The history of Qigong can be dated back to about 5000 years. Chinese scholars, at that time, used the concept of the universe to explain the laws of nature, which is basically the integration of the three natural energies of heaven, earth and man. By studying the relationship of these three powers became the first step in the Qigong development; practitioners later cultivated their Qi to a deeper level, worked with internal functions of the body, and strove to control their bodies, minds and spirits in order to escape the cycle of re-incarnation.

According to the historical background, Qigong can be classified into five major categories; Confucian, Buddhist, Taoist, Medical (or Self-healing) and Martial Arts. Each category has its own purpose and different methods of training and practice.

In China, with interest in Qi heightened in Chinese medicine's development, Qigong was developed into one of the roots of Chinese medicine.