the healing spiral >> tai ji >> taoist view of the human energy system

how do you write Chinese words in English?

There are three systems for transliterating Chinese words into English: Wade-Giles, Yale, and Pinyin.

They are quite different, and I've written an article explaining about them here.

the Taoist view of the human energy system

three fields of energy

The Taoists view the human body as being made up of three principal cavities:

The lower half of the torso (below the diaphragm)
The upper half of the torso (above the diaphragm)
The head

Each of these cavities contains an energy centre or dān tián involved in internal alchemy.

the microcosmic orbit

The cultivation of the dan tians requires that energy is circulated in the microcosmic orbit or small heavenly cycle, which runs from the perineum up the back, across the top of the head, and then down the front of the body back to the perineum

Energy will circulate naturally in this orbit once any restrictions in the path are removed. Certain points are known to require opening: these are called gates. Tai Ji is one of the arts that can be used to open the gates.

internal cultivation

Empty the self completely;
Embrace perfect peace.
The world will rise and move;
Watch it return to rest.
All the flourishing things
Will return to their source.

This return is peaceful;
It is the flow of nature

-Tao Te Ching 16

The goal of Taoist cultivation is to return to the source. For Taoists, this means returning to the original body, a body of perfect youthfulness and health. This requires the building up of the body's energy, which manifests in three forms known as the three treasures.