Microcosmic Orbit Qigong
Cultivating the Inner Orbit
The Microcosmic Orbit is a classical internal cultivation practice working with the circulation of Qi through the Governing and Conception vessels. It offers a way to explore the movement and circulation of Qi through the body's internal energetic pathways.
This teaching approaches the Microcosmic Orbit through Neigong, the development of internal skill. The emphasis is on cultivating the sensitivity, awareness and perception needed to recognise Qi and its movement through direct experience, developing a relationship with the practice that is felt rather than simply understood.
The practice invites us to become increasingly attentive to the inner landscape of the body, developing the capacity to listen, perceive and work with Qi as an embodied experience.
What this develops
An understanding of the Microcosmic Orbit through guided tuition
Greater familiarity with the movement and circulation of Qi within the body
An introduction to approaching Microcosmic Orbit through Neigong and internal skill
An opportunity to explore listening, sensing and perceiving Qi through direct experience
A deeper awareness of the relationship between the body, Qi, attention and internal movement
Feeling the Inner Current
The Microcosmic Orbit is often taught as a meditation practice in which Qi is visualised moving through the Governing and Conception vessels. While visualisation can be a useful way to approach the practice, this teaching takes a different path.
Here, the Microcosmic Orbit is approached through Neigong, the development of internal skill. Rather than imagining where Qi should be moving, the emphasis is on developing the conditions for greater awareness, sensitivity and perception of what is actually happening within the body.
This is where the preliminary practices become important. They offer ways to become more familiar with internal awareness, refine the physical body and cultivate the vitality and presence that support deeper Neigong practice. The intention isn't to force Qi through a pathway, but to develop a relationship with Qi through attention and direct experience.
For those who are drawn to the deeper dimensions of Qigong, this offers an opportunity to explore the Microcosmic Orbit as an embodied practice rather than simply something to visualise or understand conceptually. It is another step towards developing the capacity to listen more closely to the body, to Qi and to the subtle movement taking place within.
Study Microcosmic Orbit Qigong
Microcosmic Orbit Qigong is available as a self-study module for $99.
Study the practice at your own pace, return over time, allowing your understanding and experience of the form to deepen.
A place to begin
If you're newer to Qigong, I recommend beginning with Establish Your Practice. It gives you time and support to establish the foundations and develop a regular relationship with Qigong.
