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Below you will find explanations of some of the
terms used in this website. If you find these definitions interesting
and want to know more please visit
www.buqi.net. On this site, Dr Shen
explains some of these terms in greater detail. I have edited
these definitions for your convenience.
Lower Dantien
The Ancient Chinese think that an area in the belly -
called the dantien - is the center of the Yuanqi.
(often translated as 'energy'). They locate the dantien in between the
navel and the pubic bone (specifically, the center of the abdominal
triangle) in the straight abdominal muscles. Their philosophy on how
to maintain good health is to save Yuanqi there.
At the Institute, we understand the
importance of this area but challenge the idea that one should store
"Yuanqi" there. We do know it is a very active physiological
center key to health and longevity. A nerve branch is connected from
this area to the adrenal glands influencing the entire energy system
of the body. It is linked to the lymphatic system, and also to
the production of immunity substances. We do work extensively with the
development of the dantien in the practice
As the heart is the pump for blood
circulation, the dantien can be likened to the pump for the meridian
system. When functioning well we feel younger, stronger and healthier.
Upper Dantien
The upper dantien is better known as
the third eye. Though it is depicted in eastern art as a literal eye,
it is actually an area approximately the width of four fingers behind
the center of the forehead. We believe it has some function having to
do with the limbic brain. Sometimes this area is also referred
to as the center of the mind.
Binqi
It is difficult to define binqi as there is no
equivalent concept in western models. The best way to understand
it is to think of binqi as pathogenic factors. It can be produced in a
number of ways including as a result of negative unresolved
emotions, poor postural alignment, a deficient diet, stress etc. It
can accumulate in the inter-vertebral spaces, organs, muscles,
tissues, bones, joints and channels. Binqi is able to move in and out
of the body. Any area of the body in which binqi has accumulated or to
which binqi has moved, will experience uncomfortable sensations such
as cold, heat, itching stiffness, pain, etc. As a result, that area
will become weaker. There will be varied symptoms, and after a certain
time different diseases will develop. The beginning stages of practice
are almost exclusively aimed at eliminating binqi from the body.
Expelling binqi: How binqi leaves the body
naturally
The body has its own self-regulating mechanisms
to expel binqi. A mentally and physically healthy person will
eliminate binqi in a natural way. It is only when the natural flow and
exits are obstructed that it will accumulate in the body. It can
accumulate for a variety of reasons such as strong negative emotions,
habituated pattern of movement, injury, illness, and stress.
Binqi can move out of the body through the channels. The "exits"
are in the hands and the feet. If the body fluids can flow freely to
the hands and feet, then binqi can follow this movement to the exits.
Five Channels that
give rise to three circulations
The Ancient Chinese believed that the body was
supported and nourished by something called Qi. The Qi flowed through
the meridian system much the same way as blood flows through veins and
arteries.
Some people are curious how the five channels
relate to the twelve meridians of modern acupuncture. In addition to
the twelve primary meridians, some acupuncturist are familiar with
eight others making twenty in all. Of these twenty channels,
only two are a part of the five channel system; they are the front and
the back channel listed below.
When we discuss the five channels we are
referring to channels that are discussed more in the spiritual texts
whereas the twelve channels of acupuncture are listed in the health
texts. The reality if that the five channels system fuels the other
twelve.
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The Central channel runs through the middle of
the body. This channel is spoken about in most spiritual traditions
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The Back channel goes from the perineum along the spine and ends just below the nose.
It is the same as the governing channel mentioned in acupuncture.
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The Front channel
begins below the nose and goes down the front of the body meeting
the back channel at the perineum. It is the same as the conception
vessel in acupuncture.
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(4 and 5) Left and right
channel, these two channels form a loop. They begin at the
lower
dantien and travel to the left and right of the central channel and
meet again at the upper dantien. These Channels are often mentioned in
Tibetan Buddhist texts as the red and white channels. Sometimes they
are discussed in internal martial arts texts as well.
For further information please see the book
“Spontaneous movement for health and happiness” by Dr Shen Hongxun.
Small circulation
The the small circulation is the circulation that
runs through the front and back
channel. Further discussion on this is
often found in Daoist texts. See 5 channels definition for more
information.
Optimal Dynamic
Alignment
When speaking of alignment, there is a temptation
to think that if all our bones and joints are lined up military style
everything is in its' proper order. I find it more accurate to speak
of dynamic alignment because our bodies move and must constantly alter
the alignment in order to maintain
optimal function. In moving we must take into account much more than a sense of
straightness. For example fulcrums are established and released, our
orientation to the environment formed, the use of ground forces
according to our relationship with the earth, and so much more. In the end, we can find no fixed rules on an
anatomical level to create "good alignment". Rather we begin to speak about qualities of
movement and optimal dynamic alignment.
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