Qigong forms can be classified in various ways. One is to divide into two categories:
- Internal Qigong (Neigong)
- External Qigong (Waigong
Internal Qigong is also known as Internal Elixir (Neidan). This emphasises building
the qi up inside the body and then spreading it out to the limbs. One of the most
welll-known methods is Microcosmic Orbit where the qi is circulated up the Governing
Vessel which goes up the centre of the back and down the Conception Vessel which
runs down the centre of the front of the body. These two acupuncture channels form
a complete circuit when the tongue is touched to the roof of the mouth.
External Qigong is also known as External Elixir (Waidan). This emphasises building up the qi in the limbs and then leading it into the interior of the body. External Elixir Forms involve tensing and relaxing the muscles in the limbs to promote qi there. When the qi reaches a certain level any obstructions to the flow will be cleared and the qi can then nourish the internal organs.
Another method used in External Elixir is to adopt positions of the body where the tissues around specific internal organs are stretched and, therefore, the qi flow around them is promoted.
Qigong forms can also be divided into two main categories:
- Static Qigong
- Dynamic Qigong.
These two categories overlap a great deal with the above two categories of Internal and External Elixir. However, it is possible for a dynamic qigong to combine both Internal and External Elixir.
Static Qigong (Jing gong)
This uses stationery postures (lying, sitting or standing). The main focus is to make the mind and breath tranquil. It includes methods of physical and mental relaxation, methods of concentration and meditation, the method of imagination and visualisation, and methods of breathing.
Dynamic Qigong (Dong gong)
The purpose of dynamic qigong is to promote the free flow of qi throughout all the channels of the body.This type of qigong uses physical movement which may be combined with breathing methods and mental focus. Many of the movements are based on those of animals. The methods of massage, tapping, patting, slapping are also included within dynamic qigong. This category would also include the martial Iron Palm and Iron Shirt methods which involve striking objects with the palm and striking the body with various tools.
Click on any of the particular qigong forms below for more details.
Classical Forms:
(These are the classic forms which are well-
Muscle/Tendon Transformation Exercises (Yi Jin Jing)
The Eight Brocades (Ba Duan Jin)
Five Animal Frolics (Wu Qin Xi)
Six Word Secret (Liu Zi Jue), often called the Six Healing Sounds
Modern Forms:
Return to the Source (Guigen Qigong)
The Eighteen Movements of Taiji Qigong (Taiji Qigong Shibashi)
Twelve Qigong Treasures For Beginners -