Static Qigong - Ignition of Internal Fires

The static exercises to be studied this week will differ in structure from the previous ones. You will learn meditation consisting of several poses. Some of them are familiar to you, others are not. All poses are simple and not difficult to perform.

The practice of “igniting internal fires” involves receiving energy from the Earth (earthly force) and the surrounding infinite space (heavenly force). After which the fire energy is activated in the lower abdomen (both in the lower tan tien and at the ming men point) and in the heart center. By filling these centers with qi, we increase the energy saturation of the body and increase our own vitality.

You will master seven bilateral poses (body weight distributed evenly on both legs; feet parallel to each other). In the first pose, the arms are lowered to the sides (starting position). In the second, the palms are parallel to the floor. In the third, the palms move slightly forward. In the fourth, the hands rise to the level of the navel and, as it were, hold the ball (“ball of qi”) opposite the lower tan tien. In the fifth pose, the arms are pulled back and as if holding a large ball opposite the min-men point. In the sixth pose, the arms are raised up and spread to the sides, with the palms under the armpits and the fingers pointing towards the heart. In the seventh pose, the hands are placed on the navel to accumulate energy. During the exercise, the body remains motionless, only the position of the hands changes.

So, our task is to establish an energetic connection with the power of the earth and heaven. To do this, you need to configure yourself accordingly. What I mean is that you must call on the full power of your imagination and imagine that you are able to mentally embrace the Earth and the infinite universe.

Let's say you are watching a star in the night sky. Imagine that you are not only looking at it, but surrounding this infinitely distant point in space with your thoughts and becoming one with it. With practice, you will learn to embrace in thought not only the Earth, but the entire infinite space. This kind of exercise helps to understand the concept of the “unity” of all things.

1. 1. Stand straight, feet together, arms at your sides.
2. 2. Feel the connection with the Earth established through the “murmuring brooks”. Inhale and exhale through these points on your feet until you feel this connection clearly.
3. 3. Mentally direct your internal energy (qi) deep into the earth. Continue to concentrate until you feel how your energy, having penetrated the Earth, begins to spread to the other side of the globe.
4. 4. Raise your palms parallel to the ground with your fingers facing forward. Focus on your fingers and imagine or feel yourself connecting with the power of the Earth through the tiger and dragon hollows (Liao Gong points) located on your left and right palms.
5. 5. Raise your palms slightly in front of you. Feel that through the Liao Gong points you have established a connection with the Earth and the space that extends beyond it.
6. 6. Raise your arms in front of you, as in the “tree hugging” pose, but not to chest level, but to navel level. Mentally hold the ball with your hands opposite the lower tan tien area.
7. 7. Feel or imagine how the “chi ball” connects with the fiery energy of the universe. Feel the warmth spreading throughout your body.
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9. 8. Slowly move your hands behind your back and imagine how you are holding a huge “chi ball” in front of the min-men point (the point on your back at the level of the navel, also known as the “gate of life”).
10. 9. Feel or imagine how a huge “ball of qi” turns into a ball of fire that pulsates and breathes the energy of infinite space.
11. 10. Raise your palms towards your armpits. Elbows bent. Fingers point towards the heart center.
12. 11. Direct energy (chi) from the fingers through the armpits to the heart center. Feel the fire ignite in your heart.
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14. 12. Allow your heart center to expand and open, like a blossoming flower. Feel how this chakra pulsates and becomes saturated with energy.
15. 13. Feel the lights lighting up in the lower tan tien, min men and heart center.
16. 14. Place your palms on your navel and accumulate energy.

According to Taoist theory, activating the Ming Men point actually “ignites a fire in the adrenal glands,” which is called the “true fire” in the left kidney. "True Fire" becomes an important source of life force in the advanced practice of internal alchemy.