After 30 years of practicing and teaching Qigong and Taichi, I still see the same question appearing in almost every beginner class: “Can everyone practice Qigong safely?” The short answer is no, at least not without guidance and precaution.
Chinese health authorities (former Ministry of Health, now NHC), the Chinese Association of Qigong Science, and major TCM hospitals have reached a clear consensus on relative and absolute contraindications.
Ignoring them was the main reason behind the thousands of “Qigong deviations” (qigong-induced mental disorders) reported in the 1980s–1990s.
Here are the groups that should either avoid Qigong entirely or only practice very gentle forms under strict medical and professional supervision:
People with severe psychiatric conditions Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder with active episodes, severe delusional depression, OCD with strong compulsive thoughts, or any history of psychosis. Deep relaxation and intense focus can trigger or worsen hallucinations and dissociation.
Acute or unstable cardiovascular conditions
Recent myocardial infarction (<6 months), uncontrolled malignant hypertension, frequent ventricular arrhythmias, aortic dissection, severe heart failure (NYHA III–IV). Some dynamic Qigong forms cause sudden blood-pressure spikes.
Acute infectious or inflammatory diseases with high fever
Active tuberculosis, acute hepatitis, meningitis, etc. The body needs all its energy for immune response.
Advanced end-stage organ failure
Decompensated cirrhosis, uremia on dialysis, terminal cancer with cachexia. Practicing depletes the little Zheng Qi (upright vital energy) that remains.
Pregnancy (especially first and third trimester)
Avoid strong twisting, breath-holding, low stances, or inverted postures. Gentle seated or standing medical Qigong prescribed by a TCM obstetrician is usually fine.
Uncontrolled epilepsy
Certain deep meditative states lower the seizure threshold in susceptible individuals.
Hemorrhagic tendencies
Hemophilia, thrombocytopenia <20×10⁹/L, active peptic ulcer with recent bleeding.
Immediate post-surgery or post-trauma period
Wait until the wound is stable and vital signs are normal.
Temporary contraindications: practicing while drunk, extremely angry, exhausted, or right after a heavy meal.Important nuance: “Should not practice” almost always refers to self-taught, intensive, or esoteric methods that were popular during the Qigong fever.
The safe, government-promoted Health Qigong sets (Ba Duan Jin, Wu Qin Xi, Yi Jin Jing, Liu Zi Jue, Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi, etc.) have virtually no absolute contraindications when taught by qualified instructors, because intensity is low and medical screening is part of the protocol.My personal rule after seeing hundreds of students:
If you are on psychiatric medication, have a pacemaker, cancer under active chemo/radiation, or any serious chronic disease → get written clearance from your specialist AND learn only from a teacher who understands medical limitations.Qigong is powerful medicine, but like any medicine, dosage and indication matter. Practiced correctly, it helps 99 % of people.
Practiced wrongly by the wrong person at the wrong time, it can harm the 1 %.
Feel free to share your condition below; many senior members here (including medical doctors who practice Qigong) can guide you toward the safest forms.Wishing everyone safe and beneficial practice.
