Frustration in Qi Gong & Nei Gong Practice – Why It Happens and What It Really Means

Jiaoshi Andrea
Jan 27
4 min read

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eupyxWsroIc

Why It Happens and Why It Matters

This article is inspired by conversations with my students, my own experience, and questions that often arise in our Discord group.In particular, I want to talk about frustration during Qi Gong and Nei Gong practice.

Frustration is something we all experience — not only as practitioners, but as human beings.Life rarely goes the way we want, and we have far less control over events than we would like to believe. When effort does not immediately lead to results, frustration naturally arises.

This is also true in internal energy practice.

Why Frustration Appears During Practice

Frustration often becomes more visible during practice, not because practice creates it, but because practice reveals it.

In daily life, we are constantly engaged with external activities.We move from one thing to another, distracted, busy, and mentally occupied. In that state, we rarely notice how unstable the mind is, or how reactive our emotions actually are.

Practice changes this.

When we stand, sit, or move quietly, focused only on ourselves, the practice works like a magnifying glass.We suddenly see things we were not fully aware of before:

The mind does not stay still
Thoughts jump continuously from one thing to another
Emotions arise without invitation
The body feels stiff, disconnected, or uncooperative

This can be shocking. Many practitioners believe they are relaxed, centered, or in control — until they start practicing seriously.And this discovery is often the first source of frustration.

The Mistake of Comparing Yourself

One of the most common mistakes is comparison.

Comparing yourself with an idea of how you should be
Comparing today’s practice with yesterday’s
Comparing your experience with someone else’s

This comparison creates unnecessary pressure and discouragement. The simple truth is this:If you are practicing, you are already doing the work. The moment you show up for your daily practice, you are working on yourself — regardless of how the session feels.

Energy Practice Is Not Only About Energy

In the beginning, many people are attracted to internal practice because of the energy aspect:

Feeling Qi
Developing the Dantian
Experiencing Fa Qi
Having unusual or “mystical” sensations

This is natural. But sooner or later, if the practice is genuine, something becomes clear:This is not only an energy practice. It is a work on the whole human being.

Frustration often appears when expectations are too narrowly focused on energy sensations or achievements.

Some students report strong sensations for months, then suddenly nothing.This can feel like a plateau or a regression.

In reality, internal development does not move in a straight line.There are phases of sensation, phases of silence, phases of integration, and phases of deep internal change that are not immediately noticeable.

Patience is essential.

Frustration as Information

Frustration is not an enemy. It is information.

It shows us:

Where we lack patience
Where we expect quick results
Where discipline is weak
Where motivation depends on pleasure
Where the mind wants control

These same patterns usually exist in daily life — but practice makes them visible.

The practitioner’s work is not only to cultivate energy, but to know oneself.

Discipline, Commitment, and Daily Practice

This work is not glamorous. It is silent. It does not bring immediate recognition.It does not always feel pleasant.

It requires discipline — something many of us were never trained in.

Daily practice is a form of internal training, similar to going to the gym, but directed inward. Each time you practice despite frustration, lack of motivation, or discomfort, you strengthen something deeper than energy.

You train:

Stability
Commitment
Inner strength
The ability to act without being ruled by mood

This capacity naturally carries over into daily life.

When Practice Feels Hard

There are moments when practice feels heavy:

You feel stuck
You feel unmotivated
You feel like nothing is happening
You feel tempted to quit

This does not mean something is wrong. Often, it means the work is touching deeper layers. If you stay patient, something usually shifts — sometimes suddenly, sometimes quietly.A new understanding arises.A new quality appears.The practice moves to another level.

Internal Practice as Real Kung Fu

In Chinese culture, Kung Fu does not mean fighting others.It means achieving a high level of proficiency through time and effort.

In this sense, internal practice is Kung Fu.

Not because it looks impressive, but because it refines the practitioner. It is about sharpening yourself — not through conflict, but through awareness and steady action.

The real challenge is not external.It is facing frustration, doubt, and resistance without being governed by them.

A Simple Suggestion

If you are feeling frustrated in your practice:

Do not rush
Do not judge
Do not quit impulsively

Continue quietly. This journey is larger than energy accumulation.It is a path of transformation. Frustration is not a failure — it is part of the process.

Stay patient. Stay practical. Keep practicing.