Prana vs Qi: Exploring Energy in Yoga and Qigong
If you’ve ever practiced yoga or qigong, you’ve likely sensed it; that subtle current of energy that flows through your body when the breath, mind, and movement align.
Whether we call it prana in yoga or qi in qigong, the sensation is remarkably similar. Both describe the same living energy that animates ourselves.
In this blog, I want to explore what prana and qi mean, how they overlap, where they differ, and how modern practitioners can integrate both traditions for a holistic overview of energy work in practice.
What is Prana?
Prana (Sanskrit: प्राण) means “breath of life” or “vital energy.”
In yoga philosophy, prana is the subtle force that sustains life, not just the air we breathe, but the intelligent vitality that underlies every cell, thought, and emotion.
Prana flows through energy channels known as nadis, there are thousands of these channels, creating an intricate map across your entire body. There are 3 nadis you may have heard of: Ida, Pingala, and Shushumna. Ida and Pingala helix around the central Shushumna (running the length of your spine), at each crossing point you have the chakras; energy centres that regulate our physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.
Through asana, pranayama, and meditation, yogis learn to balance and direct this life force. The goal isn’t just health, but union, the root meaning of yoga is to yoke. Awakening the flow of prana toward expanded consciousness (samadhi).
The Five Forms of Prana (Pancha Vayus)
Prana Vayu – inward-moving energy (breathing, intake, inspiration)
Apana Vayu – downward energy (elimination, grounding)
Samana Vayu – balancing energy (digestion, assimilation)
Udana Vayu – spiraling energy (speech, growth, spiritual ascent)
Vyana Vayu – outward energy (coordination, vitality)
Together, these vayus form a complete map of the pranic body.
What is Qi?
In Chinese philosophy, qi (气) is the vital energy or life force that flows through the universe and all living beings.
In the body, qi circulates along pathways called meridians, supporting organ function, emotional balance, and mental clarity. You might be familiar with acupuncture and this works by freeing blockages along the meridian lines for the smooth flow of qi.
We experience health benefits, increased vitality, and a sense of harmony. When it stagnates or becomes depleted, imbalance or illness can arise; a principle central to Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Qigong and Daoist neigong (internal alchemy) describe three main energy centers, or dantians:
Lower Dantian – in the lower abdomen; the foundation of physical vitality and willpower. Known as Jing.
Middle Dantian – near the heart; governs emotional energy and compassion. Known as Qi.
Upper Dantian – in the head; linked to intuition, wisdom, and spirit. Known as Shen.
Cultivating qi through breath, movement, and awareness harmonises body, mind, and nature; aligning us with the Dao (the way) and the natural flow of life.
Prana and Qi: Similarities and Shared Wisdom
Despite emerging from different cultures, prana and qi reflect nearly identical insights about the nature of life energy.
Both traditions use energy cultivation as a bridge between body and spirit, inviting us into deeper states of awareness and wholeness.
Key Differences in Orientation
The difference between prana and qi is less about substance and more about philosophical orientation:
Yoga’s approach can be considered transformative and ascending. Prana rises up the spine through the chakras toward enlightenment (Kundalini awakening).
Qigong is more harmonising and circular. Qi moves in cycles, balancing yin and yang, restoring the natural rhythm of life.
In my experience, I find both approaches are two sides of the same coin. Add more…
Integrating Yoga and Qigong Practice
Blending yoga and qigong can create a deeply holistic energy practice. Here’s one simple sequence to explore:
Begin with a gentle Qigong flow; open the joints, awaken the breath, feel the qi.
Move into Yoga asana; align the spine, expand the channels, and anchor awareness.
Finish with Pranayama or stillness; refine prana into subtle awareness.
In time, you’ll feel that qi becomes prana, prana becomes qi, and both dissolve into the same luminous stillness.
The Deeper Truth: One Energy, Many Names
Ultimately, prana and qi are expressions of a single universal intelligence; the living energy of consciousness itself.
Whether we experience it through breath, movement, or meditation, we are tuning in to that same current of life flowing through all beings.
As practitioners, our work is not to label or divide it, but to feel it, cultivate it, and live in harmony with its rhythm.
Further Reading and Resources
Prana and Pranayama - Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati
The Root of Chinese Qigong - Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming
Daoist Neigong: The Philosophy of Internal Power - Damo Mitchell
The Tao of Yoga - Ajit Mookerjee and Madhu Khanna