Course Content
Welcome
Welcome to "An Introduction to Qi Cultivation: The Fundamentals of Qigong and Internal Alchemy"! In this section, I'll share my personal journey into Qi and introduce you to the lineage from which this wisdom originates. We'll also go over the course structure and what you can expect. Let's embark on this journey of internal alchemy together!
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Qigong Warm Ups
Qigong practice has its own unique forms of warm up, including exercises which focus on joint rotations to improve the flow of energy, and the practice of shaking.
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Posture Notes & Balancing Exercises
This section contains preparatory posture guidance and post-practice balancing tools. The posture notes for standing and seated exercises are designed to improve alignment, balance, and energy flow, and the post-practice balancing tools are designed to ensure that any stored tension that may have occurred during practice is alleviated.
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Enlivening the Organs with Energy
In Taoist practice, the internal organs are regarded as particularly important places to focus Qi, because they are places in the body where key internal processes take place, as well as the place where our emotions are stored.
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Earth and Sky Breathing
The following meditations use the mind to extend the energy body beyond the confines of the physical body. As you do this, you open yourself to a whole palate of feelings that go beyond normal experience.
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Generating the Qi Ball
The Qi ball is a foundational concept in energy work: the idea that we can generate a quantum of energy which then is, and has, a force of its own which we can direct as we will.
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Working with the Qi Ball
Once we have generated the feeling of a Qi ball in the body, we open up a series of practices that, utilising the quantum of energy represented by the Qi ball, serve to further enhance the ability of the body to attract, store and command energy.
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The Microcosmic Orbit
This is a foundational Taoist exercise for health and wellbeing, otherwise called “circulating the light”.
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Working with Qi pressure & “Cooking” Qi
This set of exercises involves compressing and refining energy within the lower tan tien, transforming it into a more potent and concentrated form for enhanced vitality, resilience, and internal power.
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Inner Alchemy
By working with light, breath, and focused intention, we engage in the ancient art of inner transformation, taking a step closer toward our highest potential as beings of energy and consciousness.
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Absorbing Qi from Nature
External Qi absorption techniques harness the abundant energy from nature allowing practitioners to replenish, refine, and harmonise their internal Qi for greater vitality and balance.
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“Empty Force”
In this Section, we begin the sacred work of returning to ourselves — drawing our awareness inward, listening to the subtle movements within, and learning to gather and circulate our innate energy.
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Meridian Slapping
I call this practice "Better Than a Coffee", because it provides a full-body energetic stimulation, but without any side effects!
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Seeing the Qi
It is also possible to see the Qi visually!
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An Introduction to Qi Cultivation: The Fundamentals of Qigong and Internal Alchemy
About Lesson

Earth Meets Sky, Sky Meets Earth

 

This exercise seeks to provide an experience of the uniting of the yin energy of the earth and the yang energy of the sky.

 

The question here is: what’s better than masculine or feminine? The answer is: both together! United in harmony is always better.

 

The exercise involves a dynamic energy exchange between the Earth and the cosmos, aligning your body with the flow of universal Qi. By directing your breath and awareness, you create a harmonious cycle, drawing energy from the depths of the Earth, sending it to the stars, and receiving celestial energy in return. This practice enhances your connection with both grounding and expansion, integrating the energies of yin (Earth) and yang (Heaven) into a balanced state of being.

 

Practice Guide

Please watch the video below for a demonstration of the practice.

[INSERT VIDEO]

 

A written description is provided in the “Exercise Files” tab.

 

After you have completed the exercise, stand with your arms by your side, sensing internally the result of the exercise. Note down in your Course Journal the experience you had.

 

“Earth Meets Sky, Sky Meets Earth” is a profound practice that:

  • Balances Yin and Yang – harmonising Earth’s stability with Heaven’s expansiveness.
  • Enhances energy flow – strengthening Qi circulation throughout the body.
  • Deepens grounding and expansion – connecting you simultaneously to the physical and the cosmic.
  • Cultivates a state of presence – fostering a deeper sense of unity and wholeness.
  • Purifies and energises – revitalising your body, mind, and spirit with fresh energy.

By practicing this exercise regularly, you become a bridge between Earth and Sky, embodying the natural rhythms of expansion and grounding, bringing a sense of peace, clarity, and vitality into your life.

 

This exercise is also excellent for balancing one’s emotions; a variation of it can be used more specifically to uplift oneself (if one is feeling low or depressed) or to ground oneself (if one is feeling too high, too dreamy, or disconnected from earthly matters):

 

To give oneself an uplifting feeling, add to the above 5 more breaths (breaths 15-20) where the breath starts from the earth and ends in the stars and then next breath again starts from the earth and ends in the stars. To give oneself a more grounded feeling, make breaths 15-20 start in the stars and end in the earth and then start in the stars again, and end deep in the earth, ending the exercise with that downward movement of energy.

Exercise Files
Earth Meets Sky, Sky Meets Earth.pdf
Size: 166.29 KB