What is Qi Gong? What is the difference with Nei Qi Gong?

Understanding the Meaning of Qi Gong and Nei Qi Gong: Clarifying the Practice and Its Purpose

During one of our live streaming sessions on my Facebook page Nei Qi Gong - Jiaoshi Andrea, a follower asked a very important question: What is the meaning of the word "Qi Gong"? This simple inquiry opened the door to a deeper exploration of the practice, and I decided to extend the question to include Nei Qi Gong, and compare the two. Understanding these terms is key to grasping the purpose and goals of these practices.

In this article, I will break down the meanings of Qi Gong and Nei Qi Gong, clarify the differences between them, and explain how they contribute to personal and spiritual growth.

What Is Qi Gong?

The word Qi Gong (氣功) comes from two Chinese characters:

• Qi (氣), which means "vital energy" or "life force."

• Gong (功), which means "skill," "practice," or "work."

So, in essence, Qi Gong translates to the practice or cultivation of vital energy. It is a holistic system of exercises, breathing techniques, and meditation aimed at improving the flow of energy (Qi) through the body, promoting health, vitality, and spiritual development. Qi Gong is used for various purposes, such as maintaining good health, healing, stress reduction, and enhancing mental clarity.

Qi Gong practices often involve gentle movements, controlled breathing, and focused intention to guide the flow of Qi throughout the body. There are many styles of Qi Gong, each with its own specific techniques and goals. Some styles are more focused on physical health, while others emphasize spiritual and energetic development.

What Is Nei Qi Gong?

Nei Qi Gong (內氣功) is a specialized form of Qi Gong that focuses on cultivating and refining the internal energy (Nei Qi). While Qi Gong generally refers to the practice of working with energy in the body, Nei Qi Gong takes this a step further by emphasizing the cultivation of internal Qi for deeper, more profound spiritual growth.

The term Nei (內) means "internal" or "inside," distinguishing this practice from other Qi Gong forms that may focus more on external aspects, such as physical movement. Nei Qi Gong is designed to work on the energetic centers within the body, specifically the Dan Tians, which are key energy centers that govern health, vitality, and spiritual development.

Key Differences Between Qi Gong and Nei Qi Gong

1. Focus on Internal Energy:

   
   

   • Qi Gong: Works with both internal and external energy, including the environment and interactions with others.

   
   

   • Nei Qi Gong: Focuses specifically on the internal cultivation of Qi, drawing attention to the body's inner energy systems, such as the Dan Tians.

1. Purpose and Depth:

   
   

   • Qi Gong: While Qi Gong can be used for physical health, healing, and stress relief, it does not always delve deeply into the cultivation of internal energy for spiritual growth.

   
   

   • Nei Qi Gong: Aims at a deeper, more profound understanding of energy manipulation, spiritual development, and connection to the universal life force. It’s a more advanced practice for those seeking to grow spiritually, elevate consciousness, and achieve inner balance.

1. Techniques:

   
   

   • Qi Gong: Includes a wide range of movements, from gentle stretching to more dynamic exercises, along with breathwork and meditation.

   
   

   • Nei Qi Gong: Focuses on cultivating internal Qi through specific exercises designed to activate and strengthen the Dan Tians and other energetic pathways within the body.

   
   

The Purpose and Goals of Nei Qi Gong

The ultimate goal of Nei Qi Gong is to cultivate and refine the internal energy within the body, achieve spiritual growth, and harmonize the body and mind. Through consistent practice, one can develop a deeper awareness of their energetic nature and unlock the potential to heal themselves, tap into higher states of consciousness, and achieve personal transformation.

Nei Qi Gong helps practitioners:

• Balance and harmonize energy within the body.

• Increase vitality and improve overall health.

• Deepen spiritual understanding and awareness.

• Enhance martial arts skills, if applicable, through refined energy control.

• Develop the ability to heal others by re-establishing the natural flow of Qi.

Start Your Journey with Nei Qi Gong

If you're interested in learning the basics of Nei Qi Gong and experiencing its powerful benefits, I invite you to explore these practices for yourself. By beginning with simple yet effective exercises, you can start cultivating your own vital energy and experience the transformative power of Qi.

➤ Get 2 Free Basic Exercises: Body Alignment & Abdominal Breathing: Click Here