movement and attention. It is not one series of movements but a shared name for many different sets.
Are chikung, chi kung and qigong the same thing?
Yes. They are all different spellings of the same Chinese word. The difference comes from the system used to write Chinese in Latin letters and, in Turkish, from spelling the word as it is pronounced.
How is qigong pronounced?
Roughly “chee-gong”. The letter “q” in Pinyin spelling sounds close to “ch” and is not read like a “k”.
What do you need to start qigong?
No prior knowledge is needed, and comfortable clothing is enough. If you have a health concern or a treatment in progress, you need to consult your doctor before you start.
How is Chikung practised with Merve Tüfekçi?
Chikung is one part of the one to one Tao session held by Merve Tüfekçi. The session takes place at Şifa Köyü in Şile or online. You can write to us for a day and time.
