Hello Tim:

What are the main differences between Qigong and Neigong excercises?. Is there any difference in the movements or the breathing?

Thanks in advance

Hello Den,
Strickly speaking, Nei Gong is a blanket term that covers all types of 'Internal' training. Qi Gong is one type of Nei Gong. Nei Gong exercises include various meditative practices (stance keeping for example), isometric exercises, and a great variety of movement exercises. Qi Gong exercises are the subset of Nei Gong exercises that emphasize breath control.

My teacher makes the distinction that Qi Gong tends to pump chi into the body, whereas Nei Gong creates a chi vacuum. Although what Tim says makes sense because our Nei Gong system is really a synthesis of useful exercises. To me the moving exercises we do seem more like pumping and spreading chi & the standing postures seem to create a demand for chi in the body (like a vacuum). Hope this helps.

Ask your instructer if a chi vacuum will work on shag carpet?

It's better on a wooden floor (for rooting purposes). But it is known to help with shagging!

Qigong (Pinyin: qi4gong1)
Qi = spirit, morale
Gong = Contribution, achievement; work
www.zhongwen.com

Neigong (Pinyin: nei4gong1)
Nei = inside, internal
Gong = contribution, achievement; work
www.zhongwen.com

"Neigong means 'internal work,' and refers to training of muscle groups, ligaments, and tendons not usually under conscious control. By contrast, Qigong refers to breath control and visualization techniques for various purposes - increased circulation to the distal points of the extremities, increased vital capacity, religious discipline, among others."
www.emptyflower.com/xingyiquan/crushing/ken/defining01.html

"Qi Gong exercises emphasis balance towards both the physical and mental. These exercises provide a better sense of body movement and balance. It provides a process of relaxing muscular tensions, improving posture, and a deepening of the breathing process to reduce stress. Nei Gong is considered more of an internal exercise. It allows the body to move in a continuously stretching, expanding, contracting, opening and closing motion. It provides a holistic connection between the mind and body through breath work and body movement."
www.chi-energy.com/qi-nei-gong.html

Qigong is a new word (since the 1950's) to describe what was once called and known by such names as neigong, yangshengong, neidangong, etc.
The latter had level of training that encompassed dietary regimen, 'eating' metals to enhance immortality, astrology, science, etc that the present governemnt in formation thought as being 'revolutionary' and a waste of time.

Now qigong is only about external movement, usually, but there are some exception (epending on the teacher's knowledge).

The characters may mirror each other (the ideogram for qigong is fire under a pot of 'rice) cooking for a period of time.

neigong (innes work-vague) where qigong (qi/beadth work-specific) thought same the former appear more comprehensive while the latter more specific. One is not better than the other-but the level of teacher instruction is a main key.