What is neigong (內功)?

Nei (內) is the Chinese character for inside. Thus, nei-gong literally means working inside but it is understood as working with qi inside the body. It is also translated as “soft qigong”, “internal qigong” or “still qigong”. Its opposite is wei (outside, 外)-gong also called “hard qigong” or “external qigong”. Both have many different schools, disciplines and practices.

In association with martial arts, neigong is used to train the coordination of the individual’s body with the breath. Other important exercises are to cultivate the stillness of the mind, physical relaxation and conscious (deliberate) movement.

Non-martial neigong also known as dao yin (tao yin, 導引) or inner alchemy, is the precursor of qigong and was practiced in daoist monasteries for health and spiritual cultivation as early as 500 years BC. During these internal exercises one uses visualizations or meditative techniques such as introspection and self-observation. With increasing practice, the disciple gains control over previously subconscious mechanisms such as balance, muscular movements, peristalsis and blood circulation. However, the actual goal of neigong is to control and refine flow of the “Three Treasures” (三寳) known as jing (essence, 精), qi (vital energy, 氣) and shen (spirit, 神). The ultimate goal is to become one with the Dao (道).

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~ by jhunan on July 10, 2008.