Falun Gong Exercise 4: The Falun Method of Circulating Energy

The Falun Method of Circulating Energy The Falun Method of Circulating Energy is the fourth exercise of Falun Gong. This exercise enables the energy in the body to flow through large areas, rather than going through only one or several channels. The energy circulates from the entire yin side of the body to the yang side, over and over again. This exercise goes far beyond the usual methods of opening up the energy channels including [what are known as] the “greater” and “lesser” circulation paths. This is one of Falun Gong’s intermediate-level exercises. With the groundwork done by the three previous exercises this exercise can quickly open up all of the body’s energy channels (including the greater paths)— and gradually connect the channels of the entire body from top to bottom. The most outstanding feature of this exercise is its use of the Falun's rotation to rectify all abnormal conditions in the body. The energy throughout the body will thus be able to circulate freely and smoothly. Being able to achieve this means that one has attained great heights in the mortal-realm phase of spiritual development and those with great spiritual foundations can begin practice of the Great Way. One’s spiritual powers as well as higher abilities will have been greatly enhanced by this time. Each movement should be steady, slow-paced, and rounded. The hands should move in accordance with the energy mechanisms. Xuan fa zhi xu Xin qing si yu Fan ben gui zhen You you si qi Now, Teacher Li will show us how to do the exercise. The preparation is the same as with the other exercises. Conjoin the hands in Jieyin. Palms together in Heshi. Separate the hands from Heshi. Move them down toward the lower abdomen while turning the palms to face the body. Keep a distance of about 10 centimeters (or 4 inches) between the hands and the body. After the hands have passed over the lower abdomen, extend them further downward between the thighs. With each palm facing one leg, move along the inner sides of the legs. While doing so, bend at the waist and squat down. When the fingertips get close to the ground starting from the front of the feet, move the hands toward the back, along the sides and then to the heels. Then, bend both wrists slightly and bring the hands up along the backs of the legs. Straighten the waist while lifting the hands up along the back. When the hands cannot be lifted any higher behind the body make hollow fists, and then pull them forward passing through the underarms. Cross the arms in front of the chest. There is no special rule for which arm is to be above and which below, for males or females. The hands are placed over the shoulders, but without touching them. Open the hollow fists. Move both palms along the outer (or "yang") sides of the arms. When reaching the wrists, turn the hands so that the palms face each other. The hands should not be in contact with the body. Turn both palms as if holding a ball that is, the outside hand is turned so that it ends up inside and the inside hand is turned so that it ends up outside. As both hands push along the inner (or "yin") sides of the lower and upper arms raise them up and over the back of the head. The hands should cross behind the head, with fingertips pointing downward. Separate the hands and reconnect with the energy on the back. Then move both hands in parallel over the top of the head to the front of the chest. This completes one circuit. Repeat the movements for a total of nine times. Overlap the hands in front of the lower abdomen.