Qigong is the art and science of gathering, circulating, storing and balancing Body/Mind/Spirit energy which is available from within oneself, nature and the Universe. The practice of Qigong is at least 4,000 years old and is the root of all Traditional Chinese Medicine. Combining deep breathing, slow movements and meditation, Qigong begins by affecting the function of the autonomic nervous system and goes on to balance the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The on-going practice of Qigong has been clinically shown to strengthen the body, repair and regulate the central nervous system, eliminate disease, improve mental capacity and prolong life. Although the non-strenuous movements resemble those of Taiji, Qigong consists of shorter sequences which are easy to learn and practice.