What you’ll learn
- A foundational understanding of the Microcosmic Orbit and its place in traditional internal training
- How to anchor the breath down to the base of the body
- How to work systematically and sequentially through each practical exercise
- How to identify the key qualities to develop within each practice before progressing
- A safe, steady approach to awakening the Microcosmic Orbit over time
About this course
Study the authentic teachings of the Microcosmic Orbit with Damo Mitchell.
This is the complete course in Microcosmic Orbit Nei Gong that we are offering publicly and free to the community. We hope these videos and lessons are helpful for anyone looking to understand this important part of traditional internal training.
Please be aware that the Microcosmic Orbit is not necessarily advisable for complete beginners — at least a little background in Qigong practice serves as a sensible foundation before attempting this work. This training is also not advisable for anyone under the age of 18, when pregnant, or if living with a psychiatric condition of any sort.
How to approach the training: Initially, watch all of the video lectures and try the practices in sequence, to get an overview of the training and how it works. Building a bigger picture of the practice in your mind is always helpful. After you’ve been through the program once, work systematically through each practical lesson — start with lesson one and keep at it daily until you have anchored the breath down to the base of the body. Once that milestone is achieved, you’re more likely to manage the next.
Continue this way, identifying the key qualities you seek within each exercise and practicing regularly before moving on. Foundations are the key. If you wish to awaken the Microcosmic Orbit and aren’t used to this kind of work, expect it to take around 1 year to 18 months of daily training. Work systematically and steadily, don’t force anything, and remember that subtlety is generally the way with arts like this. Good luck, and enjoy the process.
Course content
2 sections · 15 lessons · 8h 31m
Introduction
42:20
Preparation
30:54
Anchoring the Breath (Exercise 1)
48:43
The Dan Tian
37:01
Harvesting Yang (Exercise 2)
21:50
Establishing the Ming Line (Exercise 3)
20:35
The Governing Vessel
55:44
Mixing the Two Qi (Exercise 4)
23:13
The Lesser Microcosmic Orbit (Exercise 5)
20:32
Exercises for the Clipping Passes (Exercise 6)
25:26
The Orbit
58:28
Passing the Wei Lu Gate (Exercise 7)
24:19
Absorption (Exercise 8)
26:39
Conclusion
13:34
Yi Jin Jing 易筋經 (Changing the Tendon) Process Theory
1:01:12
Your teacher
Damo Mitchell
Instructor · Bali, Indonesia
5.0 ★ rating2 courses
Damo Mitchell is a widely respected teacher and author in the field of Daoist internal arts and Nei Gong, with decades of study across the Eastern traditions. He is known for teaching the authentic foundations of internal practice with clarity and depth, making subtle, traditionally closed-door work accessible to dedicated practitioners.
View full profile Student reviews
101 reviews
5.0
Course rating
Review
“This is some serious and deep craft!!!”
The perfect Microcosmic Orbit beginner or intermediate course
“The course is extremely well done and easy to follow if you pay close attention and repeat as needed. I couldn't ask for a better course on the Microcosmic Orbit for FREE (I would have paid for this level of Masterly training).”
Damo is very very good
“once a person gets past the fact that Damo Mitchell over explains things and just go with the flow, you can learn a helluva lot. i did anyway.”
Superior instruction and explanation of The Microcosmic Orbit
“Damo Mitchel is an outstanding instructor of what is needed before entering into Qigong and Nei Gong and how to move through life at a highly functioning level of knowing the higher holy self during this lifetime and beyond. Thank you for this offering.”
Professional
“Free which is super in order to explore path to determine if its a good fit for me as a student =Yeup!. Not because of the cost but of the professionalism. Damo demonstrates caring depth. Grateful to Adam S (Power of Chi), Damo M.and Keiran K. The Martial Man (and friends). Challenge is to have…”
Great, relaxed and interesting
“Starting as a Qigong instructor, I found a great role model and motivator. Also interesting knowledge.”
