Qi Tangibility

Written November 2019

How does one go about working with a seemingly invisible and subtle substance such as Qi? This is a reasonable and common question arising for any beginner to the Daoist Internal Arts.

The term ‘Qi Gong’ refers to a goal or aim with various practices, rather than an activity or exercise that you begin doing from the start. This is a misconception that many are unaware of when coming to internal practice.

Working with the Qi is what our initial goal is, this is through the development of Gong in relation to Qi. Gong is often translated simply as skill, but I find this isn’t fully accurate. Gong is essentially the correct qualities embodied by the practitioner after development of a method over a period of time. When qualities are developed, the practitioner should be moving toward a state in which they no longer need to use effort or thought to produce the skill or effect. This means the Yi, our awareness, is freed up to be applied however we wish – likely to develop another quality or Gong.

Some of the first Gong to develop are related to body alignment and structure, such as proper use of the Kua. This is a key energetic mechanism for getting Qi thrugh the lower body and into the Lower DanTian. We need to set up the correct mechanisms in our body and energetic system so they happen automatically, without effort or thought. Some other important Gong to develop are connecting the hands into the body, tuning into various types of Qi, and setting up the right circumstances for your energetic channels to open.

Once enough Gong is developed, the right circumstances arise for the practitioner to tangibly work with Qi. This also relies on building up enough Qi to work with. Much like if you were to go into a pool with water only up to your ankles, you wouldn’t really be able to swim. However, in a pool with abundant water, swimming can happen…if you know how!

In this analogy, the amount of water in the pool is how much Qi you have to work with. Swimming would be the method you’re learning or the Gong that is already developed. Both of these aspects are needed in order to tangibly work with Qi. Building up more Qi happens largely through our lifestyle – the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the efficiency of the body’s functioning.

Another aspect involved is each persons sensitivity, though this usually only dictates how quickly one connects with the realm of Qi. Anyone can develop Qi tangibility with authentic teaching, correct qualities and enough Qi in their system.

As the energetic realm becomes more tangible to work with, there are clear signs that you are there. The first of which you may find is that Qi is quite a powerful force. It surprises many how strong it actually is when they first touch upon it. Our whole body system runs under the functioning of this living force. The study of Chinese Medicine is based upon the transformation of Qi in regards to health; how smoothly and efficient the interrelations of various Qi interplay within the body. Qi Gong movements then teach us how to exercise our Qi in various ways to optimize the efficiency of our body’s functioning – from purging and nourishing channel and organ systems to regulation and opening of specific circulations and more. The study of Nei Gong goes quite deep into the energetic mechanisms that lead into advanced spiritual work.

With an authentic Qi Gong system, the practitioner will be lead through a process of rebuilding the body for more effective and efficient conduction of Qi. This is a process of building more Qi and tuning into Qi, so it becomes tangible and can be clearly worked with. There is no doubt about whether you’re working with Qi, as this energetic force will make you work in order to master it!

Once Qi tangibility is achieved, the door of internal practice is open. The journey of Qi development is underway as you can clearly work with the subtle energetic substance called Qi. From here, the practitioner develops greater Gong and learns to differentiate various types and forms of Qi, and possibly even work with a tree..!