Breathing Method One - Standard Breathing

Step 1) Picture A
Close your eyes; relax and visualise a small fire in between your eyes. At the same time visualize a bigger fire coming from the location of the Dan Tien.

Step 2) Picture B
(Keep the tongue at the roof of the mouth)
Inhale gently through your nose pulling down into the dan tien by expanding the lower abdominal muscles (not expanding the chest)
Hold for two seconds while visualizing the two fires burning more fiercely.

Step 3) Picture C
Exhale through the mouth, dropping the tongue behind the lower teeth. Contract the lower abdomen expelling the same volume of air as you drew in. Keep visualizing the two fires. Hold for two seconds and do not inhale again by expanding the chest. This is one breath.

Equal Importance of Heart and Spine

Tut-ankh-Amon's embroidered linen cranium covering, marks the connecting point between the two hemispheres of the brain. The serpents represent Nun – absolute consciousness through the bringing together of the Ba and Ka energies of the Genesis. The rise of Heka from spine to crown was known has holding up the solar bark.

Tai Chi philosophy is at its heart a mastery of balance and harmony. In this case between the relationships of the spine, our connection to the physical world (function) and the heart, our connection to the spirit (essence) each of which, both influence and co-support each other.
The ‘Tu’ channel at your back is ruled by your spine and the ‘Jen’ channel at your front is ruled by your heart.
The spine is the most important bone in the body but with thirty two joints it is easily prone to loss of condition.
It is said in Tai Chi chuan -“If the Chi is sufficient and the spine is correct then there will be no illness.”

The spine is often referred to as the root because it is connected to all the internal organs. This is why development and energetic condition of the (Tu Mo) is so important.
So awareness of the danger should not be taken lightly. The Root meridian originates at the soul of the foot grounding us to the Earth's energy.

The chances are that you are slumped or tense while reading this. Do not try to correct yourself by force or you can restrict energy flow in a different way.
Instead, consider the balance of spine from the top of the back of your head down to your base.
Relax and try to let the spine support itself. To assist this pump your breathing from the stomach, reasonably fast for about ten repetitions. Depending on the condition of your Tu Mo you should feel some ease in lift up through your back.

Two of the most common problems of the spine come from the head and stomach.
The head is heavier than we realize and for the benefit of the spine we should be mindful to balance it rather than let it hang on the neck. It may be helpful to imagine the crown is supported from above. Our head will commonly follow the eyes, so if you look down a lot try not to let the head follow for prolonged periods.
The second common problem is the stomach. If we do not use the stomach to breath correctly, over time it will begin to hang or sag. This will tilt the pelvis forward and so not support the base of the spine. This is common cause of ‘sciatica’ causing nerve pain down through the legs and progressive poor posture. Long term behavioural patterns can cause tightness in any or all of the spines joints. While you assess yourself do not overlook your sleeping conditions. A hard surface is recommended.

For the most part regular practice of the postures and breathing will repair your condition. As the energy begins to more strongly flow, your posture will more regularly take care of itself in finding the correct and most comfortable posture, but this will be aided by overcoming your bad habits.
“When the Chi is strong the blood is full which is extremely beneficial to the internal organs.”
Note: A sign of good internal health and strong energy condition can be seen in the skin, nails, eyes and hair.

The Centre - Dan Tien

The first Meridian of our system to be developed for chi practice is the Dan Tien of the abdomen. This is the centre and store of our energy. (Horian Way, Nephthys bowl represents the development of this containment.)

Dan – means something condensed or concentrated and Tien – means rice (paddy) field.
The centre of our body is our abdomen. Here also is the largest concentration of the water in our body and also where most of our food energy is stored. The hip, our centre of balance is where most of our movements originate and here our spine lifts and supports the rest of our body.
The energy we are born with given to us by our parents is referred to as pre-natal chi, After birth we begin to consume this and only partly replace it as we go along with what is known as post-natal chi which we get from food and air. Although Chi is a natural occurrence in every body’s existence the art of its development is a process of harmonizing with nature through breath, movement and correct visualisation.

You and the Observer

Although the power of positive thinking has proved effective in many ways including ‘Placebo’ science has until recently been limited by its view of organisms and ecosystems as separated systems. Quantum physics says, 'If atoms of light are observed as particles they behave as particles, but if they are observed as wave forms they behave as waves. The conclusion that they are both at the same time is known as, 'Wave Particle Duality'.
In the same way a chair can be a separate item, and at the same time a part of a café. There is no conflict with it being both at the same time. Separation is a temporary illusion created by the mind, but not one that is necessary for you to be able sit on the chair.
In the scientific observations of reality, the 'ego' is referred to as the 'observer', but the conclusions as shown below can appear contradictory;

Classic Physics – Newton
Objective reality exists independent of the observer.

Relativity – Einstein
Description of objective reality is dependent upon the position of the observer within the system.
Quantum Mechanics – Holism and Nonseparability
There is no objective reality independent of the ‘observer’. I.e. if the Universe does exist then the observer has to be considered as inseparable from it and interconnected to the greater whole.

