Tao Yin

Tao Yin - Mantak Chia

The Tao Yin exercises included in this book are all performed in either lying or sitting positions. They provide unique benefits that cannot be so readily achieved in standing or moving practices, such as Iron Shirt Chi Kung or Tai Chi. Improved patterns of physical alignment and movement will recondition the spine and refresh the body by opening chi flow in the meridians. Tendons and psoas muscles will be imbued with the power of elasticity, and the spine becomes more flexible. Employing the dynamic principle of 'finding the straight in the curve' enables the practitioner to grow and strengthen the tendons and to cultivate their elasticity. Tao Yin exercises are moving meditations. Using the inner smile, one trains the feeling and awareness brain, the Second Brain in the abdomen, to coordinate and direct the actions in the body. They integrate the subtle power of the breath and mind in the process. The practitioner learns to train and develop 'Yi,' the mind-eye-heart power. The practice cultivates gentleness while developing strength. One learns to breathe consciously with the light in order to release tensions and toxins and to energize tired or weak areas during rest between exercises. A balanced Tao Yin session ends with 'Yin Meditation.' With the body deeply relaxed, the mind calm, the tan tien full of chi and chi flowing in the meridians - one might experience the fullness of delightful yang 'cell massage' or the refined yin state of inner 'embryonic breathing.' This foundation practice supports all other practices.