mumuyan

I’m also a beginner in cultivation. My master told me to gather my scattered thoughts, circulate qi, keep early hours (go to bed early and get up early), and build a solid foundation by nurturing my health first. Currently, I can calm my mind and focus my spirit within 20 seconds, but my body suffered great depletion from childbirth. I need to nourish my health over the long term before I can lay the cultivation foundation. Well, our situations might be different—do you have any specific cultivation questions? I can ask my master for you, or consult a Taoist medicine Taoist priest. I’ve recently been learning health-nurturing methods from a Taoist medicine Taoist priest.

Shi-Jing-Dao (Master（师）, Scripture（经）, and the Dao（道）) — representing the three pillars of Daoist cultivation: transmission from the master, study of the classics, and realization of the Dao. "Body, Mind, and Intent" are the core content explained in the first chapter of the Taoist text Dragon Gate Heart Method, and they run through the entire book. From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, the mind and intent also have distinctions—this is also recorded in Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic). As for the specific interpretation, please wait; I need to consult someone and then study it further. After all, I have only been practicing for eight months. I just want to find fellow practitioners.Cultivating inner elixir and Taoist techniques requires the support of mental methods. My understanding of this is still quite limited, so let’s continue our discussion after I do more learning

I can't quite grasp the deeper meaning of what you're saying. I need to consult a Taoist medicine master and will get back to you once I have an answer. By the way, do you know Master Taigunaglin? I feel your theories are quite similar to his.

"An interesting way to observe that 'Qi' functions as a regulatory system rather than just energy: after drinking alcohol, if a practitioner directs Qi throughout the body, the alcohol distributes much more rapidly, leading to faster and more complete intoxication. This suggests Qi regulates vascular dilation and circulation, accelerating the distribution of any substance in the bloodstream—whether beneficial (nutrients, healing factors) or harmful (alcohol, toxins). This is also why experienced practitioners avoid alcohol: their enhanced circulatory regulation amplifies both therapeutic and harmful effects.""I have observed similar effects in my own experience—substances distribute much more rapidly. But I would caution against deliberately testing this, especially with alcohol or strong medications, as the amplified effects can be uncomfortable or even dangerous without proper guidance."

I believe that Taoist Inner Alchemy (Dan Dao) begins with cultivating Acquired Qi, and then uses Acquired Qi to find one’s own Congenital Qi. For those with a strong constitution, they can seek Congenital Qi through mental tranquility. Therefore, practicing Dan Dao is not merely about cultivating Qi—I have only perceived Congenital Qi so far. My Dan Dao master says that the core of Dan Dao practice lies in cultivating one’s "body, mind, and intent."Both my master and I are female, and we have a deeper understanding of women’s practical cultivation.

You’re absolutely right！Have you ever noticed when practicing breathwork that the inhaled breath seems to move in two directions—one being the normal flow into the lungs, and the other feeling as if it surges upward toward the head? I find that this upward surging sensation triggers physical reactions like dizziness and nausea. However, if I control this breath sensation to move straight from the tip of the nose to the glabella (between the eyebrows), it can quickly and temporarily relieve nasal congestion and breathing difficulties. Returning to the relationship between "qi" and ATP: Acquired Qi = Respiratory Qi + Grain Qi (from digestion and absorption). Respiratory Qi → regulates the respiratory center neural network + oxygen supply; Grain Qi → regulates the enteric nervous system + nutrient absorption + glucose metabolism. "Directing Qi to the Dantian" → These two systems integrate through the autonomic neural network, forming a stable neuro-vascular-metabolic coordination pattern in the Dantian area (lower abdomen/pelvic region). Combined with neural network remodeling (LTP) + ATP-supported plasticity, this creates a new default bodily state. In essence, Acquired Qi ≈ a systemic energy-metabolism-circulation regulation network driven by breathing and diet, coordinated by the autonomic nervous system. Material basis: ATP, oxygen, glucose, blood flow Regulatory system: Neural networks (especially the autonomic nervous system) Functional manifestation: Directed energy flow and systemic coordination Practice goal: To optimize and stabilize this regulation network through training (via LTP). This is my current scientific interpretation of Acquired Qi. Of course, actual practice is far more complex—for instance, how to use Acquired Qi to quickly repair skin damage and fade pigmented scars. These require extensive practice, but the effects are tangible. After all, whether it’s standing meditation or breathwork practice, the focus should be on physical results, not just psychological ones.

