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Neigong and Alchemical Arts
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The Third Limb: Asana and the Reconstruction of the Body
Having established the foundation of Yama and Niyama , we now arrive at the third limb of the Eightfold path as outlined in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali : Asana . This is the point where most modern practitioners believe the practice begins . In truth, it is where the preparation of the vessel begins. Asana is not Yoga in its entirety. It is the systematic conditioning of the body so that Yoga—true internal practice—can eventually take place. Asana serves to restructure the
Josh Goheen
4 days ago4 min read
The Mystery of Fascia: The Body's Most Misunderstood Aspect
In the fields of exercise science, martial arts, and even herbal medicine there are few more widely misunderstood or ignored topics than that of the body's connective tissue networks, such as the fascia and extracellular matrix. Until very recently, modern research has largely ignored these vital tissues. Pharmaceutical biomedicine, and by extension even the naturopathic practitioners and natural supplement industry that still take the bulk of their educational models and res
Josh Goheen
Mar 132 min read
The Second Limb: Niyama and the Architecture of the Inner Life
In our last article of this series, we explored Yama , the first limb of the Eightfold path outlined in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali , and saw how ethical restraint forms the outer foundation of authentic internal cultivation. In this installment, we look at the second limb, known as Niyama . If Yama governs how we relate to the world around us, Niyama governs how we relate to the world within us. Together, these two limbs form the moral and psychological bedrock upon which a
Josh Goheen
Feb 274 min read
The First Limb: Yama and the Moral Foundation of Internal Power
In the previous article in this series, we examined the Eight Limbs of Yoga as outlined in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali , noting how modern practitioners of Yoga, Qigong, and Taijiquan often isolate posture and breath while neglecting the deeper architecture of authentic cultivation. We now begin a closer examination of each limb in succession. The first is Yama —a word commonly translated as restraint, control, or ethical discipline. If we are serious about internal developm
Josh Goheen
Feb 205 min read
Beyond Movement and Breath: Reconnecting the Deeper Roots of Internal Cultivation
In recent years, Qigong and Taijiquan have steadily grown in popularity, finding their way into community centers, rehabilitation programs, and wellness spaces across the world. Yet among the internal cultivation arts, Yoga remains the most widely recognized and practiced in the West. While these systems arise from different cultures, they share a common alchemical perspective: each seeks to refine the human being from the outside inward, harmonizing body, breath, mind, and s
Josh Goheen
Feb 134 min read
The Principle of Mentalism: Mind as the Foundation of Alchemical Practice
In this second article of our series exploring the Seven Hermetic Principles, we begin with the first—and most fundamental—of them all: The Principle of Mentalism . This principle is placed first for a reason. It establishes the very ground upon which all other principles rest and defines our understanding of reality itself. Without grasping Mentalism, the deeper logic of alchemy, internal martial arts, and internal cultivation remains fragmented or mysterious. At its essence
Josh Goheen
Jan 305 min read
Against the Quick Path: Why Internal Cultivation Requires Time, Effort, and Depth
Practitioners of meditation, qigong, and Taijiquan face a challenge that is uniquely modern. We live in a culture increasingly shaped by speed, convenience, and immediacy. Information is compressed into fragments. Attention is fragmented into seconds. The slow processes of reading, contemplation, and deep analysis have been steadily displaced by short-form videos, oversimplified explanations, and the pervasive attitude summarized by the now-common phrase “tl;dr.” The integrit
Josh Goheen
Jan 234 min read
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
Jan 163 min read
The Importance of Willpower and Discipline
Now and then I like to share material from other teachers, authors, and thinkers that I find to be valuable for students and for people in general. This is one such piece of material. While approached from the practical perspective of a former Navy Seal, Jocko Willink, this book perfectly encapsulates the essence of the Alchemical path. That essence is Will. In Chinese this is known as Zhi, one of the Wu Shen (Five Spirits) which resides in the kidneys. It is the source of ou
Josh Goheen
Jan 22 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
🥋 Understanding Taijiquan: The Art of Supreme Polarity
What Is Taijiquan? Taijiquan (太極拳), often simply known as Tai Chi , is a traditional Chinese martial art that embodies the principles of...
Josh Goheen
Aug 8, 202513 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
An Introduction to Qigong
What Is Qigong? Qigong (氣功, also spelled "Chi Kung") is an ancient Chinese practice that integrates breath regulation , gentle movement ,...
Josh Goheen
Jun 6, 202518 min read
🌿 An Introduction to Taijiquan: History, Philosophy, Styles & Key Figures 🌿
What is Taijiquan? Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan), frequently abbreviated to "Tai Chi," is a time-honored traditional Chinese martial art that...
Josh Goheen
May 9, 202511 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
Understanding Song (鬆): The Gateway to True Internal Power in Taijiquan
In the practice of Taijiquan and other internal martial arts, there is a word that often eludes easy definition yet sits at the heart of...
Josh Goheen
Apr 18, 202510 min read
Lower Leg Dysfunction: Causes, Impacts, and Effective Solutions
Lower leg dysfunction, a term encompassing various issues related to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints in the lower leg, is an...
Josh Goheen
Nov 22, 202413 min read
Upper Body Dysfunction: Causes, Health Impacts, and Effective Solutions
Upper body dysfunction is a common issue that affects millions, causing pain, restricted movement, and postural imbalances. Many people...
Josh Goheen
Nov 18, 202414 min read
Understanding Internally Rotated Shoulders: Causes, Health Impact, and Effective Correction Strategies
Internally rotated shoulders—a condition characterized by a forward rotation of the shoulder joint—are increasingly common in today’s...
Josh Goheen
Nov 15, 202415 min read
Understanding Lumbopelvic Hip Complex Dysfunction: Causes, Health Implications, and Corrective Strategies
The lumbopelvic hip complex (LPHC) is a crucial area of the body that plays a central role in posture, movement, and overall stability....
Josh Goheen
Nov 12, 202413 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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