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Book Review
Daoist Nei Gong – The Philosophical Art of Change
by Damo Mitchell
Paperpack 240 pp. $24.95
Singing Dragon, Philadelphia, PA ( 2011)
ISBN: 978-1-8481-9-065-8
As human beings we are interested in strengthening or health in all
respects. By strengthening our physical body, mind and spiritual
nature we hope to gain longevity and a higher quality of life.
Practitioners of qigong , taiji, and other mind body disciplines will
gain some insights in reading this book.
This book is not a treatise on Daoist philosophy and practices.
However, reader is brought into an understanding of the concepts
relating to an attaining real internal arts skill. Through the practices
of internal arts such as qigong, taiji, et.al. and practicing Nei Gong
results in the awakening of the energy body along with cultivation
of our consciousness.
“ Nei Gong is not a system of exercises.
It is a series of internal changes which
a person may go through in order to follow a path to the Dao.“ ( pp. 15-16)
The author creates a teaching environment as if the reader is an ―inner-room‖ student by using very clear
teachings. Nei Gong practices serve to condition the physical body(jing), then the energy body (Qi) as well as
consciousness (Shen). A serious practice of Nei Gong can make the following changes; soften and relax muscles,
old injuries begin to vanish, increased immune function, calmer mind, good body alignment , and an awakening of
the internal energy. The author suggests that the practice of Nei Gong will enhance and strengthen previously
learned internal art forms.
The author discusses in detail the stages involved with Nei Gong practice which are in sequence, conditioning and
preparing the physical body, regulating the mind and breath, awakening the energy system, movement of yang qi,
attainment of internal vibration, converting qi to shen and converting shen to dao. Nei Gong practices are not
recommended for children and teens, pregnant women, have a history of mental illness, and being in a highly
emotional state.
Two important practices are clearly described and act as a thread throughout the book are Sung breathing and a
qigong practice set the author titles Ji Ben Qigong ( Fundamental Energy Exercises). The techniques of Sung
breathing are designed to rid the body of physical tension. In practicing Sung breathing there is removal of tension
from large muscle groups, connective tissue(ligaments, tendons and fascia). The removal of these tensions helps to
re-align the skeletal bone structure as the bones relax into their natural position. The practice of Sung breathing
entails 3 phases of practice. Phase 1 is beginning Sung breathing, Phase 2, breathing in tranquility and breathe
out tension, and phase 3 breathe with heaven and earth . An entire chapter ( Chapter 3) is devoted to the details
and concepts based on principles of Daoist teachings.
(Book Review continued on next page)
62 Yang-Sheng (Nurturing Life) Volume 1, Issue No. 7