Choosing your First Point: The Navel

The first energy center is normally the navel, but it varies if you

have problems such as high or low blood pressure, if you are old,

or if you have chest problems.

The navel serves as the generator of electricity which supplies

all the other points. The Taoists considered the navel the earth or

root of the body. It is the origin of energy: from the fertilized ovum

the fetus is developed, linked to life by its umbilical cord. After birth

the surrounding energy continues to enter through the same area.

The navel also is the place where breath originates. As blood

and chi are drawn to this point a deep rhythmic breathing is established,

and the entire mid-section of the body becomes a huge

pump, vigorously circulating the chi and blood throughout the organism.

This circulation distributes the life substances and relieves

the heart of its heavy burden.

Moreover, blood follows chi, and when vital power is distributed

evenly throughout the body no energy accumulates at one point,

thereby overheating or damaging the nearby vital organs. However,

if one is injured or ill, energy can be directed to a particular

site, concentrating all one’s healing resource to the point where it

is most needed. When the warm current has removed the impurities,

the blood follows to finish the job of restoration.