Traditional Chinese Medicine can be trace back as early as Shang Dynasty (1766-1123B.C). At the time of the early Spring-Autumn of (722-480 B. C., the period of the Yellow Emperor, the oldest Chinese medical text was written. It presented theories and concepts of qi gong training. Chinese medicine and qi gong has grown side by side for thousands of years. Chinese medicine places emphasis on keeping people well, while qi gong places emphasis on the prevention of disease. In TCM theory, it is believed that when a person gets ill, they have an internal imbalance in there qi (vital energy) or perhaps a qi blockages. Over the many centuries that have followed the development of qi gong, the influence of the ancient philosophies and even religion has had a major impact on the development on the major school of qi gong.

Qi gong is divided into two major schools of nei-dan and wai-dan. Nei-dan, which means "internal elixir," was practiced by the Taoists, and deals with lower level breathing excises and focused mind. Wai-dan, which means "external elixir," was practiced by the Buddhists, and the practice focuses on the art of mediation and mental peace. Other schools of qi gong include medical qi gong, which is conceptualized according to the theories of traditional Chinese medicine. These are concepts of yin and yang, the five elements, and the energy pathways. The Confucian qi gong school is focused on virtues and morals, kindness, tolerance, and loyalty. The Boxing qi-gong school believes that qi training would enhance ones muscles, bones, and joints.