Yoga, as a system of exercise for both body and spirit, has been popular in the West for much longer than Qigong. It is a wonderful practice, and I participate in Hatha yoga primarily to help with the arthritis pain in my back, neck, and knees. There are many classes available in all but the smallest towns, and for those who don't have access to classes, there are many videos and books. Videos are preferred to books only because it's easier to learn the proper way to move by watching someone perform the move while an instructor describes it.
Why doesn't everyone practice yoga? Well, in addition to those who can't get to a class, there are many people who simply cannot perform the moves due to physical limitations. Qigong, on the other hand, is gentle and easy for almost everyone, including young children and seniors. Once you master a qigong movement, there is no advanced version of that move. It will be the same move no matter how long you practice. The mindful component will advance, but that happens naturally and is not something you must work for.
The concept of mindfulness, which is simply paying close attention to the movements of the body and the breath, is an important component of qigong and of yoga. The yoga classes that I attend are taught by people who recognize the importance of focused attention when performing a move, but not all instructors appreciate that importance, and some yoga classes are structured to be physical exercise only.
Qigong always incorporates mindfulness as an integral component of the practice. If you aren't performing the moves mindfully, then you aren't getting all the health benefits. One of my teachers puts it this way: "If it's NOT done mindfully, it's NOT qigong."


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