Qigong martial arts continued to develop outside of the Shaolin Monastery even after Bodhidharma’s death.
While Buddhist monks developed the famous Shaolin Wugong, Taoists and secular practitioners applied qigong to other internal arts called neigong. Internal alchemy, or nei dan qigong, also flourished during this time. This practice focused primarily on Taoist meditation (see Qigong Martial Arts: Its Origins).
Teacher Huan Zhen released manuals like the Taixi Jinzhu (Commentary on Fetal Breathing) to the public. This text introduced fetal breathing techniques to conserve yuan chi (primordial chi) and shen (spirit) to attain immortality.
This commentary introduced fetal breathing. These techniques conserved the yuan chi (also phonetically spelled yuanqi, translated as primordial chi) and shen (spirit) for the purpose of attaining immortality.
Qigong developed in secular communities outside monastic life. Practitioners applied neigong to both health and practical combat. I have categorized the following well-known texts by their dynastic periods.
Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D.):
- Huanzhen Xiansheng Funei Yuanqi Jue: This text covers fetal breathing and the Six Therapeutic Breaths.
- Zhu Bing Yuan Hou Lun: Written by Chao Yuan-Fang, this collection lists 260 methods to stimulate chi circulation.
- Qian Jin Fang: Sun Si-Mo completed this Thousand Gold Prescriptions around 652 AD. It describes how to guide chi and uses six healing sounds.
- Wai Tai Mi Yao: Written by Wang Tao (circa 752 AD), this text discusses qigong therapies for chi-related disorders.
- Cunshen Lian Qi Ming: (Concentrating the Spirit and Refining the Breath) – A guide by Sun Si-Mo focusing on breathing techniques, five steps to merging with the Dao, and seven advanced stages of cultivation.
- Huangting Dunjia Yuanshen Jing: (Book of the Hidden Period and Causal Body of the Yellow Court) – Combines meditation, the Six Therapeutic Breaths, and Daoist rituals involving invocation and talismans. This practice reportedly continues today with intriguing results.
Song Dynasty (960-1279):
- Yang Sheng Jue: A compilation of Nourishing Secrets from various authors.
- Bichuan Zhengyang Zhenren Lingbao Bifa: This manual outlines three key stages: breath control, chi circulation, and meditation.
Jin and Yuan Dynasties (1115-1368):
- Ru Men Shi Qin (The Confucian Perspective): Zhang Zi-He wrote this text. It prescribes qigong for external injuries like sprains.
- Lan Shi Mi Cang (The Secret Library of the Orchid Room): Li Dong-Yuan authored this work. it details qigong and herbal remedies for internal ailments.
- Ge Zhi Yu Lun (A Further Thesis on Complete Study): Zhu Dan-Xi advocated for qigong as a method for treating disease.
- Zazhu Jie Jing (Various Shortcuts to the Dao): This collection of qigong exercises includes anatomical descriptions and a guide to the Ba Duan Jin (Eight Pieces of Brocade).
Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368–1911 AD)
- Chen Xi-Yi Er-Shi-Si Qi Daoyin Tushi (Chen Xi-Yi’s Twenty-Four Daoyin Illustrations):
Chen Xi-Yi (or Tu-Nan) detailed twenty-four postures linked to seasonal divisions, chi circulation, and yin-yang dynamics.
During these dynasties, many authors reinterpreted earlier works from the Han, Tang, and Song periods. While qigong practices flourished, the core principles remained unchanged. Many texts used poetic or alchemical language to preserve secrecy. Teachers often transmitted these “cryptic” teachings directly to disciples.
Further Developments in Qigong Martial Arts
During the Song Dynasty, Daoist master Zhang San-Feng developed Taijiquan, a well-known form of neigong. Since its creation on Wu Dang Mountain, practitioners regard this site as the center of Daoist internal arts.
In 1026, physician Wang Wei-Yi created the famous Brass Man of Acupuncture. He also authored Tong Ren Yu Xue Zhenjiu Tu (Illustrations of the Brass Man Acupuncture and Moxibustion). This work systematized acupuncture theory. It detailed the twelve organs and their relationship to the twelve meridians.
During the Southern Song Dynasty, Marshal Yue Fei created several internal martial arts, including:
- Ba Duan Jin (Eight Pieces of Brocade): Historians link its origins to the Yi Jin Jing (Muscle/Tendon Changing Classic), but most credit Yue Fei with its development.
- Xing Yi Quan (Shape-Intent Fist): An internal martial art that emphasizes direct, powerful movements.
- Eagle Claw: A martial art known for its gripping techniques.
In the late Ming Dynasty, Wang Zu-Yuan wrote Neigong Tu Shuo (Illustrated Explanation of Neigong). He described Shi-Er Duan Shi (Twelve Pieces of Brocade), which blended dynamic and stationary qigong. Another style, Huo Long Gong (Fire Dragon Qigong), also emerged during this time.
In the late Qing Dynasty, Dong Hai-Chuan developed Ba Gua Zhang (Eight Trigrams Palm). This internal art is known for circular movements and adaptability. Tibetan meditation also gained popularity among Imperial Court officials.
Qigong: Internal vs. External Arts
Practitioners apply qigong to both neigong (internal arts) and waigong (external arts). Today, people associate it closely with internal systems like Taijiquan and Xing Yi Quan. These focus on cultivating nei dan (internal elixir or energy).
By contrast, the Shaolin Temple remains the authority on waigong. This style emphasizes wai dan (external energy) through rigorous physical training. Both styles ultimately cultivate chi energy through different approaches:
That said, both internal and external martial arts ultimately cultivate chi energy—just through different approaches:
- Waigong styles: These begin with wai dan chi (external energy training). They gradually incorporate nei dan qi (internal energy training).
- Neigong styles: These prioritize nei dan chi first but also include wai dan training.
Regardless of the approach, the goal remains the same: to develop and refine chi energy for health, longevity, and martial proficiency.