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draw their energy. The main system of these channels is called chi jing ba mai—the eight extraordinary channels—and this is the network that is activated, balanced, and replenished in most forms of Chi Kung work, including still-sitting and moving meditation exercises. The three major channels in this network are the Governor Channel (or Governing Vessel) that runs up the back along the spine, the Conception Channel (or Conception Vessel) that runs down the front of the body, and the Central or Thrusting Channel, which runs from the crown down through the center of the body to the perineum.

By replenishing the reservoirs of energy in the eight major channels through Chi Kung practice, or by drawing energy from external sources in nature, Chi Kung provides a simple, efficient way to recharge and rebalance the entire human energy system on a daily basis, thereby preventing and correcting the deficiencies and imbalances that give rise to disease and degenerative conditions in the body. Chi Kung prevents problems before they begin and preempts health concerns that may have already begun by restoring optimal balance and harmony to the entire system, thereby activating the body’s own healing responses.

BASIC MODES OF DIRECTING ENERGY

In life, we need different qualities of energy for the many different circumstances around us and for the constantly changing conditions within. For example, you might need to strengthen your energy and get it “fired up” in the morning to start your day. The Chi Kung exercises you perform at this time would be tonifying, to meet that energy need. Yet in the evening you might need an entirely different type of energy, and you would practice Chi Kung to clear or purge out the stressful energy of the day.

Individual Chi Kung exercises are designed to direct energy in particular ways to support the changing energy requirements of the body, mind, and spirit. The basic modes of directing energy most frequently employed in Chi Kung are briefly discussed below:

Cultivating. This term refers to methods that draw energy from external sources into the system through vital energy gates on the body. The points most often used for this purpose are the Yung Chuan (Bubbling Spring) points on the soles of the feet, the Lao Gung (Labor Palace) points on the palms of the hands, Bai Hui (Hundred Confluence) point on the crown of the head, the Hui Yin (Yin Confluence) point at the perineum, and the Tan Jung (Central Terrace) point at the heart. Cultivating energy with this method requires one-pointed mental focus on the energy gates selected for practice, the visualization of energy as light flowing through the points, and the concerted application of intention to draw energy in through the gates. Energy usually enters the system on the inhalation phase of the breath and circulates or spirals at these centers on the exhalation.

Circulating. This mode is used to circulate energy through the major channels, vital meridians, and minor capillaries of the human energy network. Its purpose is to clear obstruction and eliminate stagnant energy from the channels, irrigate the organs and tissues with fresh energy, balance yin and yang polarity throughout the system, and harmonize the vital functions governed by the five elemental energies. It may also be employed to target specific organs or tissues for treatment with healing energy, or to circulate energy in particular channels for refinement and transformation, such as in the Microcosmic Orbit meditation practice.

Clearing. This mode of energy direction is used to expel stagnant, toxic, excess, or other unwanted energy from the system by moving it out through specific energy gates, such as on the palms and soles, and the point between the eyebrows. This sort of energy is usually visualized as dark, cloudy gray energy as it is driven from the system, and it is expelled on the exhalation phase of breath. Clearing methods may be used to clear the entire system of stagnant chi or to purge specific organs via their related meridians and points.

Exchanging. Exchanging energy