Chapter VII
Open the Arm and Leg Routes:
the Large Heavenly Cycle
Once you have completed the microcosmic orbit, and feel compe-
tent circulating the energy, you are ready to direct the power to the
arms and legs in addition to the main body trunk.
- Begin with the basic orbit, concentrating on the navel until
you feel warmth or energy, directing the chi down to the Hui-yin
(perineum), up the spine to the Pai-hui (crown of head), and through
the tongue and palate back to the navel. Stop at the navel to collect
more energy, then direct the power once more to the Hui-yin
(perineum). - From the Hui-yin divide the energy into two routes, directing
the chi down the outer back portion of the left and right thigh to the
l4th energy center, the back of the knee (Wei-Chung). - Next, move the energy down the outer calf to the l5th energy
center, the Yin-chuan at the soles of the feet.
This is the first point of the kidney channel, and concentrating at
this center will strengthen the kidney, lower blood pressure, and
help relieve fatigue as more energy is brought to the feet.
Yung-chaun is often referred to as the “Bubbling Spring”, or the
point where the yin energy bubbles up from the earth and enters
the soles of the feet. Many people who concentrate on the navel
feel warmth in the feet instead, because the Yung-chuan is the
origin of the energy that collects in the navel.
Concentrate at the soles until you feel energy there, then direct
the chi to the 16th energy center which is located in the big toes.
Both the liver and spleen (Ta-Tun and Yin Pai) meridians flow through
the big toes and concentrating here will strengthen those organs. If
you feel numbness or a pain like an ant bite, move the energy to
the l7th energy center, the front of the knees (Heding).
- To reach the 17th energy center, the chi travels up along the
shin bone to the front of the knees. The stomach and spleen chan-
Open the Arm and Leg Routes