Qigong is the gentlest way into the Chinese movement arts: simple movements, repeated slowly with the breath. Every class at our West London clinic includes qigong, then moves into tai chi, for £15 a class.
Qigong, also written qi gong, chi gong or chi kung, is a family of Chinese exercises that pair gentle movement with slow breathing. Unlike tai chi, which links many movements into a long sequence, qigong exercises stand on their own and are repeated six to eight times. That makes them quick to learn and easy to practise at home.
In our classes, qigong opens every session: loosening movements, standing practice and slow breathing exercises. Once the body is warm and the breath has slowed, the class moves into Wu-style tai chi. You get both practices for the price of one class.
Try a ten-minute routine before you come with our qigong exercises for beginners, or read the difference between tai chi and qi gong.
Qigong has been studied less than tai chi, so we describe its benefits honestly: most people feel calmer within the first class, and balance, flexibility and steadiness build with regular practice over eight to twelve weeks.
Both weekly classes open with qigong and end with a short routine for home. If you would like qigong on its own, a one-to-one session is £50.
Prefer to talk first? Call 020 4515 0000 or message us on WhatsApp. Want to learn on your own first? Book a one-to-one session, £50.
Save your place in a group class
£15 a class, beginners welcome. Send your details and we will call you to confirm the next class and save you a place.
Prefer to message? Send us a WhatsApp and we will reply with the next class time.
Message us on WhatsAppRead a little before your first class, or practise between classes.
An hour of slow, unhurried practice. You do not need to be fit or flexible, and you will not be asked to remember anything at first.
Wear loose clothing and flat shoes. No equipment is needed. Read what happens in a tai chi class for more detail.
Classes are led by two of our doctors of Traditional Chinese Medicine, so movements are adapted with real knowledge of joints, balance and common health conditions.
Wu-style tai chi and qi gong
Trained at the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and a member of the British Acupuncture Council. Teaches Wu-style tai chi with a focus on posture, breath and steady weight shifts.
Tai chi and qi gong since 1994
Has practised and taught tai chi and qi gong since 1994, and trained in both clinical medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine in China.
Our clinic is in West London, on the District line, and an easy trip from central London.
Omnia Lifestyle is at 8 to 9 Bedford Corner, The Avenue, Chiswick W4 1LZ, close to Turnham Green station, on bus routes 94, E3 and 272. Limited parking is available on request when booking. Open in Google Maps.
Yes. Every group class at our clinic in Chiswick, West London, combines qigong and tai chi. Classes run on Wednesdays at 9:30am and Fridays at 1:30pm and cost £15.
Yes. Qigong exercises are short and repeated, so beginners can follow from the first class. Many people learn qigong first and add tai chi later.
Yes. Most qigong exercises can be done sitting on a chair, and a seated option is available throughout every class.
Yes. Qigong, qi gong, chi gong and chi kung are different English spellings of the same Chinese practice.
Group classes include both qigong and tai chi. If you would like qigong only, book a one-to-one session for £50.
Loose, comfortable clothing and flat shoes. No mat or equipment is needed.
Send your details and we will call you with the next class, or message us on WhatsApp. Group classes are £15.
Our classes are held at our clinic: see tai chi classes in Chiswick for the full details. Tai chi near you: Hammersmith, Ealing, Acton, Richmond and Kew, West London. Also: tai chi classes in London, tai chi for over 50s.
Tai chi is gentle exercise, not a medical treatment. If you have had a recent fall, unexplained dizziness, chest pain or recent surgery, speak to your GP before starting. Call 999 in an emergency.
