Yin MOVEMENT

What are internal arts?

Internal ARTS:

Refer to working with the body’s inner processes, including:

Energetic awareness (Qi)
Focused consciousness (Shen)
Inner structures: organs, fascia, dantiens
Breathing and nervous systems (vagus nerve, parasympathetic tone)

In practice, this means we don’t train muscle strength as an end goal, but rather:

We cultivate a state of awareness, fluidity, and internal coherence that expresses itself through movement.

THE PURPOSE of internal arts

Different approaches:

💮 Purpose: Healing and balance

Definition: Qi Gong, Dao Yin – harmonizing Qi, supporting the organs, clearing blockages

💮 Purpose: Nervous system regulation

Definition: Activating the parasympathetic system (vagal tone), reducing stress

💮 Purpose: Energetic transformation

Definition: Converting Jing → Qi → Shen, inner alchemy, spiritual development

💮 Purpose: Martial refinement

Definition: Tai Chi, Bagua, Xing Yi – movement from internal strength, not muscle force

💮 Purpose: Mental clarity and presence

Definition: Training the mind, observing without attachment, building inner stability

💮 Purpose: Effortless defense

Definition: Learning to yield, redirect, spiral—without force

Examples of

INTERNAL ARTS

Meaning and practice

氣功 — Qi gong

Meaning: Energy work
Practice: Static or dynamic forms to circulate Qi and clear blockages; supports healing and emotional balance.
→ Types: Daoist, medical, martial

內功 — Nei gong

Meaning: Internal work – subtle transformation
Practice: Meditative training integrating breath, posture, and awareness; focuses on long-term energetic refinement.

太極拳 — Tai chi / Taijiquan

Meaning: “Supreme fist” – internal martial art
Practice: Structured flowing forms using spiral force, rooted stance, and internal strength.

導引 — Dao yin

Meaning: Guiding and leading the Qi
Practice: Twisting and dynamic movements to awaken the spine and clear meridians by working through the Jing body.

神功 — Shen gong

Meaning: Work with consciousness / spirit
Practice: Meditative practices for cultivating Shen and internal stillness.

💮 Movement becomes a tool for listening.
💮 You don’t force—you align.
💮You don’t train for strength—you train for clarity.

Qi gong vs. Tai chi

氣功 - Qi gong

• Focus: Cultivating and circulating Qi through static and dynamic movement
• Purpose: Clearing stagnation, emotional and energetic blockages, restoring natural flow
• Breath: Slow, focused, paired with internal sensing
• Suitable for: Beginners, therapeutic or meditative focus
• Jing: Preserves and refines Jing through stillness, nourishment, and breath

太極拳- Tai chi / Taijiquan

• Focus: Refining and directing Qi through spiral-based, coordinated movement
• Purpose: Embodying internal martial principles and cultivating internal power
• Movement: Complex, structured sequences with directional changes and fascial activation
• Suitable for: Practitioners with Qi Gong or foundational movement experience
• Jing: Cultivated through breath, alignment, and conscious intent—gradually transformed into Qi (Neidan)

Qi vs. Jing

What we cultivate ?

氣- Qi

is the life energy that moves through the meridians. It is dynamic, subtle, and sensory in nature. Qi is cultivated through breath, slow movement, internal awareness, and focusing energy in the dantiens. It helps awaken the body and activate vitality.

精 - Jing

On the other hand, is the vital essence—the core of regeneration and longevity. It is dense and nourishing. Jing is preserved and cultivated through stillness, inner nourishment, and alchemical processes. As Jing stabilizes, it gradually transforms into Qi, continuing the internal cultivation path (Neidan).

Qi gong

follows an inward path of refinement. The stages unfold as a natural process that gradually opens perception, energy, and inner connection:

Relax & align – Cultivate relaxation and stabilize your posture.
Breathe & aense – Develop breath awareness and begin to feel the internal flow.
Circulate Qi – Qi begins to move: warmth, pulsing, expansion arise.
Dantien aathering – Energy centers and stabilizes in the lower Dantien.
Spiral intelligence – Qi, fascia, and consciousness begin to move in unison.
Internal transformation (Neidan) – The practice deepens: Jing transforms into Qi, and Qi into Shen.

Tai Chi / Taijiquan

begins with the external and gradually internalizes through embodied motion:

Form & Coordination – Learn sequences, transitions, and external shapes.
Release & Center – Let go of muscle tension; initiate movement from the Dantien.
Spiral Activation – Activate the fascial system and internal axis through spiral motion.
Qi-Led Movement – Shift from muscular control to movement guided by internal energy.
Unified Flow – Integrate mind, breath, and body into a single, fluid intelligence.
Refined Presence (Shen) – Internal flows become subtle, intentional, and martial in quality.