Zhan Zhuang is Not for Beginners

[ChiDragon]

21 hours ago, mumuyan said:

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.
 

The quote is very vague. If we are speaking of Qi, here, we must limit its definition to ATP energy only, nothing more. Yes, it is the energy that carries the signal through the nervous system which is called the "Action potential." That is another term we should be familiar with to understand the information/control level. The "Action potential" is the signal(ATP) sent by the brain through a nerve to fire a particular muscle to be contracted. As soon the ATP signal was gone, the brain had to send another signal to fire it again. Please keep in mind that the ATP cannot be stored, it can only lasted a few seconds then it's gone. It has to be generated by the body cells with cell respiration.

Edited Friday at 12:58 AM by ChiDragon

[ChiDragon]

21 hours ago, mumuyan said:

When we say "circulate Qi to the Dantian"

Here is my understanding of sink chi to the dantiam(氣沉丹田)

 

[mumuyan]

3 hours ago, ChiDragon said:

这是我对丹田沉池的理解

 

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.

[mumuyan]

9 hours ago, Forestgreen said:

丹道是关于修炼后天气吗？

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.

[mumuyan]

6 hours ago, ChiDragon said:

The quote is very vague. If we are speaking of Qi, here, we must limit its definition to ATP energy only, nothing more. Yes, it is the energy that carries the signal through the nervous system which is called the "Action potential." That is another term we should be familiar with to understand the information/control level. The "Action potential" is the signal(ATP) sent by the brain through a nerve to fire a particular muscle to be contracted. As soon the ATP signal was gone, the brain had to send another signal to fire it again. Please keep in mind that the ATP cannot be stored, it can only lasted a few seconds then it's gone. It has to be generated by the body cells with cell respiration.

"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."

[ChiDragon]

17 hours ago, mumuyan said:

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.

This the biological formula for generating the ATP energy inside the mitochondria in the body cells.
Glucose + O2  >> CO2 + H2O + heat + ATP

Using the TCM logic, glucose and oxygen are 后天之氣. In your term, they are the acquired Qi.

On the left side of the equation:
Glucose is stored in the liver as glycogen. Oxygen is the acquired Qi from breathing.

On the right side of the equation:
The decomposition of glucose by the oxygen yields carbon dioxide and water and heat and ATP. ATP is the final product of energy which can be referred as inner Qi(內氣). With a constant supply of oxygen, the mitochondria will continuously generate ATP.  If the numbers of mitochondria increase, then, a greater amount of ATP can be produced. IMMHO By doing moderate exercise, the number of mitochondria increases in the body cells. Hence, that is why our body strength increases from the practice of Qi Gong, Neigong, Tai Chi or martial arts of any kind. You name it.

[ChiDragon]

18 hours ago, mumuyan said:

  On 11/6/2025 at 11:48 AM, Forestgreen said:

丹道是关于修炼后天气吗？

IMO I don't think the question was addressed properly.
Based on the TCM definition of 后天之气, it is acquired substances by external means. The acquired substances  are food and oxygen. How can any one practice or cultivate an external substance?

Edited yesterday at 12:13 AM by ChiDragon

[ChiDragon]

19 hours ago, mumuyan said:

My Dan Dao master says that the core of Dan Dao practice lies in cultivating one’s "body, mind, and intent."

I believe it is the cultivation of 調身(body)、調心(mind)、調息(breathing). 
"Intent" is in the mind already. It was just double talk.

Edited yesterday at 01:06 AM by ChiDragon

[Forestgreen]

11 hours ago, ChiDragon said:

IMO I don't think the question was addressed properly.
Based on the TCM definition of 后天之气, it is acquired substances by external means. The acquired substances  are food and oxygen. How can any one practice or cultivate an external substance?

Yes, we can only cultivate/practice/develop how the body utilize those subststances, if we are looking at it from a physiolgical ppint of view.

 

My real question was answered though, that the discussion so far was on the level of the preliminary practice.