The First Step of Embryonic Breathing

The first step of Embryonic Breathing is to recognize the Yīn center of the Upper Dāntián and the Yáng center of the Real Lower Dāntián (Yángquán). As explained before, the upper Yīn center is able to stabilize and control the status of Yángshén’s manifestation (Yángshén) while the lower Yáng center is the origin of the Yīn water’s production (Yīnshuǐ). The recognition of these two centers must be accomplished through the self-inner-feeling, which is the only way to lead your Shén and Qì to these centers and keep them there.

The exact location of the Yīn center in the Upper Dāntián (Shàngdāntián) is at the central bottom of the Spiritual Valley (Shéngǔ) where the pineal and pituitary glands are located. This is the center of the Mud Pill Palace (Níwángōng) and of the spiritual residence (Shénshì) (Upper Dāntián). It is located at the central point of the line connecting the top part of the two ears, and also the central point of the line connecting the Yìntáng (M-HN-3) and Qiángjiān (Gv-18), which is to say it is located where these two lines intersect. To recognize this point through feeling, you must first rid yourself of all emotional disturbances and also the external attractions of your mind. In this case, your mind will be clear and easily search for the location. If you search for it sincerely, it will take only a few days for you to recognize the point.

The exact location of the Yáng center in the Real Lower Dāntián (Zhēn Xiàdāntián) is where the center of the large and small intestines is located, namely a couple of inches above the physical center of gravity. In fact, the entire digestive system constitutes the “Real Lower Dāntián.” If you are able to find the center of this system, then you are able to keep the Qì there and store it to an abundant level. The Yáng center is located behind the Yīnjiāo (Co-7) and in front of the cavity Shíqīzhuīxià (M-BW-25) (below the 17th Vertebrae). In fact, it is at the center of these two cavities. Again, if you search for this point when you meditate, you will be able to find it in just a few days or weeks.

Condensing the Shén and Condensing the Qì to their Centers (Regulating the Mind and Spirit, Regulating the Qì) (Tiáoxīn) (Tiáoshén) (Tiáoqì). After you have located the exact site of the Yīn center in the Upper Dāntián, then you will learn how to raise the spirit and keep it there. Then calm down your emotional mind (Xīn) and cease outside distractions and material attractions. This will enable you to concentrate on raising your spirit and condensing it at the Yīn spiritual center. If you have difficulty reaching this goal, simply pay attention to your respiration.

Regarding the inhalation, keep it soft, slender, and long. When you exhale, simply be natural and allow the carbon dioxide to be released by itself. In this case, your mind will be stabilized and then calm. Once you have achieved this, then use your mind to focus your spirit at the Yīn spiritual center. When this happens, the Yáng spirit (manifestation of Qì by the spirit) can be controlled. Remember, on one hand you aim to raise your spirit to a high level, but on the other, you want to govern it so it can come under the control of the Yīn spirit.

To condense the Shén at this Yīn spiritual center, simply imagine your head as a ball, with the Mud Pill Palace (Níwángōng) at the center. Inhale deeply, using Reversed Abdominal Breathing (Nìhūxī), while gently holding up the Huìyīn (Co-1) or anus. The breathing must be soft and slender. While you are doing so, imagine that the ball is shrinking and condensing inward to the Mud Pill Palace. When you exhale, simply relax and allow the abdomen and Huìyīn area to return to their normal state. That means you should pay more attention to the inhalation. In this case, the Yì (Wisdom Mind) of inhalation is strong, which can therefore lead the Shén and Qì inward to condense at their centers.

Conditioning the Bio-battery (Real Lower Dāntián) (Zhēn Xiàdāntián Zhī Gǎiliáng). In order to store a large quantity of Qì in the Real Lower Dāntián, the first step is to condition it, so as to improve capability, storage potential (efficiency), and capacity. If you have a bio-battery which is only the same as other normal people, then how can you expect your Qì storage to be higher than others?

From the ancient Muscle/Tendon Changing and Marrow/Brain Washing Classic (Yìjīnjīng, Xǐsuǐjīng), it is recognized that the most efficient way of conditioning this bio-battery (False and Real Lower Dāntiáns) is through massage and stimulation. Massage gets rid of the fat hidden within so the circulation can be smoother, and stimulation will condition the sensitivity of the nerves in the area so they are able to handle a larger quantity of Qì stored there. The entire conditioning process is long and needs a great deal of training and patience. You must clearly understand the theory behind the conditioning. It is impossible to explain the entire conditioning process here. If you wish to know more about this training, please refer to the book: Qìgōng­—The Secret of Youth, published by YMAA Publication Center.