Qigong has six basic effects on the human energy system which over time will greatly improve the quality, balance and availability of energy and enhance the efficiency of digestion, metabolism, circulation, excretion, sex, cellular division, and other vital functions which depend upon steady supplies of energy.

• Movement Qigong keeps energy circulating through the body's vast network of energy channels, thereby preventing stagnation.

• Transformation Qigong activates internal alchemy, transforming and refining sexual and nutrient energy into cerebral and spiritual forms, which in turn expands awareness and improves cerebral functions. It promotes the efficient conversion of nutrient and hormone essence into energy and tames Fire by cultivating Water.

• Exchange Qigong expels stagnant and polluted energy from the system by dredging the energy channels with pure potent energy derived from food, air and conversion or hormone essence. It also enhances the body's exchange of energy with the environment.

• Balance Qigong keeps the vital energies properly balanced and harmonised at all levels, including yin and yang.

• Storage Qigong generates, collects and stores energy in various vital energy centres, especially the three Elixir fields in the lower abdomen, solar plexus and the brain. It fills the reservoirs of the Eight Extraordinary Channels with fresh energy, which is then distributed as required into the twelve major organ meridians. It also stores energy in the electrolytes of the body's vital fluids, particularly the brain, spine, marrow, fasciae and the endocrine glands.

• Control Energy commands essence, and spirit commands energy, hence the practice of qigong trains the mind to take conscious command of energy. This is an extremely useful skill which may be effectively used to control direct healing energy to ailing or weak organs, prevent 'rebellious' organ energy from rising to the head, and improve the efficiency of internal alchemy during qigong practice. When highly developed, energy control may be applied to project healing energy to others.