Why Qigong Became My Non-Negotiable: One YorkU Student’s Journey with the Practice

Author: Lauren Corridore

There's a quiet power in slowing down, something many of us overlook in the rush of everyday life. Practices like qigong (Tai Chi) invite us to reconnect with our bodies, our breath, and the present moment. Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, qigong is a mind–body practice that combines gentle movement, controlled breathing, and meditation to support overall well-being.

Within our lab, qigong has been incorporated into wellness programming led by Dr. Harvey Skinner. With advanced training in qigong and body-based healing practices, he has led online sessions open to students, faculty, and community members through initiatives such as the Interbeing Wellness series, a seasonal program offered throughout the year.

I spoke with a York University student, fourth-year Psychology major and WIL Student Ambassador, Maxim K, about how he got into the practice and how it has become a transformative part of his life.

1. What first drew you to qigong?

   Maxim: I was looking for ways to get engaged with the resources provided by York University. In an edition of the “This Week at York” newsletter, I came across Qi Gong as a practice. I liked the rich history, given that Qi Gong dates back 5000 years. I did some investigating and eventually joined my first Qi Gong Zoom in the winter of 2024.

   
   

   After joining, I was introduced to Dr. Harvey Skinner. Having Harvey as a teacher was monumental in bringing me closer to the practice and in helping me dive deeper into Qi Gong than I ever would have expected. Harvey’s creativity in the themes and knowledge of each movement and their purpose made him an excellent teacher. Harvey created a really warm atmosphere for all. If it were anyone else, I don't think I'd gravitate toward the practice to the extent I did.

   
   

2. What has your experience with Qi Gong been like so far?

   Maxim: At first, I’d wake up and turn on the Qi gong recordings done by Harvey. With time, I became accustomed to the movements and found the ones that resonate with me most. Now, I feel as if I am an expert; I wake up and don't need to turn on the recordings or follow a computer screen to copy the movements. Instead, I know which movements I have in mind and which my body feels most revitalized after performing.  

   
   

   Qi Gong has become a non-negotiable part of my morning routine. I wake up and set aside 30 minutes for the practice each waking day. I am, however, aware because I live the life of a student, my life can be quite hectic at times. Anything counts, on busy days I will at minimum perform 15-20 minutes of the practice. I typically perform the movements to make up for any missed time during scheduled 10-minute breaks between my assignments.

   
   

3. Are there any movements or practices that resonate with you the most? Why?Maxim: Definitely knocking on the door of life, otherwise known as ‘The Ming Men’. Harvey likes to say this movement is like taking a shot of espresso. This practice involves keeping your body erect while swinging your limbs across your body. There are three levels to the knocking. At the first level, you activate the Ming Men acupressure point and the Lower Dantian, which is essentially around your lower back and belly-button area on the front side. 

   
   

   After a couple of rounds of swinging your limbs across your Lower Dantian, we transition to ‘knocking’ right below your collarbone. Slapping below your collarbone with your fists stimulates your respiratory system. The third level involves cupping your hands and placing them over your shoulders. There are many variations to knocking on the door of life. Harvey calls these variations counter-points; they essentially are a fun mental exercise you can engage in. An example of a counter-point to Knocking on the door of life, is acting as if you are a bear just waking up out of hibernation. You can stomp side-to-side as you swing your limbs to Lower Dantian, collar bone, and then cupping them over your shoulder. 

   
   

4. In what ways has Qi gong influenced your daily life and/or well-being?

   Maxim: I was hospitalized for a month in mid-October of 2025. This was a challenging chapter in my life. I was bedridden because of this accident. During this time, any attempt I'd make to walk would result in me losing my vision, and I’d get a vasovagal response. Qi gong was a means for me to get back on my feet. 

   
   

   Once I was discharged from the hospital, everyday my focus was on recovery. I would turn on the recordings and follow the practice. I wholeheartedly attribute my commitment to the practice after my hospitalization to my successful recovery. The recovery process still continues due to the severity of my accident, but there has been an exponential increase in my functional, physical, and mental well-being with adopting Qi Gong into my life.

   
   

5. What would you say to a young person who’s curious about trying Qi Gong?

   Maxim: “See what works for you, try it out, see if you like it. If Qi Gong doesn't speak to you, go do something that does”.

   
   

   I have not tried persuading my own mother in beginning Qi Gong, but I’ve introduced the practice to her, she sees me do it, and I tell her it is a daily practice of my own. Nonetheless, what works for my mom is morning pilates and nighttime yoga. We are all unique in what pulls us toward a certain practice, and you never know unless you try. 

   
   

   As a young person myself, I've been quite neglectful of my physical health. I actually became neglectful, because I had an athletic ability and played almost every sport you could think of growing up. As tragedies took their course in my family and my life (which is normal), I began to eat healthier, go outside more, and sleep better to prevent health issues. Despite these realizations, I still was thinking because I am young, I am superman. As opposed to being preventative I should have been proactive. By performing Qi Gong, I aim to cultivate for myself a proactive practice. 

   
   

6. What are three things you learned from Qi Gong & what would you like to leave us with?

   Maxim: I’d like to share three lessons I’ve learned from the practice. The first is “Qi Gong adds years to your life, and life to your years”. I’ve learned from doing the practice the overdue principle: never go more than 80% of your max. Slow is fast, and fast is slow. The last bit of wisdom I’d like to share about the practice is that Qi Gong is the art of effortless motion, breathing is built into each flow, and you must follow the breath with each movement. 

   
   

   As we always say with the commencement of the practice. May you be well, may you be happy. May all beings be well, may all beings be happy, and may we all truly love our planet, Namaste.