There are various styles and methods in Taoist qigong, but all of them lay emphasis on the cultivation of qi and neidan (the combination of jing and qi through shen). Their characteristic features are paying much attention to the changes of y/n and yang and wuxing, and exploring the mystery of human body. That is why the human system is fairly complete, its requirements for exercises and explanations to reactions ob-tained in practice are detailed. However, the most important in the exer-cise is the cultivation of both mind and body and the coordination of man and nature.

Based on " know the universe and learn" about the trueness of yourself," the Buddhist exercise lays emphasis on a state in which you are tranquil and without any thoughts. In other words, you are required to sit in meditation and learn Buddhist principles so as to get rid of distracting thoughts and purify the mind.. These principles can be found in Buddhist exercise such as zhiguan (focusing on the mind and observing things there) of the Tiantai sect, chanding (sitting with attention focusing on the mind) of the Chanzong sect and yoga of the Mizong sect.