The Philosophy and practice of Inspirit Way Internal Qigong

Qigong is a Chinese system of physical and spiritual cultivation which can be translated as Vitality Practice. This recent term is used to describe the traditional internal practices known as Internal Alchemy (Nei Dan). This ancient practical spiritual system is based on the Daoist philosophy of the Natural Way (Dao). It was developed over millennia with an aim to benefit health, improve wellness and reveal our spiritual nature.  

Inspirit Way Internal Qigong (Shen Dao Nei Qigong) is a collection of traditional practices combined with recent ones specifically formulated for the needs of our times. Out of the many Qigong styles, most of which focus on Martial Arts or Medicine, it is one firmly based on spiritual principles.  

It is a genuinely holistic system as it works in physical, remedial, alchemical and spiritual ways. Its primary basis is Dao Hua Qi Gong, taught by Master Zhi Xing Wang. It has been further inspired by inner guidance during 30-plus years of research and practice with an aim to heal, transform and awaken.  

At the heart of Daoist Qigong is the exploration of our innate spiritual nature. What is described as an internal alchemical processes, transform our denser and baser components into finer, lighter and purer states. Then our original (Yuan) and heavenly (Tian) reality is revealed, leading to increasing spiritual realisation.

 With this ‘internal way’ we engage with the Three Treasures: vitality (Qi), essence (Jing) and spirit (Shen), as well as the universal dynamics of Yin-Yang and Five Elements (Wu Xi). These are the fundamental principles of Chinese medicine, philosophy and spirituality. In Qigong they are used to access our spiritual, vital and essential resources as well as experience our integral place in the universe.

The actual practice consists of physical forms, sequences and processes as well as visualisations, attunements and meditations. These are mostly loose and intuitive rather than rigid forms.

The physical practices are often in tandem with breathwork and mindfulness to enable you to experience the Qi inside and outside you. These can be fixed postures, movement sequences or free-form expressions. The perception of Qi is obtained by focussing on a subtle felt-sense unique to Internal Qigong.

You typically start a session with shaking and stretching to ease tension, relax, soften and invigorate you. Then standard forms are used, such as the Ball, Rainbow, Healing Cycle, and Microcosmic Orbit. Some of these focus on the physical body, others on the Qi flowing in the network of animation (Jing Luo) or the centres of energy (Dan Tien). These set practices can develop into a fluid and free-flowing movements and sequences as with this style of Qigong you let yourself be directed by the life force, (Qi).

Spontaneous Qigong is the style where you tune into the Qi and let it direct your movements and sounds, not your mind. By trusting the life force and your spirit to direct and move you is a liberating and often exhilarating experience. The more you let go, the more your spontaneity increases to become a pure expression of energy and spirit flowing through you. This instils within you the classic Daoist attitude of ‘effortless effort’ (Wu Wei).

Five Element Qigong are forms and sequences that specifically relate to each of the Five Elements that pervades us, nature and the cosmos: Fire, Water, Earth, Wood and Metal. Sequences such as the Five Animals, Five Transformations, and Five Vital Essences connect with and express these literally quintessential states.

Medical Qigong, aka Healing Qigong are techniques and forms that directly benefit physical and mental health. Health benefits are an inevitable effect of Qigong practice, for Qi automatically detoxifies, and cleanses the body of negativity and rectifies imbalances. It increases vital energy, restores cells, rejuvenates organs, releases tension and relaxes your body and mind. Replenishing your life force in turn improves your immune system and your capacity to deal with health issues.

Medical Qigong is traditionally used to remedy ailments and benefit your constitution. When healing Qi flows in your body it nourishes any weakness, cleanses toxins, clears obstructions and expels so-called illness energy (Bing Qi). This helps heal the afflicted area/s, or manage any ongoing conditions as well as prevent future ones from developing. So whilst your symptoms decrease, your wellness increases.

Internal Alchemy (Nei Dan) refers to meditation, visualisation, transmission and attunement practices which cultivate and reveal your spirituality. There are mainly Daoist in origin with some Buddhist meditations included. Some focus on your major centres known as Fields of Treasure (Dan Tien). Others connect you to your Radiant Spirit (Shen Ming) and Heart Master (Xin Zhu) whilst others to the Origin (Yuan) and Heaven (Tian).

This transpersonal focus develops your spiritual potential. Experiencing your essential spiritual reality helps increase your inner clarity, serenity and harmony. This mitigates the stresses and strains of daily life which improves your general wellbeing. When you anchor yourself in your heart and spirit a profound sense of joy and unity is engendered. You come to increasingly experience the oneness of all existence. This is known as ‘following the Natural Way’ (Dao).

I have practiced Internal and Medical Qigong for 33 years. I bring insights gained from 40 years study of Classical Chinese medicine, language, philosophy and spirituality and 36 years of clinical experience.

Contact Amadis, on 07941 665506 or amadis@inspiritway.com

For more info about its principles and practices go to www.inspiritway.com/alchemy

The longer you practice this internal way, the more its benefits become apparent and

 the essential spiritual nature of reality is revealed.

 The Way is both the road and destination