This article is Part 1 in a 3 part series.
What are Energy Gates and Why are they Important in Qigong?
Energy gates, energy centers and a variety of acupoints are essential to the flow of energy within our bodies. It can be a surprise to Westerners to learn that we have these intriguing, and perhaps mysterious, places in our bodies that are connected to an ancient and exquisite healing system. They connect with the cosmos, store energy and can be activated to improve health.
Through awakening the energy gates, qi is exchanged with the blue sky above, the earth below and our bodies. They are also powerful acupoints. Activating them improves the flow of energy within us which creates stronger mind-body awareness, reduces stress, boosts the immune system and improves sleep.
As the gates are awakened repeatedly through qigong practice they remain open with less effort. They also work together, connecting with universal qi and circulating it throughout the body.
Before we delve into the energy gates, it’s important to note that the gates and centers are distinct. Gates exchange internal and external qi, while centers store qi (more on Energy Centers in Part 2).
There are five main energy gates in the body; the top of the head (Bai Hui), the palm of each hand (Lao Gong) and the bottom of each foot (Yong Quan).
5 Energy Gates
Each gate has a variety of names. The Chinese (Pinyin) name is presented first. Qigong teachers often use this name. Next is the name for the point where it falls along the meridian. For example GV is Governor Vessel, Du is the Chinese name for the same vessel. Lastly, we have the English translation which can vary widely. For those of us who do not speak Chinese, the English name may help us understand more about the spirit of the point.
Location of the Five Main Energy Gates in Qigong
Name: Bai Hui, GV 20 or Du 20, 100 Meeting Place
Bai Hui is located on the midline of the scalp, at the highest point on the body where the apex of the ears intersect. It is the meeting point of all yang meridians and allows a direct connection with the energy of the blue sky.
Bai Hui helps to regulate the mind. Activating Bai Hui has a harmonizing effect on the body and mind. It helps restore balance and promote overall well-being.
During qigong postures Bai Hui opens and gently reaches up into the deep blue sky. This allows the heart and mind to be receptive, creating the sensation of expansiveness within and around us. An exchange of internal and external qi is created by emitting and absorbing qi through Bai Hui.
Name: Lao Gong, PC 8, Labor Palace
Lao Gong is located in the center of both palms where the tip of the middle finger touches the palm when you make a fist.
Stimulating Lao Gong eases anxiety and clears inflammation. It creates clarity and renewal. It can also remove excess heat in the body, or increase warmth for cold hands.
We focus on and activate Lao Gong frequently by rubbing our palms together to create warm qi that can be used to nourish our bodies. Like Bai Hui we exchange internal and external qi by emitting and absorbing qi with Lao Gong.
Name: Yong Quan, KID 1, Bubbling Well
Yong Quan is located on the bottom of the feet, between the first and second metatarsals. If you curl your toes you will find Yong Quan in the depression behind the balls of your feet. Imagine a spring where water is bubbling up from the earth.
Yong Quan connects us directly with the earth below as it is the opposite pole of Bai Hui. It is often activated for insomnia (massage before bed), headaches, dizziness, agitation, anxiety and nosebleeds. It can also be used to restore consciousness to someone who has fainted.
Yong Quan is an important gate when practicing qigong because it gives us a direct experience of the yin energy of earth. Yong Quan helps us become more grounded, calm and relaxed. By distributing our weight evenly, spreading our toes and visualizing Yong Quan opening we create stability and a portal to receive nourishing qi from the earth to rise up within us.
Understanding Energy Gates Support Qigong Practice
Understanding how to awaken the energy gates through qigong gives us a special ability to connect with and exchange qi with the blue sky above, the earth below and our bodies. These gates also work together harmoniously, connecting with universal qi and circulating it throughout the body. This creates sensations of calm leading us to greater wellness and balance. Improved energy flow gives us a glimpse into the vast ocean of qi we live in.
In Part 2 of this series we will explore the energy centers. Part 3 will take a look at several of the acupoints that are frequently activated during qigong practice.
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