Thank you for your insights. The Essence of Qi: A Control System from Cells to Neural Networks Cells are the matrix of the body and the material foundation for all life activities. Personally, I believe cells are equally fundamental in cultivating Dan Dao (Elixir Taoism) — without healthy, active cells, there is no basis for cultivation. While cells are the foundation, they are not the key to cultivation. The true key lies in: how to mobilize cells. The method to mobilize cells is "Qi". Traditional Chinese medicine and Taoism divide "Qi" into innate Qi and acquired Qi. From a material perspective, acquired Qi can indeed be understood as the energy metabolism system in modern physiology: oxygen and glucose produce ATP through cellular respiration to provide energy for the body. This is the material/energy dimension of "Qi", the "fuel" for bodily functions. But "Qi" is more than that. If "Qi" were merely ATP energy, then everyone should be able to "abound with Qi sensation" and "circulate Qi freely" as long as they eat and drink their fill. However, this is not the case. The difference between cultivators and ordinary people does not lie in who has more ATP, but in who can actively mobilize this energy. This is the second dimension of "Qi": the information/control level. More precisely, Qi is a broad concept — it includes both energy (ATP, blood, nutrients) and the mechanism to mobilize this energy. This mobilization mechanism is essentially the neural network system. When we say "circulate Qi to the Dantian", the actual process is: 1. Consciousness issues instructions (intentional layer) 2. The nervous system responds and transmits signals (control layer) 3. Blood vessels dilate, blood flows, and cells become active (material layer) The "Qi sensation" we feel is not the flow of ATP molecules, but the real-time feedback of the nervous system on changes in bodily states. What we call "circulating Qi" is essentially actively regulating the nervous system, which in turn regulates blood circulation, energy distribution, and cellular activity. Therefore, Qi is more closely aligned with the neural network. My practical cultivation experience confirms this. When practicing Baduanjin (Eight-Section Brocade): - Practicing on an empty stomach: Insufficient energy (ATP) reserves, but the nervous system is clear and undisturbed, resulting in "smooth Qi sensation but insufficient sustained power" - Practicing immediately after eating: Energy is being replenished, but the digestive system occupies a lot of blood and neural resources, leading to "unstable Qi sensation" - Practicing after promoting digestion: Energy is quickly available, digestive burden is reduced, and the nervous system focuses on cultivation, resulting in "smooth Qi sensation and sufficient sustained power" This shows that the key to cultivation lies not only in "having energy" (eating one's fill) but also in "being able to control the distribution and flow of energy" (neural regulation). Thus, the essence of cultivating both life (Xing) and nature (Ming) lies in the synchronous improvement of these three levels: - Ming (material layer): Nurture the body, maintain cellular health, and ensure sufficient energy supply - Xing (control layer): Train the sensitivity and control of the nervous system, and learn to actively mobilize Qi and blood - Shen (consciousness layer): Enhance the concentration and guiding power of consciousness to achieve "where the intention goes, Qi follows" Cells are the foundation, energy is the fuel, the nervous system is the steering wheel, and consciousness is the navigation. None of the four is dispensable, but in cultivation, learning to harness the neural network and actively control the flow of Qi is the true key. This is the complete understanding of "Qi": it is not mere energy, but a multi-layered system encompassing matter, information, control, and consciousness. Understanding this explains why cultivation requires "practical practice" rather than just "theory" — because the control ability of the neural network can only be developed through practice, establishing a precise connection between consciousness and the body through continuous training. Would you say my ideas are workable? I appreciate it." If my machine translation is not very understandable, I’ve attached the Chinese version. I’m really sorry, but my English isn’t very good in this regard. 【气的本质：从细胞到神经网络的控制系统】 细胞是身体的基质，是一切生命活动的物质基础。我个人认为在修炼丹道中，细胞同样是根本——没有健康、活跃的细胞，就没有修炼的基础。细胞虽是基础，却不是修炼的关键。真正的关键在于：如何调动细胞。 调动细胞的方法，就是"气"。 传统中医和道教将"气"分为先天之气和后天之气。后天之气，从物质层面来看，确实可以理解为现代生理学中的能量代谢系统：氧气与葡萄糖通过细胞呼吸产生ATP，为身体提供能量。这是"气"的物质/能量层面，是身体运作的"燃料"。 但"气"不止于此。 如果"气"仅仅是ATP能量，那么每个人只要吃饱喝足，就应该都能"气感充盈"，都能运气自如。然而事实并非如此。修炼者和普通人的区别，不在于谁的ATP更多,而在于谁能**主动调动**这些能量。 这就是"气"的第二个层面：信息/控制层面。 气，更准确地说，是一个大范围的概念——它既包括能量（ATP、血液、营养物质），也包括**调动这些能量的机制**。这个调动机制，本质上就是神经网络系统。 当我们说"运气到丹田"，实际发生的过程是： 1. 意识发出指令（意图层） 2. 神经系统响应并传导（控制层） 3. 血管扩张、血液流动、细胞活跃（物质层） 我们感受到的"气感"，不是ATP分子在流动的感觉，而是神经系统对身体状态变化的实时反馈。我们所谓的"运气"，本质上是在主动调节神经系统，而神经系统再进一步调节血液循环、能量分配、细胞活性。 因此，气更偏向于神经网络。 我的实修经验的验证。在练习八段锦时： - 空腹练功：能量（ATP）储备不足,但神经系统清晰不受干扰，因此"气感顺畅"但"后续力不足" - 刚进食后练功：能量正在补充，但消化系统占用了大量血液和神经资源，导致"气感不稳定" - 促进消化后练功：能量快速可用，消化负担减轻，神经系统专注于练功，因此"气感顺畅且后续力充足" 这说明，修炼的关键不仅在于"有能量"（吃饱饭），更在于"能控制能量的分配和流动"（神经调节）。 所以，性命双修的本质，就是在这三个层面上的同步提升： - **命**（物质层）：保养身体，维持细胞健康，确保能量供应充足 - **性**（控制层）：锻炼神经系统的敏感度和控制力，学会主动调动气血 - **神**（意识层）：提升意识的专注度和引导力，做到"意到气到" 细胞是基础，能量是燃料，神经是方向盘，意识是导航。四者缺一不可，但在修炼中，**学会驾驭神经网络、主动控制气的流动**，才是真正的关键所在。 这就是我目前对"气"的理解：它不是单纯的能量，而是一个包含了物质、信息、控制、意识的多层次系统。因为神经网络的控制能力，只能通过实践来培养，通过持续的练习让意识与身体建立起精确的连接。 I didn’t see any language tips, so if I broke any rules, just let me know — I’ll fix it right away!

