Microcosmic Orbit - Chi Breath

So, we begin to study new material. As already mentioned, all the techniques presented in the book are based on the “triple approach”, that is, they are considered in the light of the “three treasures” of Taoism: qi, jing and shen (breath, body and mind).

Breathing exercises are aimed at activating energy within the body and replenishing its reserves. The Taoists developed breathing techniques into a refined art. Descriptions of some of the exercises given in the book are given for the first time. As I go along, I will explain the theoretical basis of each of them.
The exercises are divided into three main groups, known as hair breathing, (spinal) marrow breathing, and quadruple breathing.

The hair breathing exercise is based on the Taoist belief that the internal organs direct excess energy into the hair. As a rule, excess energy is irretrievably lost. You will learn to use it to energize your body.
In the book I constantly talk about the close relationship between all parts of the body. Thus, the five main internal organs (heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and spleen) are interconnected with external organs (tongue, nose, eyes, ears and lips). In practice, you will be convinced of the correctness of my words and will independently discover many other relationships. The relationship between the five main organs of the body and the hairline is one of them.

The listed relationships are not clearly traced, but have been verified by the thousand-year experience of ancient Taoist masters. Based on the quality characteristics of the hair on the head, the Taoists determined the condition of the heart. During such studies, the interdependence of this internal organ and hair was revealed. In the same way, hair on different parts of the body is associated with certain organs. By performing weekly exercises, you will learn to independently identify such relationships and appreciate the effectiveness of Taoist techniques. As far as I know, these exercises are presented to the reader for the first time.

Let's get acquainted with the exercises “spinal (bone) marrow breathing”, or “bone breathing”, “bone marrow washing”. The author of the Da Mo method, who lived in the 16th century. and known as Bodhidharma, the founder of Shaolin Kung Fu and the teachings of Zen (the Chinese version of Zen Buddhism is called “Chan Buddhism.” - Approx. Trans.). He taught these exercises to Buddhist monks in the monastery he founded. Later the Taoists began to study them. When starting to study these exercises, you should learn how to direct vital energy (qi) into the bones. Subsequently, you will learn to direct the energy flow to any point in the skeleton. The proposed technique is of particular importance in relation to the spinal cord, since this is where most of the blood cells are formed. Exercise has two main goals: the reproduction of blood cells, strengthening bones and increasing their flexibility.

The exercise “spinal (bone) marrow breathing” is often identified with dynamic qigong exercises. At the same time, Western instructors, paying attention to the external form of the exercise, lose sight of its internal content, that is, the movement of vital energy (qi) inside the bone tissue. Unfortunately, misconceptions about the true content of the art of qigong are not that uncommon. This superficial approach is probably due to the difficulty of understanding this theory among Western audiences. Be that as it may, the internal circulation of vital energy (qi) is rightfully considered the most important aspect of Taoist yoga.

“Bone breathing” becomes more effective when sexual energy (jing qi) is activated. To this end, the last section of the book provides guidelines for sexual massage for both men and women.
You will also be introduced to exercises that I call “quadruple breathing.” This series of exercises is designed to fill or saturate your body with chi energy.

After reading this section, you will be able to fill the most secluded and inaccessible areas of your body with vital energy (qi). These exercises develop “inner power.” You will acquire the skills to awaken inner strength, which in turn strengthens the external organs.
In the West, the main attention is paid to the external form of exercises, with the help of which they try to influence the internal state of the body.

The Taoist approach is exactly the opposite of the Western one, but much more effective. Using Taoist techniques, the internal pressure of the body is restored. With age, a person loses the balanced internal pressure characteristic of a child’s body. “Fourfold breathing” will help restore internal pressure and rejuvenate the body.