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Neigong and Alchemical Arts
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Entering the Alchemical Worldview: A Foundation for Internal Cultivation
As students step onto the path of Taijiquan, Qigong, Neigong, meditation, yoga, or related internal arts, one of the greatest challenges they encounter is not physical—it is conceptual. These arts did not arise merely as systems of movement or exercise. They were born within complete worldviews: living cosmologies that describe how the universe functions, how human beings participate in that functioning, and how conscious cultivation can transform both health and spirit. In t
Josh Goheen
4 days ago3 min read
Beyond Relaxation: The Alchemical Depth of Qigong and Taijiquan
In the modern world, qigong and Taijiquan are most commonly understood as gentle movement practices—slow, graceful exercises performed in parks, community centers, and rehabilitation clinics. They are widely promoted for improving balance, reducing stress, and supporting relaxation, especially among elderly or injured populations. This image is not incorrect, but it is profoundly incomplete. The majority of contemporary instruction does indeed emphasize soft choreography, mi
Josh Goheen
Dec 26, 20253 min read
Personal Responsibility on the Alchemical Path: Ownership, Refinement, and the Internal Arts
The Alchemical Path The path of the alchemist is, and has always been, a path of Self-cultivation . In Taoist internal martial arts (neijia), Hermetic philosophy, and classical alchemy alike, the work is never outward first—it is inward. The aim is the continuous refinement of Body, Soul, and Spirit , guided by natural law and disciplined intent. Each day, the practitioner labors to overcome who they were the day before. The true struggle is not against society, fate, or circ
Josh Goheen
Dec 19, 20254 min read
The Heart of Stillness: An Introduction to Meditation
What Is Meditation? Meditation is the ancient art of stilling the mind , refining awareness , and returning to one’s original nature ....
Josh Goheen
Jun 20, 202515 min read
Alchemy: The Universal Art of Transformation
Introduction: What Is Alchemy? Alchemy is an ancient, cross-cultural art and science of transformation —not merely of base metals into...
Josh Goheen
Jun 13, 202513 min read
The Eight Energy Bodies in Taoist Neigong: A Path Through the Layers of Being
In the stillness of a mountain temple, where the air is crisp and infused with the scent of ancient cedar, or in the quiet corner of your...
Josh Goheen
May 2, 202519 min read
Understanding the 16 Neigong: Foundations of Internal Taijiquan
In Taijiquan (Tai Chi), we often speak of "softness overcoming hardness," of "rooting like a tree" and "moving like clouds." But how do...
Josh Goheen
Apr 25, 202521 min read
An Introduction to Homeopathy
Homeopathy, a holistic system of medicine, has been practiced for over two centuries and continues to intrigue both practitioners and...
Josh Goheen
Dec 30, 20249 min read
Introduction to Sani Dev
Sani Dev (Saturn) is the deity of Justice, Time, and Service. He is the lord of the rasi (sign) of Makara (Capricorn) and co-rules Kumbha...
Josh Goheen
Aug 22, 20215 min read
Considering the Eight
When we consider the Eight we are now observing the Four Directions of the physical plane along with the Four Directions of the spiritual...
Josh Goheen
Aug 6, 20213 min read
Knowing the Soul
The Soul is easily one of if not the most important aspect of the self. It is the truest essence and core of our being. Interestingly, it...
Josh Goheen
Jul 12, 20216 min read
Considering the Seven
Now we come to lucky number Seven. Along with Three, Seven is perhaps the most well-known benefic number. All across the world, whether...
Josh Goheen
Jul 4, 20213 min read
Knowing the Void
In past articles, we have introduced the concept of the One. This concept represents the origin point of all else we experience in...
Josh Goheen
Jun 6, 20213 min read
Yi Jin Jing
The Yi Jin Jing is a classic qigong text dating back to around 536 A.D. According to legend, it was written by the wandering Indian monk...
Josh Goheen
May 9, 20213 min read
Considering the Six
The Six arises from the cumulation and transcendence of the Five. This can be seen in the Chakra system. As we move up the Sushumna, each...
Josh Goheen
Apr 18, 20212 min read
Feng Shui Tips for Spring
As we're now entering the Spring season, we begin to see the cycle of nature renewing itself all around us. It is a time of new...
Josh Goheen
Apr 4, 20212 min read
Elements of the Five Organs
In the Five Element Theory, each of the elements corresponds to a specific organ. The energies and concepts represented by the elements...
Josh Goheen
Mar 15, 20213 min read
Considering the Five
The Five arise from the Four Directions plus the Center. In creation, the Five spawn from the Three to give rise to all physical reality....
Josh Goheen
Jul 17, 20192 min read
Considering the Four
In the internal martial arts, we speak of the Four Extremities. These are linked to ancient Chinese medical terms which refer to the...
Josh Goheen
Jun 30, 20192 min read
Dan Tiens or Chakras?
One common point of confusion in the field of energy work concerns the exact definitions of the Dan Tiens and the Chakras. Also often...
Josh Goheen
Jun 19, 20193 min read
DISCLAIMER:
As with any diet or exercise program, always consult a qualified physician prior to beginning any new routine, especially if you have any health issues. The training and information provided on this site and in person is for educational consideration only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease, nor is it to take the place of any qualified medical treatment.
All original material presented represents the thoughts, opinions, and experiences of the author and is intended to be taken as such. All quoted or shared material is the property and responsibility of the original author/source.
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