The First Acupuncture Point and Your Center of Gravity
One of the treatments we do in acupuncture is for the "Dan Tian."
Let me explain what that is -
It's your energy center.
It's where the first cells that divided to make you into a person originated.
It's called the source of the Yuan (Primary or First) Qi. It's the Qi that your parents gave you simply by creating you.
There are 3 parts of the Dan Tian, but the most important is the point halfway between your belly button and pubic bone. I almost typed "public bone." 😅
This acupuncture point ("Ren / Conception Vessel 4") is also called the "Cinnabar Field."
Cinnabar is an element that changes colors when it's combined with other elements. That's the idea - it's an area that can transform and change. It's where life originates and unfolds.
Sometimes we're born with a weak Dan Tian. This shows up with genetic malformations or bone problems that start in childhood.
Sometimes we create Dan Tian problems from working too hard; having too much stress; or eating an improper diet. Your Dan Tian weakens when you're infected with pathogens that don't go away easily or after suffering a severe injury.
Typical Dan Tian symptoms include
- Lower back pain
- Anxiety and panic disorders
- Post-partum depression or hemorrhaging
- Gynecological issues including infertility and heavy bleeding
- Auto-immune problems
- Digestive problems like IBS or Chron's
- Headaches and migraines, especially when they involve the eyes
I also love how the 3 parts of the Dan Tian line up roughly with the 3 parts of the core, or Bandhas, in yoga.
Other than "Ren 4," we have the center of the chest ("Ren 17") and between the eyes ("Yin Tang").
To strengthen the Dan Tian, acupuncture works, of course.
There are also breathing exercises and Qi Gong that are helpful. I don't teach those, but I'll link to one source here.
Posture is also key to a healthy Dan Tian. In yoga, you want all 3 "locks" active in your poses. This protects your spine and strengthens your muscles.
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