Acupressure Techniques or Qigong Meditation

Acupressure Techniques: A Self-Help Guide

Author: Julian N Kenyon

This guide to the effective use of acupressure can treat a wide range of conditions, from migraines and carpal tunnel syndrome to tennis elbow and tendonitis. Designed for individuals seeking to alleviate their own physical ailments, these easily mastered methods use deep finger and thumb pressure over acupuncture points to enhance the natural energy flow of the body.

New interesting book: The Image of the City or Elizabeths Spymaster

Qigong Meditation: Embryonic Breathing

Author: Yang Jwing Ming

Chinese Qigong can be generally categorized into External Elixir (Wai Dan) and Internal Elixir (Nei Dan) Qigong. The first step of practicing Internal Elixir Qigong has been known as Small Cyclic Heaven (Small Circulation or Microcosmic Meditation). After completing Small Cyclic Heaven, a practitioner will learn Grand Cyclic Heaven (Grand Circulation or Macrocosmic Meditation). The purpose of Grand Cyclic Heaven is to re-open the Heaven Eye (Third Eye) to unite the natural spirit and human spirit. This is the ultimate goal of spiritual enlightenment in both Daoism (Taoism) and Buddhism. Although these kinds of meditations are popular, very few scientific books or documents are available to the public. In order to reach the goal of longevity and spiritual enlightenment, the Qigong practitioner must learn Internal Elixir Qigong. The first step to learning is to understand the theory and the method of Embryonic Breathing. Practicing this breathing technique will help you to establish your central energy system, conserve your energy, and store this energy to abundant levels. Once you have established this foundation, you will be able to practice Small Cyclic Heaven (Small Circulation or Microcosmic Orbit) and Grand Cyclic Heaven (Grand Circulation or Macrocosmic Orbit) effectively. It is understood that without this foundation, the root of spiritual enlightenment will not be established and the study and the practice of spiritual enlightenment, through meditation, will be in vain.

Table of Contents:

	Acknowledgments	vii
	Romanization of Chinese Terms	viii
	Dedication	ix
	About the Author	xi
	Foreword	xvii
	Preface	xix
Part I	Foundations
Chapter 1	General Concepts
1.1	Introduction	3
1.2	General Qigong Concepts	6
1.3	The Network of Qi Vessels and Channels	31
1.4	Buddhist and Daoist Qigong Concepts	38
1.5	Four Refinements	43
1.6	Five Regulatings	63
1.7	Muscle/Tendon Changing and Marrow/Brain Washing Qigong	85
1.8	Small Circulation, Grand Circulation, and Enlightenment Meditation	88
1.9	Definition of Embryonic Breathing	94
1.10	Embryonic Breathing and Cultivation of the Dao	97
1.11	About This Book	102
Chapter 2	Theoretical Foundation of Embryonic Breathing
2.1	Introduction	107
2.2	Human Qigong Science	113
2.3	Theoretical Foundations of Embryonic Breathing	134
2.4	Meanings and Purposes of Meditation	144
Part II	Translations and Commentaries of Ancient Documents Related to Embryonic Breathing
Chapter 3	Translations and Commentaries of Ancient Documents
3.1	Introduction	155
3.2	General Concepts	157
3.3	About the Dan Tian	220
3.4	Regulating the Breathing	229
3.5	Regulating the Mind	241
3.6	Regulating the Spirit	267
3.7	Methods of Embryonic Breathing	287
3.8	Other Related Documents	306
Chapter 4	Summaries from Ancient Documents
4.1	Introduction	313
4.2	Summaries of Important Points	314
Part III	Practice of Embryonic Breathing
Chapter 5	Practice of Embryonic Breathing
5.1	Introduction	323
5.2	Preparation for Embryonic Breathing	324
5.3	Practice of Embryonic Breathing	329
5.4	Recovery from the Meditative State	343
Chapter 6	Conclusion	347
Appendix A	Translation and Glossary of Chinese Terms	349
	Index	385