Qi Gong: The Big Mistake of Chen Bao Shi (Hugging The Tree Posture)

The Truth About the Current Qi Gong Landscape: A Call for Authentic Practice

In today’s world, the landscape of spiritual and energy practices, including Qi Gong, has become increasingly confusing. It seems like everyone online is a self-proclaimed expert, simply because they’ve read a few books or attended a short teacher training program. You can find countless discussions in Facebook groups, with people offering unsolicited advice on what’s best to do and how to practice, even though many of them have no real, hands-on experience with the principles of Qi Gong.

The Dangers of Misleading Practices

The unfortunate reality is that much of the Qi Gong available today lacks a solid foundation and is based on imagination or light sensations, often influenced by the "new age" perspective on spirituality. This creates a misleading perception of Qi Gong as an easy practice centered around feel-good experiences, such as light sensations or visualizations. These light practices are easily marketed to people who seek quick fixes, believing in stories of universal energy, peace, and even concepts like immortality.

Many well-known Qi Gong influencers on platforms like YouTube or social media may have large followings, but their content often lacks depth or genuine expertise. Their focus is primarily on marketing, rather than offering a true, proven approach to Qi Gong. The consequence is that many practitioners are left believing in superficial ideas of the practice, not realizing the true power and potential Qi Gong offers.

The Real Practice: Why Traditional Qi Gong is Different

As someone deeply rooted in Nei Qi Gong, a traditional and effective Qi Gong system, I have seen firsthand the importance of authentic experience over superficial beliefs. Nei Qi Gong is a powerful system that goes far beyond what is typically taught in the general Qi Gong community. Unlike many light or "easy" practices, Nei Qi Gong offers a direct experience of Qi (vital energy) that is transformative and measurable.

However, it’s difficult to find true, experienced Qi Gong teachers amid the noise of new age trends. Facebook groups filled with self-proclaimed experts and marketers make it harder for new practitioners to find genuine guidance. I recently tried to share my expertise and a Qi Gong demonstration video in some of these groups, only to have my posts banned—likely because they threatened the authority of other teachers who might lose students to a more effective practice.

A Common Mistake in Qi Gong: The "Hugging the Tree" Posture

One area where I’ve repeatedly seen a common mistake is in the practice of Chen Bao Shi (hugging the tree) posture, a popular Qi Gong stance. In many groups, practitioners are advised to stand in this posture for extended periods (often over 20 minutes) without engaging in any movement or intention. While this posture can be a valuable tool, doing it incorrectly or without understanding its true purpose is a mistake.

In the Nei Qi Gong system, we don’t simply hold the hugging the tree posture. We use it for a more effective practice called Yang Qi Gong. In Yang Qi Gong, we perform four specific exercises while holding this posture. This allows us to build and fill the Qi structure correctly, ensuring that we are cultivating Qi effectively and efficiently, rather than just "standing around" and wasting energy.

Why Authentic Teachers Matter

The core of Nei Qi Gong lies in practical, hands-on teaching and guidance from a qualified teacher. A teacher who has the ability to demonstrate the real effects of Qi, helping students develop a genuine connection with their internal energy. In contrast, the rise of self-made teachers and marketers has flooded the internet with misconceptions, making it harder for practitioners to discern what is real from what is fabricated.

I want to help bring awareness to this issue. If you're serious about learning Qi Gong, especially Nei Qi Gong, take the time to research your teachers and the systems they are teaching. Look for teachers with a proven track record, genuine experience, and who teach proven systems based on Qi rather than theories or superficial concepts.

Get Started with Free Qi Gong Exercises

If you want to get started on a path toward authentic Qi Gong practice, I’m offering two free basic exercises that are foundational to Nei Qi Gong. These exercises will help you begin to feel the energy and lay the groundwork for more advanced practices:

👉 Get Your Free Exercises Here

Final Thoughts: Stay Grounded in the Truth of Qi Gong

The current state of Qi Gong on the web is indeed a mess, but that doesn’t mean we can’t find the real teachings. With patience, dedication, and the right teacher, you can begin to experience the true power of Nei Qi Gong and unlock your full potential.