Qigong (Energy Work)

The confusion between Waigong and Neigong arises in part due to the fact that once one reaches a certain level, one can be practicing the same external postures and forms, but in fact be practicing Neigong, and this would only be perceptible to very few that can tune in and feel the energy flow of the practitioner. 

Internal qigong practice can also be referred to as ‘soft’ qigong. Daoist practice maintains that the cultivation of the mind and spirit must be coordinated with the improvement of the body. Daoist qigong’s main focus is on the body and health preservation. Both are considered internal/soft qigong. In internal qigong the focus is placed on deep breathing and paying close attention to either the body parts and or the space in which the body is or the space alone. The practice of soft qigong does not require the use of large amounts of physical energy. This type of training can help to open the lungs and strengthen respiration, strengthen the organs, and also open the energy channels and meridians of the body. As mentioned earlier, Neigong can be practiced with or without physical movement. We practice both hard qigong and soft qigong to connect the body as a composite whole. In the 'hard' qigong we use tapping or slapping of the body parts either with hands, fists or even wooden or metal sticks or mallets to help stimulate the energy flow through the body. This type of Qigong is used more for martial artists in order to condition the body to be able to withstand harder blows.

The benefits of internal qigong practice are vast. Internal qigong practice is beneficial for all people and can help with physical and emotional ailments that one may be suffering from. The main practice of internal qigong is the practice of taking in healthy fresh qi (vital energy - frequency and vibration within the body - pronounced "chi") and expelling the waste, toxins, and unhealthy qi that have accumulated in our bodies over time. Alongside this practice is the practice of collecting chi (qi) and storing it in the dantian (naval energy center) to strengthen the body and revitalize the energy and the spirit. After extensive practice and enough qi has been cultivated in the dantian of a student they can then learn to use it to strengthen the five major organs (heart, lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys recognized in Traditional Chinese Medicine) and also use the mind an intention to circulate qi to open body’s energy channels and meridians. The result being that practitioner’s body and mind then gradually return to the calm, soft, supple, and elastic state.

The dragon is especially noted for its wisdom and flexibility. It is the only mythological creature of the Shaolin Art form, thus the only one that can fight on land, the water or in the sky. the dragon uses rising and falling motions as well as twisting and turning to overcome adversaries. The dragon helps develop inner strength.

The tiger is noted for its strength and courage tenacity and power. It is the physically strongest of all five animals–using straight-headed attacks, ripping and tearing as it moves and always pressing. The movement of the tiger develops strong bones and a strong back.

The leopard teaches us timing, footwork, speed and coordination. Although smaller than the tiger, the leopard is stronger in his size because of his long smooth muscle structure and sleek body frame. The leopard's power is primarily produced from a relaxed whip-like action generated by speed and balance as well as limber waist and hip movements. The leopard helps develop conditioning of the skin, tendons and bones.

The snake is noted for its Chi (Qi) or internal strength and deceptive movements. It has the most flexibility and rhythmic endurance of all the other creatures. It is accurate, swift and uses deceptive movements in its fighting. The snake can coil, zigzag and use rapid twisting motions to compensate for its lack of limbs. The snake helps develop chi or internal strengthening of the body and spirit.

The crane is noted for its agility, balance and grace. It represents longevity and teaches us concentration and patience. It has a calm and quiet nature. Its movements are soft, relaxed and circular. However, they are also explosive and can be used at a close or far away distance. The crane helps develop strength in the arms, fingers and wrists while conditioning overall leg and ankle strength.

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