"Qi" means "air, breath of life or vital energy of the body," according to the Qigong Institute in Menlo Park, Calif. "Gong" means "the skill of working with, or cultivating, self-discipline and achievement."

"First came yoga, then qigong, then tai chi," said Schlachter, who noted that the practice started in India.

"Qigong is great for kids for concentration," she said. "It makes their performance in any sport stronger."

Qigong often is practiced by people who have experienced major health problems such as breast cancer, asthma or leukemia. It also may be practiced in a chair, which is great for senior citizens, Schlachter said.

Qigong also is good for anger management, she said. "It cleanses the body of all the garbage people carry around."

Movements are simple, she noted, and they can be adapted for all skill levels. "You take it where you want to go. Where the mind goes, the energy flows."