Two Methods for Growing Your Life-force Energy

Indirect versus Direct Movement of Qi

By Paul Cavel

There are two primary methods of moving energy in the body, which can be broadly classified as beginning and advanced phases. Many qigong systems are designed according to the principles of the beginning phase and remain within this realm. Even still, they can deliver health and healing benefits that exceed most modern exercise programmes by targeting the qi that powers the physical body, rather than only the body itself.

Other qigong or neigong systems, such as those of the Taoist Water Method, are designed to go beyond the first stage to initiate and exist within the advanced phases of qi cultivation. Of course this realm is only relevant to practitioners who can achieve higher levels of practice, which involves nuance and a degree of passion to manifest, as with any form of art. Through every layer of energy you contact, the process requires starting with the beginning phase and progressively building on that foundation to tune into ever-more refined layers of subtlety. A “been there, done that” attitude does not suffice.

I Chu Dzuo: Developing Your Mind’s Intent

I chu dzuo is the beginning phase of moving qi. The I or “intent” moves through the body in order to influence qi in a whole range of specific directions and flows. As the intent moves through the flesh, it pulls along the qi, or the mind gets behind the qi and pushes qi along.

When you start to develop real skill in this realm, the mind and qi begin to move together, although they will not yet be totally fused. For example, there is usually still some degree of disconnect while moving your mind through your body to pull and push qi. Fine-tuning your proprioception through diligent practice, and developing full sensitivity to and control over your qi will eventually allow your mind and qi to merge. All comes to the patient and persistent practitioner.

At this stage, the mind moves qi and qi circulates the fluids; and the fluids activate the body. I chu dzuo or indirect movement of qi can dramatically increase levels of energy, which upgrades all bodily functions. This includes increasing levels of oxygen and nutrients transported to – while carrying debris away from – the soft tissues and cells of the body. Indirect movement of qi deepens all the neigong techniques you have embodied, but it’s not the be-all-end-all of Taoist arts training.

Chi Chu Dzuo: Mind and Qi Become One

Chi chu dzuo is the mind melding with qi: mind and qi become one. This is the realm in which the mind directly moves qi, dramatically increasing the volume of qi in circulation, and the development necessary to directly move your fluids and your flesh. In the beginning phase the movements of the form are well-timed with the intention of moving qi in the appropriate ways. Here the mind, qi and flesh move as one, which enables the mind to influence your physicality to a much more profound degree.

To start, when qi moves through the nervous system, as directed by the mind’s intent, the nerves inside the soft tissues fully empty and release, and the body de-contracts. Of course this is a result of qi flow as well as a substantial jump in fluid activation, which assists nerve release, floods the capillary beds, powerfully mobilises the interstitial and lymph fluids, activates the synovial fluid in the joints and boosts fluid circulation in the cerebral spinal system.

Second, the mind realises that there is no need for effort from the muscles or to push in any way. The body simply follows the motion of qi and rides the wave like a surfer catches a wave in the ocean. With this level and depth of motion, every move you make radically sinks the tension out of your system and the body literally drops open. This is the point at which you can actually breach the barrier from an effort-based practice to an effortless practice — one that specifically and directly targets energetic development.

The Issue of Mind-Body Trust

Until you can directly move your qi it’s an issue of trust: when you don’t feel qi move your flesh you put in extra (muscular) effort, which restricts qi flow. Once you feel qi directly move your body you can let go, trust yourself and ride the wave.

The mind moves qi,

qi moves the fluids,

fluids activate the flesh and set the body into motion.

Anyone who realises this level of practice will tell you that the experience is sublime – pure magic. The less effort you put in, while keeping all aspects of practice alive, the more benefits you experience: lazy efficiency. For me, once I had a glimpse of this level of practice there was no other option but to train towards embodiment, no other way of training would cut it. I know the internal arts afflicted and addicted out there will concur!

Let Go to Grow Qi

If you want to grow your qi, focus on training the forms you know — while relaxing and reducing your effort — so that the tensions you are currently carrying can loosen up and be released from your system. Also focus on developing the energetic-sensitizing exercises appropriate to your specific training as a separate practice. Then combine the two streams. Over time your mind can penetrate your body, gain full access to your qi and set you on a journey that can eventually lead to a place of true integration in body, mind and qi.

Feel free to share your experiences below. Likes and shares are always appreciated!