You’ve probably come across people practicing yoga, tai chi, or martial arts—perhaps you’ve even dabbled in these disciplines yourself. Most often, the journey begins with mimicking movements, following along as the teacher demonstrates. And for many, it continues this way indefinitely—repeating motions without truly sensing what’s happening within the body on a deeper, more subtle level.
In the context of fitness or martial arts as a form of combat training, this may not be a major concern. After all, these practices primarily operate on a physical level. However, when it comes to spiritual practices—those aimed at inner transformation—deep internal work becomes essential for progress. This shift marks the transition from focusing solely on the physical body to engaging with more subtle dimensions of practice. Just as we refine posture and alignment in physical training, there are practices that open and refine the energy system of the subtle body.
In Daoist tradition, this inner work is known as neigong (內功, nèigōng), which translates to “inner work” or “internal arts.” It serves as the foundation for deeper energetic development.
What Are the Prerequisites for Inner Work?
The Nine Body Vessels
To work with something, we first need the right tools. In inner practice, our tool is the body itself—but it must be prepared properly. In Daoist tradition, we refer to vessels—specific parts of the body where energy can circulate, be stored, and transform. These vessels, both internal and external, create an energetic blueprint that organizes how energy moves within us. Without a structured form, energy follows pre-existing pathways, which may not always be optimal.
A foundational step in this process is activating the nine external vessels—the feet, knees, hips, abdomen, chest, head, palms, elbows, and shoulders. A highly effective way to begin tuning into these vessels is through Daoist self-massage, a practice suitable for both beginners and advanced practitioners. This method allows us to develop a deeper sensitivity to the body, laying the groundwork for more refined inner work.
Attention
In today’s world, attention is one of the most valuable currencies. Within inner practice, it’s also one of the most crucial ingredients. The ability to consciously direct and sustain attention allows us to engage with the deeper layers of practice.
At times, our mind might struggle with instructions such as “Put your attention on your neck. Feel your neck.” For many, the concept of feeling something is tied to movement. However, here, we cultivate our focus — placing our awareness on a specific area and keeping it there for an extended period. If our mind wanders, we gently guide it back, reinforcing our ability to stay present.
The Essence of Inner Work
In the foundation of inner work lay circulation and specific mental qualities. Without these essential components, true engagement with the energetic body remains elusive. By honing our attention and activating the body's energetic vessels, we unlock the transformative potential of our practice.
Genuine inner work is the key to cultivating subtle energies within. Through this process, we transcend mere repetition and step into the true depths of inner practice.