Step into the world of NEI GONG, a relative of Tai Chi, that adds dimension beyond the breath, the relaxation, and strengthening the muscles of the body to the inside — literally moving the focus to the deep recesses of the body. Nei Gong is known as the “Internal art” of qi (vital life force) cultivation.
Nei gong has historically been known as the gentle, or quiet, form of martial arts since it can be practiced without any meditative movement and often cannot be seen looking at the outside of the body. It is the art of cultivating physical stillness to deepen the body’s functioning and bring awareness of qi moving internally. This requires coordination, concentration and a higher level of skill after practicing Tai Chi for a period of time, creating stronger internal power.
Practitioners of Nei Gong often notice old muscle tensions release, old injuries vanish, immune system improved, and absolute stillness. In addition, you may notice natural body alignments, a sense of movement of internal energy, and a new sense of feeling loose and light.
Try the following Nei Gong practice:
- Open to solid horse stance – knees bent outwardly, straight back, head on top of spine
- Begin deep breathing in through the nose, into the dantian (belly), out through the mouth
- Rock back and forth gently bringing awareness to the arches of the feet, and settle
- Think of the arches as bubbling springs pulling the energy of the earth up through the body
- Inhale lift arches, exhale release arches
- Experience connection and harmony with the earth while repeating indefinitely
If possible, practice this outside, in bare feet, which more solidly connects you to the earth’s magnetism. This is known as “earthing” and brings harmony and alignment with the earth while bringing earth’s nutrients into the body.
As always, we would love to see you in Tai Chi class with us at the J.
