Tao Practices can be described as Qigong and Neidan (or Neigong), depending on the main focus of the practice. This is, of course very general and there are practices that fall under both. Below you will find a list of the names of practices I’ve trained in, practiced myself and teach.
Qigong & Neidan
“Qigong” can be translated as “skillful breathing” but a more helpful version would be “skill with Qi.” There are literally scores of Qigong sets or sequences. All forms involve Breath (sometimes with sound), Body (in movement or stillness) and Mind (with visualizations or staying still and present).
“Neidan” or “Neigong” can be translated as “Inner Work.” These differ from Qigong in that there is less movement or focus on the physical body and more on internal awareness and Qi energy cultivation.
Some of the entries on the list are contained Qigong or single Neidan practices (such as BaDuan Jin or Microcosmic Orbit). Others are extensive collections of practices (such as Ovarian Kung Fu or Fusion of the 5 Elements). Below the list, some are described in more detail.
From Universal Healing Tao:
~Iron Shirt
~6 Healing Sounds
~Microcosmic Orbit
~Simple Qigong
~Healing Love/Ovarian Kung Fu
~Fusion of the Five Elements I, II, III
~{as well as Tai Chi Chi Kung taichi form}
From Mt. Emei Shamanic Qigong:
~Shaking/Heart Drumming
~Cosmic Orbit Qigong
~Standing Practice & I Chuan
From TaoZen:
~TaoZen Gyo
~Lotus Meditation
~{and Tenshin Ranman Taichi}
From Temple of Change &
Transformation (Medical Qigong):
~5 Yin Organ Qigong
~Golden Ball Qigong
~Ba Duan Jin
~Embryonic Breathing
And from Shengzhen Gong:
~Kuan Yin Standing Qigong.
Microcosmic Orbit Meditation ~ Much of modern living consists of unnatural diet, stressful work patterns and sedentary entertainment resulting in the gradual accumulation of blockages to the natural circulation of our Qi (life force energy). In this traditional Taoist meditation, we use our internal focus to move energy in a simple orbit through our body. The “Opening of the Orbit” is an important and tangible form of self-healing that can reverse much of the wear and tear from living and prevent many problems thought of as inevitable. It is also a strong foundation for other Tao internal practices and Qigong.
Inner Smile ~ The second foundation Neidan practice, the Inner Smile is deceptively simple and accessible. Using your focus turned inward, you “send” the light of your inner smile to parts of your physical body, one by one. Not only are you guiding healing qi, you are cultivating a new way of “being with yourself.” A way that is not involved in anxiety, worry or self-criticism.
Six Healing Sounds ~ The Six Healing Sounds use the ancient Taoist idea of the Five Elements to work with the energies of our internal organs and emotions. Through simple movements, sound and visions of light, we change our relationship to our inner self. This traditional method, also referred to as the six-word practice, is easy to understand and use, yet its benefits are profound.
Healing Love / Ovarian Kung Fu ~ Healing Love is the Taoist way of cultivating our fundamental life energy; sexual energy or Jing. Being happy, balanced, trusting and passionate with this vital energy is one of the most important issues in life. This is crucial for our physical, emotional, spiritual and social wellness and growth. Historically the practice called Ovarian/Testicle breathing or Ovarian/Seminal Kung Fu was only available to selected (usually aristocratic) practitioners. In our time, such practices are available to anyone willing to commit their time and effort. Healing Love and Sexual Kung Fu help to rebuild a deeper connection with our own sexuality, our fundamental life force and empower us in all aspects of our life.
Iron Shirt Qigong ~ Iron Shirt is best known as a martial path to develop resistance to injury or attack. But it also offers many benefits in daily life: Improving posture; strengthening tendons muscle and the immune system; fortifying internal organs by packing ‘Qi’ around them. It also helps establish roots into the earth’s energy and unifies physical, mental, and spiritual health. We will learn the core group of 6 Iron Shirt practices working with proper form and attitude to receive the most benefit from these traditional practices.
