What is Qigong?

Qigong (chee-GONG) is a current name for what was formerly known as Taoist breathing exercises that date back nearly 5,000 years. Qi means energy, the energy of the universe. Gong means to gather with skill, thus qigong is to gather energy from the universe with practiced skill. There are over 3,000 forms of qigong; tai chi, more commonly known is but one form. Like tai chi, qigong appears to be a gentle slow rhythmic movement, usually done while standing.  The practitioner is using mental imagery, breath and movement to gather qi, and bring it into the body.  The results calm the mind, energize the body and help to create a sense of balance both literal and figurative.
Certain qigong "masters" are considered to be "energetic healers," who via "external" qigong use some of their own energy to strengthen the vitality of others who have ailments.