In fact there have been only two scientific view points, Newton's; that the individual is separate from the universe (I.e. The Newtonian Universe which led to the theory of determinism) and secondly Einstein; whose discoveries led to the new 'Quantum physics' and 'Quantum Holism' (whole-ism); that everything is connected and the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. For example if you dismantle a clock it will no longer tell time.
We currently live in an era where the implications of these Holistic discoveries have not yet been absorbed by the public consciousness. In effect our base values are still drawing on the brilliant yet incomplete work of Newton from the 1600's.

Your mind is a powerful tool. If it is not working for you it may be working against you. 'Chi Kung' is the Chinese art of self exploration and mastery. 'Kung' means; 'practice' or 'accomplished skill'. There is no literal translation of the word 'Chi' in English it is still developing a place in our practical use of descriptive language. Usually it is best understood as the energy of breath, blood or the 'life force'. The key to its application is often more closely connected to sensation rather than to cold calculation.

“The immediate object of knowledge is sensations
which the subject experiences within himself.”
The philosopher John Locke

Currently there are books being sold which tell us the secret is just to believe. Only a fool believes that all you have to do is close your eyes, believe and then everything will be fine, this is just burying your head in the sand. Belief is important, though not the full picture. While it is true that nothing can be achieved if we begin from the perspective that it is doomed to failure, there are also important criteria to be understood and applied.
To fully benefit from the process of development explained in this book the first important point is to pay close and honest attention to your self. “...Within humanity is the key to the door of creation.” -Tao Teh Ching

“Acupuncture has been known in China for thousands of years, but until very recently it has been regarded by Western physicians as nothing more that one of the many forms of “quack” medicine. This view was also taken by orthodox (that is, Western-style) physicians in China itself until well into 19950s.
However, Mao Tse-Tung's instruction to the medical profession in China to “investigate the great treasure house of ancient Chinese medicine” led to a reappraisal of acupuncture. Chinese anaesthesiologists were surprised to find that the technique could induce complete absence of pain during a wide range of surgical operations- although it was some years before they could convince their colleagues in the West of this.
The value of acupuncture in anaesthesiology is now documented, but its effectiveness as a form of treatment is still under investigation.

Why should it work at all? No Western or Chinese doctor has come up with a truly satisfactory explanation, although some have suggested that the insertion of the needle may in some way alter the balance between two important divisions of the nervous system, known respectively as the sympathetic and the parasympathetic systems. Western-style Chinese physicians have recently theorized that the needles may affect some minute structural network of the body which has not yet been discovered by anatomists.
The traditional Chinese acupuncturists maintain that the insertion of needles along certain “meridians” affects the inter-reaction of the two life-forces, which in their philosophy are termed 'Yin' and 'Yang.' “ - Hamlyn Medical Encyclopedia.

The reason that the explanation of the function of Chinese medicine has not yet been found to be satisfactory by Western physicians is because, it does not yet fit into the Western system of understanding. The two systems are based on two different sciences and have different classifications of base elements. It is as difficult as trying to teach someone to drive by only using the language of chemistry, or as Abraham Maslow said, “If your only tool is a hammer then you tend to view every problem as a nail.” There are results during experimental treatments which are referred to as Placebo because these effects cannot be explained by the Western method. But what does cause these effects? Perhaps the Eastern system is better placed to explain how this internal influence can be developed and put to good use by each of us.

To understand the ancient system we need to find a place where the two schools of thought are in definite agreement and build from there: Science*1 has taught us that; 'Everything at its base level is a form of Energy'. In fact as long as mankind has been thinking we have been analysing our place within this energy and the processes of its nature.
Modern sciences have classified types of energy in an ever growing number of useful ways from Calories of food and Watts of electricity to the chemical elements of the periodic table. This has resulted in great advances of technology and medical/surgical remedy. However we are often left needing to consult an expert in each of the many fields depending on the problem we find ourselves facing. This often tends towards people seeking help for their ailment only after it has become chronic. This in turn puts a great strain on emergency medical resources and leads to long patient waiting.

Taoism, the ancient Chinese science (or way) of nature identifies energies through logic by classifying them firstly by the broadest characteristics and then by further subdividing in the same way as western science. However it differs in its classification of the elements because of its aim to find a holistic understanding of everything we encounter in relation to the process of our own five senses. If we can find a language to unify these two knowledge bases including this preventative attitude it would be of great benefit to our complete understanding.

There have always been unscrupulous medicine salesmen in both of these cultures but we must not let them distract us from the value of either of these systems. Language reflects the culture of logic from where it originates. Both Eastern and Western cultures share the same ancient knowledge base as explained previously.
From the Taoist perspective the second vital point of understanding is the importance of breath. It is our first access to control of the energy of our body.

The Yellow Emperor’s Classic Book of Medicine
(Han Dynasty, 200 B.C.E. – 220 C.E.)
‘Health, well-being, and long life can only be achieved by remaining centred with one’s spirit,
Guarding against squandering one’s Chi,
Using breath and movement to maintain the free flow of Chi and Blood,
Aligning with the natural forces of the seasons,
and cultivating the tranquil heart and mind.’