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!
0/5
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.
0/7
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.
0/2
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.
0/5
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
0/3
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.
0/4
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.
0/4
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.
0/4
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.
0/5
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”.
0/4
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.
0/6
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.
0/4
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.
0/5
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.
0/2
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!
0/2
Introduction
Meridian Slapping Exercise
Seeing the Qi
It is also possible to see the Qi visually!
0/1
Seeing the Qi: Awakening Your Subtle Vision
An Introduction to Qi Cultivation: The Fundamentals of Qigong and Internal Alchemy
About Lesson

Introduction to Ming-Gong

 

So far in the Course, our primary focus has been on the absorption and harmonisation of external energies — the Qi of nature, of Heaven and Earth, of the environment around us.

 

This work, known traditionally as Xing Gong (sometimes spelled Shin Gong), represents an essential aspect of the energy cultivation process. By connecting with the abundant external forces available to us — through breath, posture, awareness, and intention — we nourish, balance, and strengthen our energetic system.

 

Yet in the traditional Taoist arts of internal alchemy (Neigong/Neidan), there is another, equally vital dimension to explore: the cultivation of the internal elixir.

 

This inner pathway is referred to as Ming Gong.

 

Ming Gong focuses not on drawing Qi from outside ourselves, but on awakening, gathering, refining, and circulating the innate, original energy that already resides deep within our own being.

 

This internal energy is different from the Qi we absorb through breath or food. It is finer, deeper, and more potent. Taoist masters teach that this inner reservoir of vital energy is a priceless treasure, yet in most people it lies dormant or is unknowingly depleted through daily living, stress, and unconscious habits.

 

The practices of Ming Gong are designed to:

  • Reconnect us with the hidden wellspring of power already within.

  • Protect and preserve this essential energy, preventing its unnecessary loss.

  • Refine and amplify it, so that it becomes a dynamic, conscious force.

  • Integrate it into all layers of body, mind, and spirit.

 

Where Xing Gong teaches us to harmonise with the universe, Ming Gong teaches us to become a universe within ourselves — self-sustaining, radiant, and whole. It is about listening so deeply that we awaken what is already there — the natural intelligence of the living body, the ancient current of life that has been flowing through us since before our birth.

 

Both external and internal cultivation are necessary for a complete development of our energetic being. External energies nourish us, and internal energies stabilise and refine our essence. Without balancing the two, one risks either becoming over-dependent on outer sources of Qi, or lacking the capacity to hold and stabilise higher levels of vitality.

 

When we attend inward, we discover a remarkably potent force, what the Taoist tradition refers to as “Empty Force” (Kōng Jìn, 空勁). It is sensed as a power that comes from what is felt as a vast nothingness, a radiant void centred deep within the Tan Tien.

 

To me, it feels like a nuclear generator, a vast source of energy deep inside myself and when I touch this space, I immediately smile. There is a sense of blissfulness brimming with energy. It is absolutely intoxicating, yet profoundly stabilising.

 

When I touch this space, it reminds me that the greatest source of power we could ever seek is already seated at the very heart of our being.

 

 

 

Previous
Next

Your trusted source for holistic

health education and personal growth

Get In Touch

connect@wisdomacademy.com.au