Absorbing Qi (氣)

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” — Laozi

Absorbing qi (氣), the vital life force, is a practice deeply embedded in Chinese history and philosophy, particularly within Daoist traditions. These methods, refined over centuries, involve drawing energy from natural sources such as the sun, moon, trees, and even the very air we breathe. Historically, these practices were deemed essential for maintaining health, fostering spiritual growth, and achieving longevity.

In recent years, scientific studies have increasingly recognised the benefits of these practices, particularly in managing trauma and enhancing mental and physical health. Qigong, along with its closely related counterpart, Tai Chi, has been shown to reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression, promoting overall well-being. Despite this validation, it remains crucial to approach these practices with respect for their origins and an understanding of their deeper principles.

Drawing Vital Energy from the Sun

Historical Context: The sun, a potent source of yang energy in Chinese cosmology, has long been revered for its life-giving properties. The practice of absorbing qi from the sun is ancient, designed to infuse the body with vitality and to open the ‘Heavenly Eye,’ a metaphorical third eye associated with heightened spiritual awareness.

Step-by-Step Method:

• Sunrise Alignment: As the sun begins to rise over the horizon, extend one arm towards it, pointing your index finger directly at the sun. Focus your gaze along this line. The early morning sun’s energy is gentle yet potent, making it particularly suitable for absorption. This practice is traditionally believed to assist in opening the ‘Heavenly Eye.’
• Single-Palm Absorption: Once the sun has fully risen and its light is a deep red, turn one palm towards the sun. Allow the qi to flow into your body through the laogong point (the centre of your palm). Keep the other palm facing downward to ground the energy, letting the absorbed qi circulate through your body and exit through the downward-facing palm.
• Dual-Palm Method: As the sun ascends higher, face it with both palms open. Visualise the qi entering through your laogong points, travelling through your body, and exiting through the yongquan points on the soles of your feet, grounding you to the earth.
• Mingmen Activation: When the sun’s light turns milky white, turn your back to it and stand comfortably. Round your back slightly and arch your chest to open the mingmen point (lower back). This point, when activated, nourishes the internal organs and strengthens the body’s core energy.

The Moon’s Gentle Embrace: Absorbing Yin Energy

Historical Context: The moon, embodying yin energy, offers a softer, more introspective form of qi. Traditionally, absorbing lunar qi is associated with enhancing intuition, calming the mind, and balancing the body’s energies.

Step-by-Step Method:

• Moonlit Posture: Stand relaxed, facing the moon. Raise your arms so that your palms, specifically the laogong points, are directed towards the moon. Focus your mind on absorbing the lunar qi through these points, allowing it to flow into your body.
• Mindful Reception: As you continue, a gentle pressure on your chest or an involuntary swaying motion may occur. This indicates the moon’s qi harmonising your internal energy.
• Timing: Practising this method during the three days before and after the full moon, when lunar energy is at its peak, is often recommended for the most effective results.

Grounding Through Trees: The Earth’s Vitality

Historical Context: Trees, with their deep roots and sturdy trunks, have long been regarded as stable sources of qi. Absorbing qi from trees has been practised for centuries as a way to ground oneself and draw on the earth’s nurturing energy.

Step-by-Step Method:

• Selecting the Tree: Choose a healthy tree with a thick trunk, preferably pine or cedar, as these trees are traditionally associated with strong qi. Approach the tree during the early morning, when the earth’s energy is rising.
• Initial Connection: Stand facing the tree with one hand placed on its trunk and the other by your side. Close your eyes and breathe deeply, feeling the tree’s energy flowing into your hand.
• Palms Open: Without touching the tree, stand with both palms facing it. Use your mind to guide the tree’s qi into your body through the laogong points. Feel the energy travel through your arm, across your chest, and exit through the other arm.
• Deep Integration: Once the flow is established, lead the qi into deeper points within your body, such as your dantian (lower abdomen) and huiyin (perineum), before circulating it throughout your body.

Harnessing Nature’s Breath: Energy from the Elements

• Flowers and Bushes: Stand before a cluster of flowers or bushes, palms facing down. Draw in the qi with each breath, allowing it to rise through your arms and into your chest. This method is known for its calming and emotionally balancing effects.
• Mountains, Rivers, and Oceans: Facing a vast natural landscape, open your arms wide with palms forward. Absorb the expansive qi through your body’s major energy points—laogong, baihui (top of the head), and yintang (between the eyebrows). This practice is particularly revitalising and enhances mental clarity.
• Heat Sources: For those who often feel cold or have difficulty absorbing qi, heat sources such as a stove or fireplace can be used. Stand in front of the heat source, palms directed towards it, and visualise the warmth entering your body through the laogong points, circulating warmth and energy throughout.

Key Acupuncture Points

• Laogong Points (Pericardium 8, PC8):
  Location: The centre of the palms.
  Significance: These points are traditionally associated with the pericardium and are used to channel energy into and out of the body.
• Yongquan Points (Kidney 1, KD1):
  Location: The soles of the feet, about one-third of the way down from the toes.
  Significance: Known as the “Bubbling Spring,” these points connect to the kidney meridian and are used to ground the body’s energy.
• Mingmen Point (Governing Vessel 4, GV4):
  Location: The lower back, directly opposite the navel, between the kidneys.
  Significance: Often referred to as the “Gate of Life,” this point is central to nourishing the body’s essence and is used in many qi cultivation practices.
• Baihui Point (Governing Vessel 20, GV20):
  Location: The top of the head, at the crown.
  Significance: This point is said to connect with all the yang meridians and is associated with elevating consciousness.
• Yintang Point:
  Location: Between the eyebrows, often called the “Third Eye.”
  Significance: This point is associated with clarity of mind and is commonly used in meditation and practices that enhance intuition.
• Dantian Point:
  Location: The lower abdomen, about two inches below the navel.
  Significance: This area is considered the body’s energy reservoir and is central to many qigong practices.
• Huiyin Point (Conception Vessel 1, CV1):
  Location: The perineum, the area between the genitals and the anus.
  Significance: This point is used in exercises aimed at cultivating and retaining energy within the body.

Absorbing qi is not merely a physical exercise but a profound engagement with the natural world and the unseen energies that flow through it. As Laozi wisely observed, “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” This timeless principle underscores the importance of patience and harmony in these practices. While modern science has affirmed many of the benefits of these ancient methods, their true essence remains deeply rooted in cultural and spiritual traditions. Approaching these practices with respect and understanding ensures that the integrity of this ancient wisdom is preserved for generations to come.