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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Welcome
Introduction to the Lineage of the Information and to your Facilitator, Ryko Kalinko
Course Overview, Structure & Key Takeaways
How to Approach Qi Cultivation for Maximum Benefit
Course Journal
Introduction to Qi: Theory & Practice
In this section, you'll gain insight into the foundational principles of Qigong, its benefits, and how you can begin integrating it into your daily routine.
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Introductory Theory #1: The Energy Body
Introductory Theory #2: Four Key Terms – Understanding the History and Structure of the System
Introductory Theory #3: The Role of Imagination
Introductory Theory #4: Inner Intelligence and The End Goal of the Qigong System
Introductory Theory #5: Principles of Working with Energy & The Two Pillars of Qigong
Practice #1: Feeling the Qi
Practice #2: The Inner Smile
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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The “Long Life” Set
Shaking: Activating the Body’s Innate Vitality
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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Introduction
Simple Stance for Standing Exercises
Posture Notes for Seated Exercises
Balancing Routine After Seated Practice: Spinal Stretch Flow
Discharge Technique – Releasing Excess or Disruptive Energy
Energy Centre Breathing
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Introduction
How to find, and breathe with, the Lower Tan Tien
Further Energy Centre Breathing and Awareness Techniques
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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Introduction
Filling The Organs with Smiling Energy
Filling the Organs with Qi
Virtue Cultivation Practice
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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Introduction
Breathing from the Centre of the Earth
Sky Breathing
Earth Meets Sky, Sky Meets Earth
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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Introduction
Qi Ball of Earth Energy
Qi Ball of Sky Energy
Qi Ball of Earth and Sky Energy
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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Introduction
Gathering Qi from the Six Directions
Variation: Filling the Bones with Qi
Variation: Three “Fires” and Six Directions
Dedication Practice
The Microcosmic Orbit
This is a foundational Taoist exercise for health and wellbeing, otherwise called “circulating the light”.
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Introduction
The Microcosmic Orbit Practice
Enhanced Microcosmic Orbit Practices
Understanding Each Point of the Orbit Better
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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Introduction
Qi Pressure Exercise #1: Cultivating Awareness of Qi Pressure
Qi Pressure Exercise #2: Reverse Breathing
Qi Pressure Exercise #3: The Maha Bandha – Ujjayi Breathing
Qi Pressure Exercise #4: Step Breathing
Qi Pressure Exercise #5: Packing Process Breathing
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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Introduction
Inner Alchemy Exercise #1: Charging the Organs with Light
Inner Alchemy Exercise #2: Transforming Negative Emotions into Qi
Inner Alchemy Exercise #3: Saliva Qigong
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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Introduction
Absorbing Qi from Trees
Absorbing Qi from the Sun and Moon
Absorbing Qi from Bodies of Water
The Eight Elements Practice
“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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Introduction to Ming-Gong
Practice: “Conscious Involuntary Breathing”
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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Introduction
Meridian Slapping Exercise
Seeing the Qi
It is also possible to see the Qi visually!
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Seeing the Qi: Awakening Your Subtle Vision
An Introduction to Qi Cultivation: The Fundamentals of Qigong and Internal Alchemy
About Lesson

Step Breathing: Harnessing Qi Pressure Through Incremental Inhalations

 

Step — or sipping — breathing is another technique for increasing Qi pressure within the body.

 

By breaking a single inhalation into multiple small sub-breaths, each separated by a brief breath-hold, we intensify the accumulation of Qi, allowing for greater energy absorption and refinement. This method amplifies the internal force of each breath, creating a multiplier effect that enhances vitality, internal power, and overall Qi circulation.

 

In dividing a single inhale into multiple mini-inhalations and breath holds, we bring much more Qi pressure in than is possible with a single continuous inhalation. If, for example, you divide an inhalation into ten smaller inhalations, the total amount of energy gathered can be up to ten times greater than what would be achieved through a single, continuous breath.

 

Each micro-inhalation acts as a separate intake of Qi, allowing for a higher concentration of life force to enter the body. This is because:

  • Each additional sip increases the total energy intake, surpassing what is possible with a single uninterrupted breath.
  • The breath-hold between each sip allows for deeper absorption of Qi into the body’s tissues.
  • The incremental intake creates a stacking effect, amplifying the overall volume of Qi drawn in.

 

Several physiological and energetic mechanisms contribute to the effectiveness of step breathing:

  1. Extended Qi Absorption: each small inhalation brings in fresh Qi, and the breath-holds allow the body to integrate this Qi more fully. This prevents Qi from escaping too quickly, maximising retention.

  2. Increased Pressure on the Lungs: the repeated inhalation-hold pattern pressurises the lungs, increasing their capacity to take in and hold energy. This strengthens the diaphragm and respiratory muscles, enhancing overall breath control.

  3. Regulated Nervous System and Mental Focus: the controlled rhythm of inhalation, pause, and exhalation trains the mind to remain calm and focused. This leads to heightened concentration, emotional stability, and inner balance.

  4. Qi Compression & Refinement: Just as compressing air increases its force, compressing Qi intensifies its power. This process strengthens the energy body, fortifies the organs, and boosts overall vitality

 

By practicing step breathing regularly, you can refine your Qi cultivation process and deepen your ability to harness and store energy effectively.

 

Practice Guide

 

Please watch the video below for 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 in your Course Journal.

Exercise Files
Qi Pressure Exercise 4 – Step Breathing.pdf
Size: 76.00 KB
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