: 45–57  TCM focuses on tracing and correcting underlying disharmony, in terms of deficiency and excess, using the complementary and opposing forces of yin and yang  (陰陽), to create a balanced flow of qi. Qi is believed to be cultivated and stored in three main dantian energy centers and to travel through the body along twelve main meridians (Jīng Luò 經絡), with numerous smaller branches and tributaries. The main meridians correspond to twelve main organs ) (Zàng fǔ 臟腑). Qi is balanced in terms of yin and yang in the context of the traditional system of Five Phases (Wu xing 五行). A person is believed to become ill or die when qi becomes diminished or unbalanced. Health is believed to be returned by rebuilding qi, eliminating qi blockages, and correcting qi imbalances. These TCM concepts do not translate readily to modern science and medicine. Daoism
In Daoism, various practices now known as Daoist qigong are claimed to provide a way to achieve longevity and spiritual enlightenment, as well as a closer connection with the natural world. Buddhism
In Buddhism meditative practices now known as Buddhist qigong are part of a spiritual path that leads to spiritual enlightenment or Buddhahood. Confucianism
In Confucianism practices now known as Confucian qigong provide a means to become a Junzi (君子) through awareness of morality. Contemporary qigong
In contemporary China, the emphasis of qigong practice has shifted away from traditional philosophy, spiritual attainment, and folklore, and increasingly to health benefits, traditional medicine and martial arts applications, and a scientific perspective.
Most of the qigong forms come under the following categories:
Medical qigong
Martial qigong
Spiritual qigong
Intellectual qigong
Life nourishing qigong

Development of "health qigong"
In 1995, there was Qigong Talent Bank, an organization of Science Research of Chinese Qigong, functioning as network system of the senior Chinese qigong talents in China. In order to promote qigong exercises in a standardised and effective way with a scientific approach, The Chinese Health Qigong Association (CHQA) appointed panels of Qigong experts, Chinese medicine doctors and sport science professors from different hospitals, universities and qigong lineage across China to research and develop new sets of qigong exercises. In 2003 the CHQA officially promoted a new system called "health qigong", which consisted of four newly developed health qigong forms:

Health Qigong Muscle-Tendon Change Classic (Health Qigong Yì Jīn Jīng 易筋經). Health Qigong Five Animals Frolics (Health qigong Wu Qin Xi 五禽戲). Health Qigong Six Healing Sounds (Health Qigong Liu Zi Jue 六字訣). Health Qigong Eight Pieces of Brocade (Health Qigong Ba Duan Jin 八段錦).In 2010, the Chinese Health Qigong Association officially introduced five additional health qigong forms:
Health Qigong Tai Chi Yang Sheng Zhang (太極養生杖): a tai chi form from the stick tradition. Health Qigong Shi Er Duan Jin (十二段錦): seated exercises to strengthen the neck, shoulders, waist, and legs. Health Qigong Daoyin Yang Sheng Gong Shi Er Fa (導引養生功十二法): 12 routines from Daoyin tradition of guiding and pulling qi. Health Qigong Mawangdui Daoyin (馬王堆導引术): guiding qi along the meridians with synchronous movement and awareness.