These neigong practices can
transform the ordinarily tense human nervous system into a very fluid one in
which there is virtually no time lag between conscious will and the body
moving swiftly or delivering power.
Ultimately, a great deal of the fighting prowess of internal martial arts
derives from the absence of central nervous system lag time. With reaction
time virtually nonexistent, the internal martial artist is able to change
fighting techniques faster than an opponent can, and is able also to
combine the normally separated areas of the body into one integrated,
unified and powerful whole.
(Bruce Frantzis)
What is neigong?
Neigong is about internal strength.
It is the very real, pragmatic cultivation of a particular type of physical
strength with the express purpose of transmitting
kinetic force.
One of the most common forms of neigong is 'reeling
silk'.
Internal strength was designed to amplify the effect of your actions
whilst reducing the effort involved.
Qigong & neigong?
Qigong
is 'energy work' and focuses upon the cultivation of qi using alignment,
relaxation and breathing.
The way in which the skeleton is held is very important in qigong.
Neigong is 'internal work'; adding several layers of detail to the postural
parameters used in qigong.
Rather than focus mainly upon the skeleton, neigong looks
at the elasticity of the body.
It aims to draw power from the spaces between the vertebrae and the mobility
of the joints, from the twisting and stretching of the rubbery organs and
connective tissue.
The neigong movement may look subtle
and internal, yet the tai chi exercise should be providing a considerable
workout.
The purpose of neigong is to change what is happening within the body; to
work from the inside out.
This will lead to improved health and a stronger body.
The means
Neigong addresses the way in which we move the
body.
It is the how, the nature of the movement, not the actual
movement itself.
There are dozens of neigong - each representing a layer of detail and
understanding.
Each component increases internal strength and improves the qi flow.
Neigong teaches the body to return to a natural condition of
wholeness.
It creates the delivery mechanism for
fa jing (energy release)
by developing
bow tension within the body.
Neigong is internal
Initially the neigong practice is an obvious change to the way in
which the tai chi is performed.
In time, the neigong becomes internalised and less apparent.
To an observer, the neigong may seem invisible.
Neigong is part of what makes tai chi an internal
martial art; all the work is going on beneath the surface.
Each neigong represents a physical and energetic change in the body; a
subtle quality that serves to integrate and unify the structure.
These internal skills help you to attain whole body movement.
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Page created 16 January 1999