Gratefulness
“I am immeasurably grateful for making this course freely available. To have access to knowledge that for thousands of years was preserved and passed on to a very limited number of people is truly extraordinary. I am impressed and inspired by the depth of this practice and I know I will be returning to this…”
helpful
“like”
Thorough Detail and Instruction
“I very much appreciate the detailed explanations and metaphors regarding the internal arts and how the body functions. I also like the manner in which steps and checkpoints are presented.”
Great course
“Clear and concise”
the orbit is not visualized
“very informative”
Testimony to the authenticity of yhe author's insight
“I'm only onto 5th lesson snd fully satisfied that yhis course is worth pursuing. Differentiation of yin and yang applied to attention (directed awareness) and what I prefer to call "intent" is presented as an immediately applicable resource. Well done and thank you Mr. Mitchell.”
Truly a generous wealth of teaching
“Very good foundation to introduce nei gong into my qi gong practice. Although the complexities of the eastern systems were addressed, the way of explaining to a westerner were on point and actionable, building qi from a solid cause, without hype. Thanks!”
Profound basic foundation is the key to progress. "you are are sending concentrate Qi up the back Du Mai Channel GV" so the
“Thanks for this truly is amazing, to see Damo translates ancient Chinese classical texts in simple easy terms to understand. As long as you follow instructions and practice. Being Asian myself it is hard to find local schools if you are not in China, Thailand, Japan or Taiwan...etc I am starting to enroll into Damo's…”
Exploring the internal power
“My expectations were to be able to understand the basics of Nei Gong, however the course is beyond my expectations and I could learn more than the basics. Teacher is really excellent and his way to explain is simple and easy. Many thanks for this free but precious course.”
Great for beginners and advanced students of martial arts
“This course sets into context important principles and can aid beginners in finding good teachers or learning material, as well as guide one towards establishing Qi flow through the Du and Ren channel once the prerequisites (i.e., for example, sufficient Qi in the Dantien) are met. Contains a beautiful breathing meditation that can be appreciated…”
Top quality information
“Some information and detail that you don't get anywhere else!l Loved this c ourse!”
Excellent
“Complex but clear and helpful.”
Loved it!
“Loved this course! Something information and detail that you don't get anywhere else! really helpful”
Review
“I have practiced martial arts for 50 years. I found the course material and delivery excellent and it was very clear Damo has a deep understanding of the subject. Excellent.”
Thorough. Candid. Practical. Rich in takeaways that can be put into practice.
“Damo fills in all the missing pieces so many others leave out, wether they're aware of it or not can't be known. Having studied most of his books (some more in depth than others), it's been welcomed reenforcement of the material; as the material largely supports/echoes his book White Moon on the Mountain Peak.”
Excellence
“This is an awesome course with great content and an exceptional instructor who is very knowledgeable in the content.”
I was sick.
“This is great information for an old man!”
Sinking the qi
“Great informations and practical knowledges for every man who truly want to do something with yourself”
Well packed theory and practice
“Damon's way of explaining things strikes to the core.”
Understanding and secret
“I am impressed a Westerner is so knowledgeable about the Chinese secret. I now understand better the what, why and how.”
Breathing
“Wonderful breathing exercise included.”
Very Good
“The explanation is very good. Making a complex subject simple.”
Great explanation
“I really like the course. Exactly what I need right now. Super explained and understandable. Very grateful for the free offer. 🙏”
Great course
“Great info and a wonderful person! Much Thanks”
free wisdom
“Not everybody has the ability or resources to obtain this kind of knowledge. I appreciate this information and wisdom to allow the practitioner to dive deeper into their practice without having to leave their current place or spend more money. Thank you martial man!”
A MUST WATCH
“I haven't finished the course yet but so far...fantastic. I found loads of useful information. I believed my M.C.O was blocked but I have been enlightened by this course that it may be the anchoring the breath that was missing. Great stuff thanks for sharing this info, so many people have been lead astray my…”
Brilliant
“Wow. This is a very generous offering of knowledge on such a deep level. Thank you so much. 🙏”
Both wise and thorough
“I found the material thoroughly presented, very clear and esy to follow - looking forward to the remainder of the material”
Simple and deep
“Always return to try to advance a little more”
I'm thrilled to have access to this authentic teaching!
