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How can we classify the Qì-Gong styles?

When we start out with Qì-Gong practice we may be overwhelmed by the vast number of styles we come across. Legend goes that there are around 5000 different styles of qì-gong! This is somehow understandable when we consider that qì-gong is a generic term referring to any perseverent practice that helps to move qì (vital energy).

Traditionally qì-gong styles are divided into four (I will present them in parentheses). In my opinion this classification also follows the path of a qì-gong practitioner going from beginner to more advanced. That is why I am using my own terms for each style.

Of course each stage is intermingled with one another. While you are healing you will also be empowered, while you are calming you are also healing etc. Nevertheless these stages mark the main intention of the practitioner. This classification also follows the path of external to inner practice (Wai-Gong to Nei-Gong). We will talk more about these terms in a later article.

Healing Qì-Gong (Medical Qì-Gong)

Focus is on healing certain ailments and preventing disease.

In the first stage you are attracted to qì-gong in order to heal a certain ailment you experience in your physical or emotional body.

For example, I once had a student that came to me with severe neck problems. He had to turn his torso in order to turn his neck. I have taught him turtle breathing technique, which we normally use in our warm-up routine. He was persevering enough to practice everyday. After a few months he not only could move his neck with ease but also he had also overcame his hunched back and had an open chest. As a matter of fact simple qì-gong warm-up exercises can serve as healing qì-gong.

Ba-Duan-Jin is one of the most famous medical qì-gong sets. Another famous medical qì-gong set is Taiji Qì-Gong (Shibashi). This set was created by Prof. Lin Hou Sheng in 1978, taking 18 Tai-Chi Chuan inspired movements with focus on health benefits.

This kind of qì-gong will boost your immune system so that we are more strong and you can prevent illness.

Empowerment (Martial Arts Qì-Gong)

In order to increase stamina and to recover immediately from injuries (also walking on walls and throwing fireballs etc.) In order to accumulate energy and empowerment of the body.

Now that you have healed your physical body and you have fallen in love with qì-gong practice you want to progress. With empowerment practices you will be able to increase your sensitivity to qì and accumulate it better in lower Dan-Tien.

The most famous qì-gong that many martial art practitioners are familiar with is Zhan Zhuang (standing like a tree). In this practice you will be standing in a particular position for prolonged periods and in a meditative state. This form of qì-gong will clear the qì blockages in the meridians and strengthen the whole body structure. It is even said that by perseverent practice this qì-gong will open the small heavenly circuit (microcosmic orbit) without further effort by the practitioner.

Some other martial qì-gong sets will require a good amount of concentration in order to guide and concentrate qi, increase flexibility and enhance the fluidity of qì. One famous martial style that emphasizes these characteristics is Wu-Dang style qì-gong.

On the other hand there is Tàijí quán, where the practitioner will feel as soft as a feather. What differentiates Tàijí quán from other martial arts systems is its softness of movement that look like qì-gong movements. Learning Tàijí quán the correct way naturally leads to forementioned qì skills in the practitioner. As a matter of fact Tàijí quán can be considered of a combination of healing, empowerment and calming qì-gong.

Calming Qì-Gong (Scholar Qì-Gong)

These are scientists who investigate the human Qì.

Now that you have healed and empowered your physical body you want to heal your emotional body and mind as well.

In order to do that you will have to calm down your heart mind (Hsin) with meditative qì-gong in stillness. Then you will also be able to relax your internal organs and feel the flow of qì within.

This kind of practice will require you to practice inner qì-gong (nei-gong) techniques so that you get familiar with your inner qì landscape. Calming the mind and heart will eventually result in maintaining the optimal functioning of your inner organs and hence your health. Many calming qì-gong techniques will teach you to energise your “Ni-Wuan” (upper dantian, the limbic system) so that you can better regulate your moods. This will eventually result in more efficient neurotransmitter and hormone secretion from the limbic system. The result will be a happier attitude in life and higher emotional intelligence.

Master Li Junfeng, the founder of Sheng Zhen Gong also teaches how to calm the mind and heart by ‘Union of Three Hearts Meditation’ at his free online school. Normally many people will stop at this level of qì-gong.

Normally many people will stop at this level of qì-gong.

Spiritual Qì-Gong (Religious Qì-Gong)

Highest form of Qi-Gong practiced for Buddhahood. This tradition has variations among Buddhists, Tibetans and Taoist all seeking enlightenment but the latter also seeking longevity.

Once the practitioner is advanced enough with inner qì-gong techniques then he/she is ready to take the practice one step further seeking for deeper meanings of life and existence.

At this point qì-gong will have already enhanced the senses of the practitioner. Now the goal is not merely keeping the health at optimum; the practitioner wants to see beyond the veil of existence and reach buddhahood. Using all the qì skills he/she has practiced, the practitioner can now empower his/her DanTien with qì and channel it with his/her mind through the center of his/her body (using the chong mai meridian) and awaken his/her soul at the center of his/her limbic system (Upper DanTien). Thereupon he/she will be able to energize the Upper DanTien and eventually open the Third Eye. All these practices will empower the practitioners’ spirit and create a spiritual embryo that will be able to exist in higher spiritual dimensions.

Of course this is a very simplistic way of putting it. Damo Mitchell has a great book on the subject called “Daoist NeiGong”, where he is able to explain these ancient practices to an occasional reader.

This kind of qì-gong should be learnt from a Daoist Master. Since it needs absolute persevent practice and dedication it is better practiced in seclusion from the society or an extremely clear mind.

I hope this article about how I view the styles of qì-gong gave your direction and enthusiasm for your practice.

I should also mention that all the information here is my own arbitrary opinion and is limited by my own experience of qì-gong.

Have a qì-full day.

photo of moon and sky