The Dan Tian (or Dantian) is a key concept in qigong practice. The Chinese translates as “field of elixir,” or “sea of qi” and it is an energy centre which functions as a store for the body’s energy or qi (chi).
Located in the area below the belly button, the precise place can vary from person to person and from day to day. When we talk about the Dan Tian in our classes we are usually referring to the general region of the lower belly, hips and lower back.
Cultivating and storing qi in the Dan Tian is important for maintaining optimum health and well-being. This happens automatically through the practice of qigong, and we can also aid the process by using our visualization and intention.
This area is also vital for building stability and balance. It serves as a physical centre for grounding and connecting with the Earth’s energy. In qigong we often talk about “moving from the Dan Tian,” which refers to this sense of holding our centre of gravity low in the belly and feeling as though movement of the whole body begins here.
When we feel stuck in a “busy mind” or patterns of overthinking, it can be helpful to bring our attention to this area of the lower belly, consciously drawing our qi down from the head and into this place of storage where it can be used to nourish the whole body.
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