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

Working with Qi Pressure and “Cooking” Qi

 

All forms of energy when compressed or placed under pressure become more forceful. Take for example, water – usually it is soft and pliant but when placed under pressure or propelled at high speed, it is as hard as rock.

 

So too, air, when pressurised, is an extremely strong and buoyant force. It is used to inflate car tyres that can withstand great loads and high speeds. Similarly, when we drive in a car and place our hands out of the windows, we feel the force of the air against our hands – it pushes our hand back strongly. This is the same air that we ordinarily walk through without resistance, but when sped up (the effect of the car driving at speed through it), it assumes a great deal of force. It can even lift up massive airplanes. Did you know that the reason why airplanes can fly is that the speed it is propelled forward with makes the air very heavy underneath the wings. It is the compressed air that lifts the airplane no matter how heavy it is!

 

In the same fashion, Qi has more force when placed under pressure. In fact, this is a secret of wellbeing.

 

If you look at the bodies of babies and young children, they are always chubby. Their skin looks buoyant. When you press on it, it bounces back. This is an indication of the magnitude of their energy. It is the Qi pressure they contain within their bodies that gives this buoyancy. It is this Qi pressure (pressure caused by having a lot of Qi) that gives them their physical resilience.

 

On the other hand, the skin of most old people is withered – it sags and is flat. It has no bounce. Having used up their supply of Qi, they lack Qi pressure and this is the reason they have less resilience.

 

One of the reasons why Taoists concentrate on increasing the amount of Qi within their bodies is to achieve a greater degree of Qi pressure within.

 

As Mantak Chia says:

“Just as a tyre must maintain proper internal pressure to support a vehicle and move efficiently, our body also requires a steady internal pressure of Qi to function optimally. A healthy body has an internal pressure of 14.7 pounds per square inch (PSI), just like the atmospheric pressure around us. If that inner Qi pressure drops, circulation slows, vitality weakens, and illness can take root.”

“Qi pressure is the hidden engine of your vitality. It moves energy, supports your nervous system, and boosts your ability to heal from within. When the pressure is strong, your energy radiates. When it is weak, even daily life can feel heavy.”

 

The development of Qi pressure can lead to profound changes in the body and mind, including:

  • Stronger Internal Structure – Qi pressure supports and maintains the shape of the organs and tissues, preventing them from collapsing or becoming compressed due to aging or fatigue. A well-pressurised body allows energy to flow smoothly through all systems.
  • Enhanced Circulation – Increasing Qi pressure assists the movement of blood, lymph, and other bodily fluids, reducing strain on the heart and improving overall circulation. This leads to better oxygenation, detoxification, and cellular regeneration.
  • Structural Integrity & Injury Prevention – The fascia (connective tissue), tendons, and ligaments are directly influenced by Qi pressure. When properly pressurised, they bind the skeletal structure together more effectively, reducing the risk of injury and improving physical balance.
  • Resilience Against External Forces – Qi pressure acts as a protective shield around the body. Just as a well-inflated tire absorbs shocks and impact, a body filled with Qi pressure better withstands injuries, sudden force, and external stress.
  • Increased Energy Storage & Utilisation – By condensing and packing Qi, these exercises enhance the body’s ability to store and sustain energy reserves, making Qi more available for use when needed. This leads to greater stamina, endurance, and mental clarity.

 

 

[Image from Mantak Chia]

 

The exercises in this section are designed to work with Qi pressure, as opposed to just working with Qi, as we have been doing so far in this Course. While Qi itself is the fundamental life force that flows through the body, Qi pressure introduces a new dimension: compression and intensification of energy to amplify its strength and effectiveness.

 

Precautions:

  • Qi pressure exercises should not be done by people with high blood pressure
  • Qi pressure exercises should not be done by women who are pregnant.
  • Qi pressure exercises should not be done by women during their menstrual cycle.
  • After doing these exercises, always lower the energy down and store it into the navel centre.

 

 

 

 

 

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