your lap with the right palm over the left. Concentrate on the sen-
sation created by your finger, pressing again when the point be-
comes indistinct.
Once more, do not concentrate on breathing. Merely relax your
eyes, tongue, and throat, and the mind will become still Once the
mind is calm the power will accumulate.
At first it is not easy to draw power to the energy center be-
cause your vital regenerative faculties have been abused for years.
Your health cannot be restored overnight. The more you practice
the stronger you will get, and you will be more able to endure heat
produced by the higher voltage of chi.
If you have been concentrating on the navel for a long time but
do not feel any energy, change your focus to the Ming-Men, the
point opposite the navel on the spine. This helps the energy to rise
up to the head and descend down the front of the body to the feet.
However, if you do not feel anything in the navel but have definite
signs of improved health, you are on the right track. Remember,
the experience of chi is different for everybody. Some people expe-
rience warmth or bubbling sensations, others feel as though their
navel area is expanding, and some people can increase their chi
circulation without creating vivid sensations. No matter what your
experience is, try to be as sensitive and aware of your body as
possible. Adventure into your body, it is a vast land laden with riches.Heart and Chest Problems
When some people concentrate on the navel too long, the energy
moves up to the chest and effects the heart and lungs. If this hap-
pens the practitioner should either see a teacher, or choose a point
lower down on the body so the energy in this problem area can
drain out.
If, when concentrating on the navel, your pulse rate goes
up uncomfortably, concentrate instead on the Ming-Men, the
point opposite your navel in your lower back. If this doesn’t
help, and you are sweating profusely, shift your attention to
the point between your eyebrows. If this causes too much
pressure in your heart, bring your attention back to the Ming-
Men.Chapter IV