What is Nei Gong?

Nei Gong or “Internal Skill,” is the process of internal change a person may go through if they manage to take their internal arts practice to a high enough level. Nei Gong does not have a particular set of exercises, rather we use other internal arts such as Qi Gong and Dao Yin to move through the Nei Gong process, as well as working on establishing proper body alignments and exercises to help regulate the breath and mind.

What is Qi Gong?

Qi Gong or “The Skill of Qi,” are usually gentle and simple movements, designed to nourish and mobilize the Qi or energy within the body.

What is Dao Yin?

Dao Yin or “leading and guiding” are exercises that are more physically demanding then Qi Gong. Dao Yin’s are used to purge pathogens from the body and as such, the movements are much more stretched out in nature. Think of it as stretching out a hose, making sure that it is not knotted anywhere so the water does not become obstructed as it tries to go through and out.

Along with Qi Gong and Dao Yin exercises, we also work with the core standing posture called Wuji, translated as “without extremities," signifies the outcome we want from the standing posture, meaning that we will work on a specific set of alignments to allow the body to reshape into a more neutral position. This way the mind is able to “sink” into the Lower Dan Tian area and we can begin the Nei Gong process.

The importance of the Lower Dan Tian.

The Internal arts need Qi to work. Without the extra Qi, our art will be an empty art—it would be like trying to paint a canvas without using any paint!

As living human beings, we have the necessary amount of Qi needed for our body to function and live out its existence, this of course changes depending on our lifestyle and how well we can take care of our health and the choices we make. However, the internal arts require us to build more Qi for it is the fuel that makes them work!

How do we build Qi? First we need to build the “bucket” that will hold the extra Qi. That bucket is the lower Dan Tian, an energetic center located in our lower abdomen. We use the Wuji standing posture to help us find the correct location of the lower Dan Tian so it can be activated, and then we work with Dan Tian Gong exercises to help us “build” this container and we can begin to fill it with the extra Qi we build with our ongoing practice.

Why practice Nei Gong?

Nei Gong is a very complex art, one that takes years, if not a lifetime of dedication to move deep into it. However, even if you are only interested in partaking in these arts casually, the exercises contained in the system can be of great benefit for your overall wellbeing. The exercises have the potential to help your body work in a much more efficient way making you stronger and healthier. The breathing exercises as well can bring about great mental and emotional regulation, helping you to bring more clarity and calmness to your life.

Upcoming Live Workshops!

Excited to deepen your practice? Check out our upcoming live workshops! For more details on dates, locations, and how to sign up, visit our Live Workshops page.

Anaid Hernandez

The summer after my first year of college, I felt a profound call to explore Eastern spiritual arts and dreamed of traveling to Asia to study under great masters. However, significant responsibilities at home made such a journey impossible. Undeterred, I began practicing on my own, focusing primarily on sitting meditation. In time, I discovered a Soto Zen monastery nestled in Northern Iowa, just a few hours away from my home. I started visiting regularly and participating in their sesshin sessions, dedicating countless hours to sitting and meditating. Yet, despite my efforts, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something essential was still missing.

In 2015, I joined a 2.5 year Qi Gong Certificate program thought by Damo Mitchell, the head of Lotus Nei Gong. Since then I have continued to study diligently by maintaining a personal practice as well as visiting Damo on a yearly basis, attending workshops in Sweden, Portugal and USA. The continued years of diligent study and practice have allowed me to develop the essential qualities necessary to understand and embody the internal arts and allowing me to merge deeper into the spiritual path.

In 2024, after nearly two decades of dedication, I finally traveled to Asia! I visited Bali, Indonesia, to deepen my studies in martial arts with Damo. This transformative trip marked both the culmination of a long search for answers and the beginning of a new chapter in my cultivation and practice.

Through my own experience of perseverance and growth, I have come to understand the profound potential of these teachings to strengthen the body, calm the mind, and nourish the spirit. I am passionate about sharing these practices with others, offering accessible and enriching Qi Gong classes and workshops to support others on their own journeys of self-discovery and transformation.