CHI IS ANOTHER MYSTERY.
This has been one of the most talked, written and thought about qualities in the orient. What is it? According to classical thought Chi (intrinsic energy) is a result of the TAI CHI REVERSAL THEORY. This theory says that Yang resides in the upper part of the body and by effort is dropped down and centered in the Tan Tien. It is simultaneously expanded throughout the legs. Water resides in the lower body and rises above Yang without putting out the fire. When fire does not exceed its proper proportion, it heats the water above it and creates a boiling. By applying proper belly breath to the fire and water, this boiling forges PENG CHING that can be felt as a buoyant vitality. Through many forgings PENG CHING grows and we create an energy bank account. We can then begin to refine the energy. Keep in mind, this is a simplified definition.Another explanation on this subject is offered in 'The Inner Teachings of Taoism' by Chang, Po-tuan. This work approaches the notion of reversal to mean reversing the natural evolution from birth to death by combining man's emotional volatility-fire- with flexible, steady calmness-water [6].(author's note-I have often speculated, this boiling in combination with proper breath and mindfulness creates a refined oxygenation of the blood and acts in the body similar to the way heavy water acts when used to cool atomic reactors).