Thank you for your explanation. I’ve also been researching this field. Currently, I’ve concluded that acquired（后天之气） qi is roughly related to the nervous system, and I’m still studying innate qi（先天之气）. My research is mainly based on the body’s actual feedback, with a focus on addressing minor physical issues such as rhinitis and otitis media. So far, my practical case studies include the role of qi regulation in aiding pre- and post-exercise recovery, and methods to quickly relieve nasal congestion. Other areas are still under research since I’m new to this field. By the way, my master has recognized the value of these research efforts, though they haven’t yet reached the level of being formalized into a thesis. Regarding innate qi and acquired qi, their names vary across different schools or lineages, but they both refer to the same concept of qi. 翻译要点说明

Then what differences do you think exist when viewed from a microscopic perspective?

Yeah, Horse Stance is for training lower body stability, while Standing Meditation builds overall body stability. When you pair Standing Meditation with breathing, that’s Neidan Breathing Method—its main goal is to guide acquired qi to clear and activate the body’s entire energy network. What do you think of this understanding of mine?

I’m a beginner! I found answers in books, but I’ve got a few questions about your discussion. Shouldn’t everyone have a Dantian? Why do you all even need to "build" one? Like Pak Satrio—a seasoned practitioner who commented earlier—said: if you keep practicing diligently, you’ll activate your Dantian someday. Plus, activating Dantian doesn’t affect jumping at all! We have Taoist masters here who can jump a few times straight up to 3 meters high—there’s real video footage to prove it!

I’m a beginner, and I was wondering—do you know the difference between Horse Stance(马步） and Standing Meditation（站桩）？

你们都有这样一个历史悠久的社区，我非常喜欢这里的氛围。谢谢大家~

Hey everyone! I'm a total newbie who's only been practicing for 8 months. Yeah, I haven't been at it long, but my teachers are all super solid practical cultivators. My main gig is Dan Dao cultivation, combined with TCM health practices. Right now, I've got a bunch of hands-on theoretical know-how when it comes to working with acquired qi. I specialize in the Southern School of Dan Dao. Since my teachers are total pros, if you've got any questions, I can help ask them for you—just saying, it's only about helping pass along questions. Cultivating Dao's your own thing, y'know? Everyone's body's different, so the ways to practice vary too, but the real-world check-ins at each stage are the same for everyone. I go mostly by physical feelings and how my body reacts—no metaphysical stuff for me. Thanks everyone~ The first post was written by Claude, but it had some major issues. That's why I rewrote this one myself. It might have some casual local lingo—feel free to point out anything that's off. Thanks a ton! I specialize in female Neidan practice. For male cultivation stuff, I can always ask my teachers for you. My English isn't perfect, so you might catch some awkward phrasing or machine translation vibes. Feel free to point it out—no worries!

Hey everyone! I'm a total newbie who's only been practicing for 8 months. Yeah, I haven't been at it long, but my teachers are all super solid practical cultivators. My main gig is Dan Dao cultivation, combined with TCM health practices. Right now, I've got a bunch of hands-on theoretical know-how when it comes to working with acquired qi. I specialize in the Southern School of Dan Dao. Since my teachers are total pros, if you've got any questions, I can help ask them for you—just saying, it's only about helping pass along questions. Cultivating Dao's your own thing, y'know? Everyone's body's different, so the ways to practice vary too, but the real-world check-ins at each stage are the same for everyone. I go mostly by physical feelings and how my body reacts—no metaphysical stuff for me. Thanks everyone~ The first post was written by Claude, but it had some major issues. That's why I rewrote this one myself. It might have some casual local lingo—feel free to point out anything that's off. Thanks a ton! I specialize in female Neidan practice. For male cultivation stuff, I can always ask my teachers for you. My English isn't perfect, so you might catch some awkward phrasing or machine translation vibes. Feel free to point it out—no worries!