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

Sky Breathing: Connecting to the Universe

 

In the previous exercise, we accessed the yin energy of the earth; in this exercise we access the yang energy of the sky.

 

Sky Breathing is a powerful Qigong practice that harmonises your energy with the vast expanse of the universe. By using breath, movement, and intention, you draw cosmic energy down through your body, refreshing and recharging your entire system. This exercise cultivates a deep sense of openness, expansiveness, and connection to the infinite.

 

The key here is to reach out to the furthest beyond that you can conceive. For example – scientists believe that the universe began as a single point of infinite density that exploded (“the big bang”) and continues to explode through space. In this exercise, we reach out to that edge – the further the distance in our conception, the more energy we are capable of accessing.

 

Practice Guide

The exercise is provided in the video below.

[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.

 

After some practice, you will begin to feel the difference in the ‘taste’ of the energy that comes from the earth and the energy that comes from the stars.

 

Sky Breathing helps cultivate a profound sense of connection between the body, mind, and universe. With regular practice, this exercise can:

  • Enhance energy flow by drawing in and integrating cosmic Qi.
  • Expand awareness beyond the physical self, promoting a sense of openness and unity.
  • Calm the mind, reducing stress and fostering inner stillness.
  • Balance and align the body’s energy system, supporting overall well-being.

 

This practice can be used at any time to restore harmony and clarity, helping you feel energised yet deeply peaceful.

Exercise Files
Sky Breathing.pdf
Size: 84.20 KB