Qi Gong--the points

As I mentioned in my last post, there are a limited number of Qi Gong points that are the focus of the exercises.  Here they are:

1. On top of the forehead
2. In between the eyes (sometimes called the "third eye")
3. A point where the tongue touches the top of the upper palate inside the mouth
4. Middle of the chest
5. Navel
6. Groin
7. Point where your two legs join
8. Palms of your hands
9. On the back, at the bottom of the spine
10. Point on the front part of the sole of your feet

 The goal of Qi Gong exercise is to do things to allow you to become aware of the energy that flows through these points.  Some of the exercises are simple.  For example, walking--just plain walking--activates the point on the sole of the foot.  This is called "activating earth energy."  The key is to be as aware as possible of the point on your foot while walking.  In theory, bringing attention to this point will increase your consciousness of the energy flow and, at the same time, will bring more energy to this point.

Here are some other simple activities that can stimulate Qi energy:

Simply being next to someone else--when you are next to another person (within 3-4 feet), you are stimulating that person's energy and they are stimulating yours.  (This reminds me of Feng Shui and its focus on how the environment around you influences energy flow.)

Touching--Same as above, but now you are not only sharing energy but you are sharing what is called "conscious intention," which is the emotion you feel for that person when you touch them.

Hugging--even more of the above.  When bodies touch, the points align and the energy exchange is that much more intense.

Of course, there are more active ways to stimulate energy.  I'll focus on that for my next post.