Fusion of the Five Elements ~ Wood, Metal, Fire, Water and Earth… The Five Elements move in cycles and interact with each other in nature and in us. Fusion of the Five Elements is a a collection of meditations or “Formulas” and is the foundation practice of Taoist Inner Alchemy. Fusion works with the flow of the body’s emotional, mental, and physical energies to dissolve trapped or turbid energies. It draws on the outer senses, the major emotion and wisdom energies to transform our inner landscape. When the body is cleared of trapped energy, universal chi can flow more freely, nourishing both body and spirit. This series of meditations brings harmony to our emotions, transforming the negative and affirming the positive — the heart of spiritual work.
Moon Meditations ~ There are so many beautiful, simple and powerful practices that connect us to the Moon. This is a practice of lovely moon-focused qigong and meditations from Universal Tao and TaoZen. These gentle and contemplative practices support any age and physique. They can stand alone or be integrated into other traditions and offer a richness to both beginners and experienced practitioners. The centerpiece of the Moon Practice is the “Self-Healing Meditation” of Shivani Goodman, a remarkable healer and practitioner of Healing Tao.
Tao of Breathing ~ Breathing is a key element in nearly all healing, meditative and martial disciplines. This is especially true in the Taoist tradition, in practices such as Qigong and Taichi, but there can be a great deal of confusion surrounding breathing techniques among practitioners of these arts. In this class, we clarify the crucial role of breathing in these practices and practice a wide range of techniques used for different purposes. These will include methods for centering (“ocean,” “turtle” and “palm and sole” breathing), for energizing (“Dantian,” “spinal cord” and “tiger and dragon” breathing), to enhance healing (“skin and bone” and “ovarian/seminal” breathing) or awareness (“embryonic” breathing), or to balance emotions (“Buddha laughing” and “Kuan Yin crying”). Discover how you can enhance all your pursuits with a more deeply informed approach to the breath.
TaoZen Meditation ~ Meditation is the key practice for all Eastern mind, body and spirit traditions. It is not just used to relax, it is employed to deeply listen and get in touch with our real selves. It cultivates true balance within us, with others, and with the universe. TaoZen meditation is perfect for beginning and intermediate students. All the basic elements of meditation are addressed, including posture and internal methods. Breathing methods will be taught along with the meditations to support and enhance the practice.
Kuan Yin Qigong ~ Kuan Yin Qigong (named after the goddess of compassion) is a particularly beautiful practice that not only fortifies overall health, mental clarity and emotional equilibrium but also opens the heart to the deep expression of unconditional love. This qigong is consists of 11 graceful, fluid, natural movements. When practicing it with joy and openness, you will touch its deeper stories and teachings easily. Once you learn this form, it takes only 7 minutes, no tools, and needs very little space. Without complicated thinking and explanations, it opens the heart and deepens the feeling of unconditional love. Kuan Yin Qigong was developed by Li Jung Feng (Sheng Zhen Gong), one of the most highly respected Wushu teachers of our ti
Tai Chi-Chi Kung ~ {Also known as the “13 Movement Form” or “Inner Feng Shui Taichi”} Tai Chi-Chi Kung is a short form that is simple to learn but a gateway to deep understanding and awareness. We focus on correct bodily alignment, relaxed breathing and a clear and solid understanding of the movements. But most of all, we focus on being in a Taiji Flow with joy. This traditional form was developed by Mantak Chia and has become a signature of the Healing Tao System. It is short (about 7 minutes), and gentle to your body yet very effective and healing.
Tenshin Ranman Taichi ~ Tenshin Ranman is a very beautiful taiji form. After many years of polishing, Masahiro Ouchi and Li Jung Feng (one of the most respected taiji teachers of our time) have perfected this form. It contains all the traditional taiji movements but only requires 7 minutes and a 2 x 2 meter area, so it can be practiced anywhere and anytime once you learn it. It is a powerful practice that integrates mind, body and spirit, developing mental and physical grounding and centering. But more than anything, it is fun and joyful. You can learn and practice Tenshin Ranman whether you are a seasoned athlete or in need of strengthening and recovery.
If you’d like to know more about which of these practices is being offered at the moment, click below to hop to our “Classes” Page: