The Complementary Practices of Yoga and Qigong

Nov 24

by Daniel Orlansky

While yoga has its roots in Indian Vedic scriptures, qigong grew out of the Chinese Taoist pursuit of longevity. For me, they are different paths up the same mountain; the goal of each is to improve the health of the body, to calm and clarify the mind, and to strengthen connection to the human spirit and humanity. These forms complement each other so well, that for me a synthesis of yoga and qigong as a practice has become the most potent combination for the improving my life and the lives of my students.

Looking at each system separately (and I know I’m speaking in broad categorizations), yoga has been described as the “union of body, mind, and spirit.” The physical practices of yoga are geared towards the cultivation of strength and flexibility in the body. As I see it, for the most part the postures of yoga are quite lineal, with straight lines and angles predominating. Alignment and precision are not only important, but required; to really “stretch” the body we need to bring sustained effort to opening the connective tissue in ways that do not injure. This requires correct technique, time, and skillful application of effort.

Qigong translates as “life energy cultivation” and utilizes practices that enhance the flow of life force in our bodies. The exercises often involve connecting breath with gentle, circular, flowing movements, bringing suppleness to the body and flexibility to the mind. It is this suppleness that allows the free flow of healing life force (qi) and connects one to authentic being. Through qigong practice, the senses are cleansed, and the movement of energy is experienced as pure joy.

These two systems, yoga and qigong, are not at odds with each other. On the contrary, they are mutually supportive paths up the same mountain, from which the “one moon” can be seen in all its brilliance. Strength and flexibility (ability to hold firm) through yoga, and suppleness (ability to yield) through qigong.

So, in the end, the objective is to meld the linear (expansion in all directions) and the circular (returning to the source), creating a practice that improves strength, flexibility, and suppleness. This brings balance to yin and yang, heaven and earth, sun and moon, male and female. Dancing with this pair of complementary practices brings balance to the whole being, and connects us to all of nature.

Originally published by Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health.

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Daniel Orlansky

Daniel Orlansky teaches a slow vinyasa flow which integrates strength and flexibility training (physical body), energy cultivation (causal body), and open awareness (subtle body). His practice also draws upon pranayama exercises, core integration, Qi Gong, and meditation.

The aim is to melt tension and remove blocks in the mind/body, so we can become whole. Then we “flow,” and the life energy of prana flows through us, connecting us to heaven and earth, sun and moon, and all of nature; the heart begins to sing, and we find not only joy inside, but also our true and authentic self.

Daniel’s journey to teaching began his first year in college with his interest in human movement and the body-mind connection. In more simple terms, as a terribly shy young man, he simply wanted to become free in his body. Explorations of dance therapy, tai chi, the Feldenkrais method, structural integration, and bioenergetics led him eventually to a master’s degree in expressive art therapy/dance therapy from Lesley University, in Cambridge, MA.