Begin the Orbit: Open the Front Channel, the Functional

The functional channel (meridian) runs down the front of the body

and is yin, female, or cold in quality; the governor channel at the

back is yang, male, or hot. When joined, these two form the Microcosmic

Orbit which links with all the vital organs of the body. By

completing this route, the yin and yang mix in harmony, enabling

you to increase your energy flow, and send energy, hormones, and

vitality throughout your body. In this way energy can be collected,

transformed and absorbed where necessary.

To establish the flow along the meridians some Taoists concentrated

on easy-to-get energy points which were in accord with

acupuncture points. By focusing on these specific power centers

the Taoists realized that not only was chi released so that a warm

current was felt, but that the energy points were activated, effecting

a whole set of mental and physical functions. Focusing on the

navel, for instance, effects the entire gastro-intestinal system, and

the increased chi aids in digestion and balances the appetite.

The Microcosmic Orbit begins and ends at the navel, and the

functional channel extends from the palate to the perineum. To open

the front channel, we work from the navel to the perineum, and

later, after opening the back channel, we open the remainder of the

functional channel.