Neigong (pronounced ‘nay gong’ or ‘nae gong’) means “internal skill”, “internal development”, or “internal work”. Neigong (sometimes written as Nei Gong), is an 3,000 year old, “secret” Chinese practice with roots in Daoism and alchemical training. In fact, in ancient times, the lower Dantian was called the “Neigong center”. Neigong is the core of the internal Chinese martial arts, such as: Tai Chi, Xing-yi Quan, and Bagua. The focus is on opening and strengthening the deepest energy channels in the body.
For centuries, Neigong had been handed down only from Masters to disciples in order to cultivate, transmit, manipulate, and accumulate internal energy or Qi. Many Tai Chi Masters still do not reveal the “secrets” to the general public. In fact, even today different schools have different styles and unique systems. Their students often swear an oath of secrecy and are not permitted to pass on learning materials.
According to Master Jesse Tsao, PhD, author of Practical Tai Chi Training, Neigong practice will grow the vital “energy in and between your inner organs until it flows through every cell in your body.” Neigong is considered a “deep internal ‘energetic art’,” where Qi is directed by the mind and activates many energy channels simultaneously. Obviously, the practice of Neigong requires both training and the proper applications, requiring both mental and physical effort.
Neigong is also considered to be a strong systematic method of making your body better, faster, stronger and improving your stamina that works for both internal and external martial arts practitioners. First, one must develop the body’s efficiency, then develop the energy system (opening channels to increase Qi efficiency), and last but not least, develop the mind’s capabilities.
There are, not surprisingly, many theories and opinions regarding Neigong: namely, what it is and what its focus is. Some “experts” consider Neigong to be a set of spiritual, meditative, and breathing exercises to enhance relaxation, stillness, and conscious movement. While others maintain that the focus of Neigong is the body’s elasticity. And then there are those who believe that it is not just mystical but also is about physics and biomechanics! Last, but certainly not least, there are those who say that the aim of Neigong is to develop an awareness of the body’s movement, to link breathing to movement, and to relieve body tension.
There are many different methods of basic Neigong practice consisting of controlled abdominal breathing and deliberate movements to release muscle tension or produce relaxation. This may include vibrating joints and/or meridian cavities, as well as internal soft tissue and fascia stretching for the purpose of storing Qi in deeper layers of your body. Another popular method is letting your mind guide your Qi in an inner energy loop (either small or large). This may involve sitting physically still in order to cultivate Qi energy.
Advanced Neigong principles are similar to the foundation of good Qigong training: structure, breath, and intention. However, Neigong is more often associated with the martial (which we will discuss in a future blog), rather than the health, aspect of Qigong. While the foundations of both Qigong and Neigong are similar, there are two important differences: Qigong starts outside the body and works inwards, while Neigong starts inside the body and works outwards.
A question has arisen lately: is internal arts training missing actual Neigong? Some experts maintain that this is true because of politics, economics, and sociological elements. Personally, I don’t have the answer. However, I am aware that some internal arts training “for the masses” don’t talk about deep internal energy, or any internal energy, at all. It appears that much of the emphasis is placed on the postures and choreography. This opens the possibility that Neigong may be missing!
While you may be able to find a qualified instructor, Neigong skills are generally principle based. You still need a form or practice in which to apply said principles. Generally speaking, you would also need a certain level of competency within the form before most (or any advanced) Neigong instruction is applied. Otherwise, you may be wasting both your time and energy—or worse, risk significant personal injury. A skilled instructor would insist on proper preparation and instruct the Neigong principles progressively as the student becomes more proficient. This is NOT your weekend workshop!
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