“I'm really thrilled to have access to this authentic teaching from Damo Mitchell!... Due to my inconsistent satellite reception here in rural Virginia, it is sometimes frustrating trying to wade through online courses, but "The Martial Man" courses are well worth the effort... and how can you argue with a FREE COURSE (?) - especially…”
Wow! Very informative
“I am in awe of how much informations I am been given Thank you <3”
A keeper course
“I´ve studied chinese medicine with many eastern and western teachers and i can tell you that Damo Mitchell way of exposing information is just wonderfull. Thank you for your priceless work.”
So Well done!
“Thank you. I'm blown away. Qi Gong and Dzogchen practice brought me this far in 3yrs. You have great clarity. This was an Excellent transmission of hard to find wisdom. SR”
from Luxembourg
“half year ago, discovered Demo. Since then I am reading and listening everything that he puts out! My life still very busy for the moment but working hard that in a near future to go and start training with him ! Thank you 🙏🏻”
Much more then I expected.
“Grateful for the broad in depth detail, and ethical knowledge base! Thank you!”
Great Experience
“Very helpful for internal training. A complete explanation and good guide in exercise with instant effect. I Love it!”
Experience
“I like the fact is science based”
Grattitude
“First of all thank you Damo Mitchell. I've been trying to understand the workings of my inner energy for quite a few years after coming across tantra and some teachings about the microcosmic orbit... And frankly it just greatly confused me, and started an internal struggle.. But here you give this immensely detailed course out…”
Thank you!
“I learned so much through your videos on the cosmic micro orbit! And I particularly liked the Yi Jin Jing video i. It is an essential base that you have passed on. Thank you for all your work.”
Thank you
“I’ve only just finished the third portion of the microcosmic orbit teachings but am appreciating the attitude that is being shared and the comprehensive clear detail of the teaching. Also it’s amazing to see the portal opening to access the inner practices. Thank you”
a gem
“not a specialist but Mitchell is a great teacher, sober, concise, synthetic, pedagogic...what a gift !”
Love these meditations! Thank you Damo!
“Very helpful to have the magical thinking taken away from these practices! Thank you!”
Building the foundation is the most important!
“This is a lifetime worth of practice laid out in a very detailed manner. A person could follow along and make great strides. I hope they all take the warning/pre-requisite about building the foundation first. This is so important, I had this issue when I was younger and first starting. The ego eh. Now I…”
From Italy
“I have been practicing Nei kung for 20 years and my method is 90% based on practice and theory is kept to a minimum. I recommend this course for the detailed explanations of the original alchemical processes and although the exercises differ little from those of my lineage I have found them excellent in their…”
This training seems very important to me to understand the feeling of the Qi.
“Important work to be done on yourself is proposed to progress significantly through very well presented courses and execices. Thank you”
awesome
“Highly recommended!”
One of the best decisions of my life to pay deep attention to this course.
“Damo mitchel clears up all the misconceptions surrounding the microcosmic orbit and gives you the real genuine original alchemical version of the proces, it takes extreme patience to achieve but if you do it correctly it just may be the best thing you have ever done. I was formerly practicing kriya yoga out of kriya…”
An initial step to the journey of internal art
“Thanks for the kindness of giving opportunity to learn the course which is well designed and informative. Previously, I know a little about Yin and Yang related to Tao-te-ching. Now, I get to know how those two operates in our body. This course gives the insight of conditioning the body and nurturing Qi at the…”
brilliant
“absolutely brilliant. so much clarity and detail”
Great
“Thank you God and you for for providing it free”
10 out of 5 stars.
“I have learned more from the first lesson in this course than most of the incoherent gibberish floating around the internet.”
Clear understanding!
“Very clear, very goog to follow!”
detailed and nowadaywords
“I appreciated very much the step-by-step way that such sophisticated art is explained. He gave us reasons why some things are done in a specific way and which is the right order to learn them in order to be successful in this meditation growth. thank you”
Proper
“Damo knows his stuff.”
