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

In this third article of our series on the Seven Hermetic Principles and their relationship to the alchemical path and the internal martial arts, we turn our attention to the second principle: the Principle of Correspondence . It is most famously summarized in the Hermetic axiom: “As above, so below; as within, so without.” This single line conveys one of the most profound truths of internal cultivation: reality is not fragmented into isolated layers. Instead, it is a continu

Introduction & Significance Chen Pan-ling (陳攀嶺, 1892–1967) stands as one of the most important yet often understated figures in the history of modern internal Chinese martial arts. Living at a time when traditional kung fu was being challenged by social upheaval, modernization, and the demands of a changing China, Chen played a critical role in preserving, clarifying, and systematizing the internal arts of Tai Chi (Taijiquan), Bagua (Baguazhang), and Xingyi (Xingyiquan). Rath

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

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

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

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

Freedom from muscular tension is not merely a physical state; it profoundly contributes to our overall health and happiness. When we experience a release from this tension, we often find ourselves feeling more energized and capable of engaging with the world around us. Our posture, which is a reflection of how our body is aligned and positioned, has a direct and significant effect on our mental and emotional states. It can serve as a powerful indicator of our psychological we

What Is Meditation? Meditation is the ancient art of stilling the mind , refining awareness , and returning to one’s original nature ....

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...

In Taijiquan (Tai Chi), we often speak of "softness overcoming hardness," of "rooting like a tree" and "moving like clouds." But how do...

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...

Upper body dysfunction is a common issue that affects millions, causing pain, restricted movement, and postural imbalances. Many people...

Internally rotated shoulders—a condition characterized by a forward rotation of the shoulder joint—are increasingly common in today’s...

The lumbopelvic hip complex (LPHC) is a crucial area of the body that plays a central role in posture, movement, and overall stability....

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a common yet debilitating condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the...

What is a Rotator Cuff Injury? The rotator cuff is a complex and vital structure in the human body, consisting of a group of four muscles...

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that affects many individuals, particularly those who are active or on their feet for long...

Anterior pelvic tilt (APT) is a common postural imbalance that occurs when the pelvis tilts forward, causing an exaggerated arch in the...

Forward Head Posture (FHP)  is a common postural deviation where the head juts forward, putting strain on the neck, shoulders, and upper...