There is a science to internal strength

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There is a science to internal strength 

3 minute and 50 second video

12 minute Qi and Internal strength

"The investigation of Neijin (Internal Strength) via its manifestation in body motion forges a theoretical link between Qi and muscle actions in the regulation of motion to comport with the principles of yin and yang. This gives a formulation of neijin in the framework of physics and physiology and provides a pragmatic qi-motion paradigm to train for the strength, as well as a window into Qi at a level of basic science.

The practice of Taijiquan develops a kind of core strength, which by traditional theory is differentiated from regular physical strength, called Internal Strength or Neijin. Neijin is not a well-formulated concept, which is why references to in-depth studies of the subject are hard to find even in the Chinese literature on Taijiquan. There is no clear consensus of what it is or how best to train for it among experts of the various schools Taijiquan. But it is exalted as the mysterious strength that underlies the prowess of Chinese Martial Arts—the stuff that seems to defy one’s sense of speed, strength, and power expected in combat.

The rule of thumb of the uncharacteristic strength is that the more it appears of “physical force” the less it is of neijin. There is a persistent viewpoint that neijin is not associated with the musculature, so much so that it has spawned a cultural disdain of muscles in Taijiquan. This paper seeks to reconcile the musculature with neijin by looking at neijin feats as described in the classics of Taijiquan, such as the skill of “four ounces repelling a thousand pounds.” However, the study does not include the controversial claim of “empty space force,” which purportedly can propel a person by the wave of a hand without physical contact, and notes only that the phenomenon has not withstood scrutiny."

A Scientific Perspective of Neijin (Internal Strength)

C.P Ong 

Tai Chi Instructor/Author, USA

Correspondence: C.P. Ong, Tai Chi Instructor/Author, USA

Received: November 26, 2016 | Published: February 6, 2017

Citation: Ong C (2017) A Scientific Perspective of Neijin (Internal Strength). Int J Complement Alt Med 5(3): 00155. DOI: 10.15406/ijcam.2017.05.00155