Great
“Honesty”
Inspirational, Introspective, and Provocative
“I have over fifty years experience as a meditator and practitioner of internal arts. This course is practical, concise and full of insightful information on accomplishing the cosmic orbit practice successfully. Brilliantly executed by Damo Mitchell.”
Authentic
“I am at the 2’nd exercise and it is so cool. Never thought an online course could give so much. Damo’s attention to detail and in dept knowledge amazing. Thank you for your site martialman and for sharing.”
A truly valuable course for anyone into the internal arts
“I am an intermediate level practitioner of internal arts and found this Damo Mitchell's course on the often mystified topic of microcosmic orbit highly valuable. He explains the topic in a very systemic way. The background theory that is needed is shared in detail and there are all the details and examples of exercises for…”
Nice offering.
“Solid information that is fluently shared. Very much appreciated.”
Valuable knowledge and a gem for the internal arts.
“The theory explanation is really great and can help student understand the proper knowledge to train and gaining the benefit. Without these fundamental understanding if you just practice you will not appreciate or understand the depth to progress properly. Fantastic course. Can improve your understanding about chi kung and nei kung.”
Microcosmic universe awareness upgrade!!
“Informational & practical methods to release pollution, trauma & past abuses in our biology with grounded gravitational understanding of engineered breath work. A great free course to help begin the journey into our microcosmic biological internal & eternal universes.”
Astounding!
“Damo’s knowledge and experience in the internal energy arts is deep and without question. Add to this his clear communication skill, patience and talent as a teacher/instructor and you have everything you need here to accomplish your goal. You will need to commit on your side however. Maybe a year or more of your time!…”
Well explained
“It is the first time i watch a non native from asia explaining so clear.”
Microcosmic orbit exercise
“Very clear and easy understand, display very scientific way for all levels ...Thanks”
Excellent in depth detail clearly explained
“I have practiced yoga for 13 years and following major surgery and a couple of injuries after falls have started to practice some simple Gi Gong for healing purposes. I was so pleased to find this wonderful course which I am finding brings me a depth of understanding and quality to the practice. The breath…”
Amazing information!!!
“I wish I would have seen this years ago but regardless; I will likely re-watch this course many times. I would (and will) recommend this course to anyone that is trying to heal or learn more about internal energy, breathing and qigong. I would also highly recommend this to any yoga instructor. Thank you for…”
very deep and clear explanation
“this course helped me to get ahead in my practice very helpful and inspiring”
Clear explanation
“I really appreciated the quality of the teachings given by Damo Mitchell. Thank you very much for sharing.”
The "How To" a very clear instruction.
“A well set out, explanation of "The What","The How" and what to expect in easy to understand language as you travel along this path. Having some prior knowledge/experience is helpful. Key things for me were some Aha moments "Oh now I get it" wish I had known that years ago..thankyou.”
A practical view of internal alchemy practice
“I liked the ability to practice the exercises straight away, I felt like it was explained well. Having a knowledge of TCM and eastern philosophy was helpful to understand the concepts.”
PRACTICE
“Damo is a fantastic teacher! I have been really going slow with it to fully grasp the fundamentals', but the teaching is straightforward and very well explained! Thank you Sifu! Cheers!”
Clear and thorough
“I like the lack of promotions, promises and esoteric bling. Mr Ambro's presentation feels like plain truth offered with sincere intent. There's plenty of detail, but it's not overwhelming. Seems eminently practical and ties together bits I already knew while amplifying that with much I didn't know.”
Great Course!
“It used to be hard finding authentic arts, but The Martial Man has done a great job bringing it all together and Damo Mitchells course is amazing and easy to understand”
Amazing depth of knowledge explained very clearly
“Damo is an amazing teacher. I find his explanations of the theory very clear and understandable. He explains esoteric concepts in a straightforward and practical way. The practical exercises have astounded me! I am still practicing the first exercise, but after only a week it started to improve my breathing and energy levels in daily…”
Free course
“Thank you for allowing me to participate in this course, it's very interesting as I am a qiqong practitioner. I'm currently just in the beginning stages but will write a lengthier review upon completion. Best wishes! Jason Corner”
15%
“Yes baby, i got my Dantiem rolling! Thank You”
Incredible
“So much valuable material , extremely well presented, truly enjoyed the course”
Excellent free course
“Really good structure to this free course.”
clear and direct
“These lectures are a clear and direct explanation/instruction on the microcosmic orbit. Damo's explanations have provided an interestingly new lense through which i've been able to expand my understanding of what i'd initially been taught. i highly recommend this.”
