The standing practice of Chi Kung and Nei Kung can be considered as the chinese somatic approach. Both forms are the bodywork of the Taoists that works within a frame of medical, philosophical, martial and/or spiritual aims.

The translation of Chi Kung is 'chi training/cultivation/practice'. The Taoists put Chi, energy of life, central in their somatic training and refine it's quality through bodywork. Nei Kung is translated as 'inner training' and can be seen as the individual parts that form Chi Kung synergetically.

I also will look at Taoism as the philosophy behind these practices. As such, it gives us a ethical framework in which Chi Kung and Nei Kung are represented. Taoism is a branch of eastern philosophy, which is still somewhat obscure and often misunderstood. A central theme in Taoism is Wu Wei, its paradoxical nature is central to Taoist thought. It is regularly translated as 'non-action' and can also be seen as an 'active participation in the undefinable spatial and temporal frame of life'.

In the fundamental standing practice, also called 'I Chuan', one is able to mindfully organise the physical and energetical structure of the body. Taoist depart from: 'in order to move well, one should learn how to stand well'.

This internal work has a progressive development of clarifying layers which we find ourselves in space. Within the Wu Wei frame, we will make an attempt to discuss 'Sung' (a connecting active relaxation), opening and closing of the spine and pelvis and other joints, whole body breathing, meridian basics and the mechanics of circulating the energy. Eventhough the form is quite formal and 'wu wei' is without form, we will look for insight and embodiment of this practice.