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

Variation: Three “Fires” and Six Directions

 

This variation of the above exercise expands the collection and “flare” location within the body to include more energy centres, which are united with the lower tan tien to create a single large energy centre (three “fires” become one “fire”) with which to work.

 

The three energy centres each represent a distinct yet interconnected source of vital power:

  1. The Tan Tien Fire (Lower Tan Tien) – The core energy storage centre, responsible for vitality, stamina, and physical strength.
  2. The Kidney Fire (Door of Life, or Ming Men) – The source of Jing (essence), regulating deep internal power and longevity.
  3. The Heart Fire – The seat of spirit and consciousness, responsible for compassion, wisdom, and emotional balance.

 

When these three fires are activated, connected, and merged, they create a single, expansive energy field that enhances one’s ability to store, circulate, and direct energy with greater efficiency and intensity.

 

This practice also engages the Six Directions, allowing the practitioner to draw in universal energy and expand their Qi field beyond the body, linking personal energy with the vastness of the cosmos. By integrating the Three Fires into a unified energy centre, the body becomes an even more powerful conductor of Qi, strengthening health, awareness, and energetic resilience.

 

Practice Guide

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

 

[INSERT VIDEO]

 

A written description of the practice is provided at the Exercise Files tab.

 

After you have completed the exercise, please note your experience and reflections in your Course Journal.

 

Exercise Files
Three Fires and Six Directions.pdf
Size: 259.30 KB