Is the Qi experience related to the flow experience? Practicing qigong in urban green spaces

• Published in: PloS one Vol. 16; no. 1; p. e0240180
• Main Authors: Hung, Shih-Han, Hwang, Ching-Yung, Chang, Chun-Yen
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Public Library of Science 04.01.2021; Public Library of Science (PLoS)
• Subjects: Biology and Life Sciences; Ecology and Environmental Sciences; Environmental aspects; Female; Humans; Male; Medicine and Health Sciences; Parks, Recreational; Psychological aspects; Qigong; Research and Analysis Methods; Social Sciences; Taiwan
• ISSN: 1932-6203; 1932-6203
• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240180

People experience a healthy energy gained from the environment and an inner feeling, called the Qi experience. The flow experience has been a popular topic in Western studies, especially within the fields of psychology and health, and in all kinds of activities. Our current study used quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze the relationship between the Qi experience and the flow experience. After collecting data using open-ended questions, we integrated and connected the Qi experience into five orientations: (1) the feeling of Qi; (2) the mind; (3) Qi and consciousness; (4) physical, mental, and spiritual benefits; and (5) the feeling of Tao. The results revealed a high level of consistency between the flow experience and the Qi experience ( r = 0.90, p <0.00, which supports the conclusion that the concept of the flow experience in Qigong activity seems to be the same as that in East Asian disciplines, called the Qi experience.