The Difference Between Nei Qi Gong & Qi Gong

What’s the Difference Between Nei Qi Gong and Qi Gong?

One of the most common questions I receive is about the difference between Nei Qi Gong and traditional Qi Gong.

At a basic level, Qi Gong refers to a broad range of practices, including breathing techniques, static postures, and dynamic movements, all designed to work with Qi—the vital energy that flows through our body’s meridians, affecting our health and overall well-being. Think of Qi as the invisible network of energy flowing through the body, like an underground system of pipes, helping to regulate bodily functions and providing the essential resources for optimal health.

Qi Gong generally focuses on improving physical, emotional, and mental health through these exercises, promoting balance and harmony in the body.

The Next Step: Nei Qi Gong

Nei Qi Gong, on the other hand, goes beyond just improving general health. While health remains the foundation of Nei Qi Gong, the system’s goal is more advanced—it focuses on accumulating and cultivating Qi in increasingly greater amounts.

To better understand, let’s break it down:

1. Health Foundation: In Nei Qi Gong, the first set of practices is dedicated to creating a solid foundation of health. Once this is established, it serves as the necessary groundwork for more advanced energy work. Without a strong foundation, attempting to gather and condense too much Qi could overwhelm the body, potentially causing harm.

1. Advanced Work: Once the foundational health is developed, Nei Qi Gong becomes a system to gather and condense Qi to levels beyond what is needed for the body’s basic functions. This surplus of energy can be used for purposes such as martial arts, spiritual growth, and healing.

1. Structured Learning Path: The system created by my teacher, Shifu Costantino Valente, is a highly structured program that combines teachings from two advanced Chinese Masters, Shifu Lou and Shifu Zhou. The program is divided into basic and advanced practices, each carefully designed to ensure the body can safely adapt and prepare for the next level of energy work.

1. Teacher Support: As a Nei Qi Gong instructor, I emphasize ongoing, personalized support for my students. My role is not only to guide during classes but also to maintain a deeper connection with students, providing ongoing assistance and mentorship throughout their journey.

   
   

Summing Up the Differences

• Qi Gong: Focuses on improving health by working with Qi through simple practices.

• Nei Qi Gong: Begins with health but moves towards gathering an excess of Qi for advanced purposes like martial arts, spiritual growth, and healing, all while following a structured, progressive system.

Start Your Nei Qi Gong Journey Today

If you’re ready to embark on this journey of energy cultivation, there are several ways to begin:

➤ Discover Nei Qi Gong Online: Explore our online programs to begin your practice from anywhere.

➤ Receive 2 Free Basic Exercises: Sign up here for free exercises and experience the foundational practices of Nei Qi Gong.

For any questions or to learn more about Nei Qi Gong practices, feel free to leave a comment or reach out. Join us on the path to uncover the profound potential of Chi emission and internal energy cultivation.