Energy circulation has been taught for thousands of years and throughout many cultures. The latest stops on this route were with yoga in ancient India and Taoism in China. Both cultures practice energy circulating techniques that most likely came from the same source.
Both teach how to move energy in the body, but in different ways. For this article we will look at the Chinese/Taoist technique. This is the Basic Energy Circulation Technique that is used in Energy Flow In Asana Practice.
Breathing Technique Used
While there are many different breathing techniques that can be used while doing the Basic Energy Circulation Technique, three part breath is one of the best.
It is best to breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth. And, it is good to develop this practice from the beginning as most people tend to breathe only through the nose. It is easier to develop this early than to change the habit later.
Two Energy Channels
This technique relies on two of the main energy channels in the body. They both start at the perineum, the area between the gentiles and the anus. The first moves from the perineum, up the spine, to the crown of the head, and then down to the hard pallet at the roof of the mouth. The second energy channel runs between the perineum and the tip of the tongue.
Closing the Gate
Connecting these two energy channels by lightly touching the tip of the tongue to the hard pallet is called “closing the gate.” Keep your attention firmly on the point of contact between the tongue and roof of the mouth.
The hard pallet extends from just behind the front teeth to near the center of the pallet. Most people can reach their tongue back far enough to feel where the hard pallet ends and the soft pallet begins. The strongest place to put the tongue is at the furthest point back in the mouth on the hard pallet just before the soft pallet. This can be hard to do because of the limited range of motion of the tongue. Anywhere on the hard pallet will work.
Keep the tongue touching the hard pallet throughout the time you practice this technique.
Three Part Breath
Part one of three part breath is a diaphragmatic breath. As you inhale, your belly will extend out while your chest does not fill or expand at all. Place one hand on your belly and one on your chest to see how you do when you practice this breathing technique.
Diaphragmatic breathing is relaxing to the body because it stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, the part of the central nervous system that relaxes the body. Consequently, it can be difficult for people who are under a lot of stress to do, that is most people in the modern world. The benefit of mastering this technique can be enormous for those who live with stress.
Practicing while lying down on your back is the easiest way to learn this technique. If just doing diaphragmatic breathing, try holding the breath for a short time after filling the belly then releasing. This breathing technique needs to be accomplished before moving on to three part breath.
After doing a diaphragmatic breath, continue to inhale into the lower chest then on up into the upper chest. Once the lungs are completely full, hold the breath. The hold time depends on which technique you are doing as well as what is comfortable for you.
Exhale with control and in opposite order from the inhale. Adjust your hold time so that you can control the exhale.
This is enough to digest for now, I’ll put up part two soon.
The Basic Energy Circulation Technique Used In Chi Gung And Energy Flow Asana Practice, Part 2
Recommended Reading
- Yoga Videos
- The Basic Energy Circulation Technique Used In Chi Gung And Energy Flow Asana Practice, Part 2
- Energy Flow in Asana Practice
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