Daoist Internal Alchemy (内丹, Nèi Dān) refers to a systematic method of cultivation where individuals harness their innate Jing (精 jīng), Qi (气 qì), and Shen (神 shén) as the “ingredients” to refine the “Elixir” (known as 丹 dān) within their own bodies. Far from mere metaphor, this practice yields tangible experiences for practitioners. Its…
DetailsWelcome back to the second part of our in-depth guide on Bigu, the Chinese energy fasting. If you missed the first part, we encourage you to go back and read it to gain a foundational understanding of the topic. In this installment, we’ll delve deeper into the levels of Bigu and the secrets to mastering…
DetailsIntroduction: The Importance of Jing, Qi, and Shen in Chinese Traditions and Internal Alchemy Jing, Qi, and Shen are not just theoretical constructs but essential components in Daoist Internal Alchemy (Neidan) and other Chinese traditional disciplines like Traditional Chinese Medicine. Known as the ‘Three Treasures,’ these elements are different manifestations of universal energy. They are…
DetailsPart One: What is Bigu and What Are Its Types? Introduction to Bigu: An Ancient Chinese Practice In the world of Chinese Daoist traditions, Bigu is a unique technique that has captivated many for centuries. So, what is Bigu all about? Bigu teaches you to draw life energy from ‘Qi’ instead of relying on food.…
DetailsDefining Neigong and Neidan: Unraveling the Dichotomy Neigong, synonymous with Martial Arts Qigong, is a distinctive blend of Qigong and martial arts, starkly different from its counterpart, Neidan, or Internal Elixir. Despite their shared characteristics and commonalities in promoting initial healing and body strengthening, these practices display substantial divergence in their operational levels and ultimate…
DetailsThe Three Treasures of Life: Jing, Qi, and Shen In many Eastern philosophies, the elements of Jing, Qi, and Shen are fundamental to both spiritual and physical cultivation. Jing serves as the foundation, Qi acts as the driving force, and Shen stands as the ruler. Within Taoist Neidan practice, these three elements are further differentiated…
DetailsYin and Yang are interdependent – one cannot exist without the other, and each grows in relation to the other. Additionally, Yang contains Yin and Yin contains Yang, creating a
DetailsAccording to traditional Chinese medicine, one of the keys to good health is a balanced flow of Qi through the body’s meridians. Qi is the vital energy
DetailsThe term Qigong is derived from the Chinese words “气” meaning life-force, and “功” meaning work or skill. However, a more accurate name for this practice
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