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The basic theory of qigong is closely related with the yin yang theory, zangfu (viscera) theory and the theory of channels and collaterals (jingluo) of traditional chinese medicine and is actually used to guide the training practice.

1.Qigong and yin-yang

The yin-yang theory is a philosophical thought of ancient China as well as an important constituent of the basic theories of traditional Chinese medicine.The theory of qigong is also based on it.

As exhalation and inhalation are concerned, exhalation is yang while inhalation is yin; exhalation is excretion while inhalation is tonification.Treasured Mirror of Oriental Medicine pointed out: "Exhalation sends qi out, being the opening of yang; inhalation brings qi in, being the closing of yin." These theories are of great guiding significance in qigong dirigation (directing of breath and energy). For instance, those with hyperactive yang and an excess of fire, should lay stress on exhalation during the training practice so as to send out excessive fire; while those with difficiency of yang and qi collapse, should enhance inhalation since yang is already too insufficient to be sent out any longer. Also, the four seasons with their different climatic variation––spring-warm, summer-heat, autumn-cool and winter-cold––need to be taken into consideration. Spring and summer nourish yang, autumn and winter nourish yin.

2. Qigong and the Channels and Collaterals

Qigong is developed on the basis of the theory of channels and collaterals (jingluo) of traditional Chinese medicine. The constant development of qigong, in turn, provides an objective evidence for the existence of channels and collaterals. For instance, the exercise of the “Large heavenly circuit of qi” can result in directing the channel and collateral qi to circulate freely through the twelve main channels and the eight extra channels.
3.Qigong and the Viscera

The heart governs mental activities. The "mental activities" in traditional Chinese medicine is a general summation of spirit, consciousness and thinking (the higher central nervous activities). They actually refer to the functions of the brain. To exercise qigong is to concentrate the mind and bring the brain into a tranquil state, so as to achieve the purpose of regulating and recuperating the "mental activities." The heart also governs blood circulation and has its outward manifestation in the face. Qigong exercise may effect the exuberance of the heart-qi manifested by even, gentle and forceful pulse, ruddy and lustrous complexion.

The lung governs qi and is in charge of respiration. The breathing exercise in the training practice can inhale the essence qi of the heaven and earth and exhale the turbid qi in the viscera. The inhaled essence qi of the heaven and earth not only enriches the genuine qi, but can also directly promote the circulation of qi and blood, so the qi and blood throughout the body can flow freely and function normally.

The lung is in charge of sending down the inspired air and the kidney governs the reception of air. The Practitioner can strengthen this process intentionally, thus achieving a state of deep, long, gentle respiration and almost unperceptible nasal breath. At this time, the inhaled essence qi of the heaven and earth sinks to meet and combine with the congenital essence qi of the kidney to transform into the genuine qi of the human body, thus enabling the internal qi and strength of the body to condense and strengthen rapidly.

The kidneys are located in the lumbar regions, with one on the left and right respectively, containing the gate of life inside. It is through right respiration and mind concentration that qigong dirigation makes the gate of life-fire sufficient, the spleen-earth warmed, the viscera nourished, food and air transported, yang qi lifted and the constitution strengthened.

The liver stores blood and is in charge of thinking. It prefers cheerfulness and magnanimity and is averse to gloominess and depression. Gloomy mood, stagnation of the liver qi or rage, impairs the liver, may cause the abnormal dispersing and dredging function of the liver, while through relaxation and tranquilization qigong dirigation can stabilize the moods and recover the normal dispersing and dredging function of the liver, thus leading the hyperactive liver-yang to lie low and the up-flaming liver-fire to descend spontaneously. With the resulting ease of mind, all disease will disappear spontaneously.

The spleen has the function to transport and transform nutrients. Saliva is the excretion of the spleen. On one hand, qigong dirigation can directly strengthen the spleen's function to transport and transform nutrients the most obvious effect being an increase in saliva and appetite; on the other hand, qigong lays stress on abdominal respiration which strengthens the superio-inferior movement of the diaphragm, thus producing a massaging effect on the stomach and promoting the peristaltic and digestive functions of the stomach.

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