The Chinese character for 'Chi' in Chi-Gong means 'air' in Chinese. Experts suggest it is possible ancient masters (Yellow Emperor, Lao Tzu etc.) saw the direct link between breathing techniques and the "electrical force" that moved through their nervous system. 'Gong' means discipline or skill, so Chi-Gong is therefore breath or energy skill. The term was not widely known until the 1980's during a period some call the "Chi-Gong Wave" where groups of 10,000-40,000 people regularly gathered inside Chinese stadiums to practice Chi-Gong together. Many in the Chinese government became concerned that Chi-Gong could turn into a political weapon and in 1999 banned all large Chi-Gong gatherings. Many practitioners wanted to see Chi-Gong studied scientifically and not be affiliated with a political agenda or any superstition, but these efforts have largely failed in China as they still do not allow classes to be offered publicly to the citizens. Currently there is a movement underway in the United States, Europe and other western cultures to preserve the valuable aspects of these traditional Chinese practices.

Attitudes toward the scientific basis for Chi-Gong vary markedly. Most Western medical practitioners and many practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine, as well as the Chinese government, view Chi-Gong as a set of breathing and movement exercises, with possible benefits to health through stress reduction and exercise. Other practitioners view Chi-Gong in more metaphysical terms, claiming that chi can be felt as a vibration or electrical current and physically circulated through channels called meridians. Many testify a reduction or elimination of pain through the use of Chi-Gong.