A must course
“A must course for anyone wanting to have microcosmic orbit as part of their practice. I had been practicising microcosmic orbit for a number of years. Having gone through Damo's course, I realised that some steps were missing in my preparation and I had been guiding the chi with the breath. Thank you Damo for…”
Surprisingly outstanding
“This guided instruction is a quality production, well explained, and exceeds my expectations. Thank you Sifu Damo for this new chapter in Chi Gung”
Great Course!
“Now at part 7, the Gouverning Vesel. Every lesson I learn something new. What a great teacher is this Damo Mitchell. Calm, and a lot of know how. But you have to know already some TCM terminology otherwise it is difficult for some people I guess.”
Explicit and regimented
“This is one of the most detailed explanations of the microcosmic orbit I have encountered. Well balanced with preliminary exercises and theory fundamentals. Very nice work, thank you ????????”
Rational and Clear
“Damo Mitchell is an excellent teacher, his exposition is rational and extremely well structured and never superficial. I find him truly inspiring, completely trustworthy and deeply interesting as he unfolds the profound wealth hidden in the material of this course. Thank you Damo”
Great explanation
“I got, from my first sifu, a foundation of this practice. But in my case the practice was more confusing, he taught it a long time ago and he learned it as a Taoist practice but then he included Buddhist elements. Here instead it is explained in a simple and understandable way even for those…”
Very Informative and Clear to the point
“Had some little understanding of the Terms he use here that I could collect from years of Learning, But what he does inside the Course is truly amazing with respect to the explanation, Although still going through the course, love the wat it is organized and above all for giving away such brilliant knowledge free…”
Well explained and easy to understand
“I've never trained anything like this before and was worried that I might struggle to follow along, but the instructions are clear and and well detailed. The teacher is obviously very knowledgeable in qigong and taoist practices.”
Very detailed and clear explanation.
“This topic is the foundation of any internal art. Amaizing. Thank you very much.”
Stunning
“Can't Believe it's has many explaination about the Microcosmic Orbit :O I hope each videos has a subtitle because sometimes I miss understanding what he said or read his handwriting. :)))”
Priceless!
“I just started the course and I’m really excited about the content, the structure, and how Damo puts the information in a way that makes it alive.. thank you Kieren and everyone worked to make this happen.. it surely is a great addition to any martial artist seeking knowledge. Peace”
Superb guidance and videos - 5 stars
“This course has completely changed my outlook on the internal arts and Qigong training. The depth of knowledge shared in the videos lessons is incredible. It will undoubtedly take me months to work through the material and exercises shared by teacher Damo, but I feel more motivated than ever to do so. Thank you for…”
Quality instruction!
“I just enrolled and I’m absolutely loving it so far. Quality videos with step by step Instruction on the internal arts. Much appreciated.”
Good
“Good course and videos. Thanx”
Excellent!
“I recommend this course for anyone interested in meditation, qigong and chi development. High-quality instruction and a profound level of knowledge shared by Damo Mitchell. I still can't believe this course is free!”
Amazing free course!
“This is a fantastic course for anyone who wants to understand Qi Gong and the microcosmic orbit. Thank you to Sifu Damo for releasing this course and explaining it so clearly. This knowledge can help me in developing my internal training.”
Frequently asked
The course is 100% free — all you need to do is enroll.
No. The Microcosmic Orbit is not advisable for complete beginners; a little background in Qigong practice is a sensible foundation first. This training is also not advisable for anyone under the age of 18, when pregnant, or if living with a psychiatric condition of any sort.
There are 15 video lessons with in-depth instruction on the Microcosmic Orbit.
Yes. The website is fully responsive, so you can watch on desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
Yes. Once you're enrolled, you'll get instant access to all of the videos in the course.
