Hard Qigong
Hard Chi Kung
Mainly there are two styles of Shaolin Qigong, Neigong(Soft Qigong), and Waigong(Hard Qigong).
Waigong
● Waigong refers inparticular to Hard Chi Kung, which is actually a combination of Neigong and Waigong. By conditioning of some body parts (head, hands, arms, and legs), the suffertibility of the body will be improved, which is the Waigong part. In addition to the Chi working of Neigong, this can protect internal organs from being hurt.
● When practicing hard Chi Kung, control qi that has been accumulated, drive it to part of your body and make your body as tough as iron. Breaking bricks, staffs, steel bars, big marble boards, spear piercing against the throat are all in this category.
Here we train Iron Hand, Iron Head, Iron Body, and Silver Throat. If you would like to master the advanced secret techniques, Master Shi Xinglin will offer you guidance so that you can choose the styles suit you the best.
Qigong Benefits
Helps the vital systems to cope with the impact of stressful, polluted and daily environment. If your internal organs function properly, your health will benefit tremendously. You can become more productive when relaxed under pressure. Chinese Traditional Medicine approach is to pay the doctor to keep you healthy and cease the payments if you become ill until healthy again. In Chinese medical tradition, illness is connected to the patterns of energy flow. Pain is a signal of blockage or stagnation in the energy flow. Qigong exercises are designed to enhance the flow of Chi and regulate the internal balance.
Hard Qigong vs Soft Qigong
You can see from the table below that hard qigong has greater physical strength than soft qigong. The breathing techniques and applications of the two are also different:
| Aspect | Hard Qigong | Soft Qigong |
| Physical Intensity | Emphasis on strength and endurance | Slow, flowing movements for relaxation |
| Breathing Techniques | Synchronized with powerful movements | Natural and relaxed, integrated with slow movements |
| Intent and Visualization | Focus on external power, visualizing strength | Internal focus, visualization of energy flow |
| Applications | Martial arts training, physical conditioning | Health and wellness, stress reduction, spiritual development |
Types of Hard Qigong
1. Iron Shirt Stance (Tiěbù Shān Qìgōng): Iron Shirt involves training the body to withstand physical blows. Practitioners typically do this by performing specific qigong exercises and conditioning techniques, such as striking themselves or having others strike them. The goal is to toughen muscles, bones, and skin to reduce the risk of injury during combat.
2. Iron Hand (Tiěshā zhǎng qìgōng): Iron Palm focuses on strengthening the hands and fingers for powerful striking. Training methods include repeatedly striking sandbags, iron shot bags, or hard surfaces. This helps build up hand resilience and increases striking power, making practitioners capable of delivering devastating blows.
3. Iron Head (Tiě tóu gōng qìgōng): Iron Head training toughens the muscles and bones of the head and neck. Practitioners often perform exercises like striking the head against padded surfaces or using specialized techniques to condition the skull. This strengthens the head, making it more resistant to impact and reducing the risk of head injuries during combat.
4. Golden Bell Cover (Jīn zhōng zhào qìgōng): Golden Bell is a concept where practitioners develop a protective energy field around their bodies. This is achieved through advanced internal energy cultivation and qigong practices. The aim is to create a shield-like effect that makes the practitioner impervious to strikes, enhancing their defense during combat.
