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The Simplest Method of Qi Supplementation: Clapping Hands in the Morning
Clapping hands is very simple, yet its effects are profound.
Clapping is a method of health preservation that embodies the utmost yang energy, primarily functioning to supplement Qi. The hands are the stronghold of yang energy, while the feet are the stronghold of yin energy. There are a total of 39 acupoints in the hands, and clapping can vibrate yang energy, promoting the circulation of Qi throughout the body.
Why clap in the morning?
Because in the morning, as the sun rises, the yang energy in the universe begins to accumulate, and the yang energy within the human body also starts to rise with the dawn. By aligning with the heavens, clapping at this time can promote the rise of yang energy, facilitating the circulation of Qi throughout the body.
The Qianlong Emperor lived a long life and wrote many poems, but few were truly good. One of his poems reflects the relationship between the hands and Qi and blood: “The sun and moon rotate on the palm, time wishes to flow backward, the Qi and blood throughout the body are clear, when will I have white hair?” From a literary perspective, this poem may not be commendable, but from a health preservation perspective, it holds great value. He suggests that the secret to health and longevity lies in the palms, and mastering this secret can reverse the passage of time. What is this secret? It is clapping. Clapping can unblock the Qi and blood throughout the body; when the Qi and blood are clear, when will one have white hair? Although the Qianlong Emperor’s poem may be exaggerated, clapping indeed has remarkable effects in supplementing Qi.
There are twelve meridians in the human body, six of which are connected to the palms: the Taiyin Lung Meridian (Shou Taiyin Fei Jing), the Shaoyin Heart Meridian (Shou Shaoyin Xin Jing), the Jueyin Pericardium Meridian (Shou Jueyin Xin Bao Jing), the Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian (Shou Taiyang Xiao Chang Jing), the Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian (Shou Shaoyang San Jiao Jing), and the Yangming Large Intestine Meridian (Shou Yangming Da Chang Jing). Meridians are the pathways of Qi, connecting the internal organs. When the meridians are blocked, the flow of Qi is obstructed, leading to illness. Clapping can simultaneously unblock these six major meridians, and its effects should not be underestimated.
Why should we clap while shouting?
Our bodies are not only material but also spiritual. Human spirit can be divided into three levels: the first level resides in the brain, known as consciousness, which people often use to think about money, beauty, and power; the second level resides in the heart, where emotions such as tranquility, anxiety, and fear often arise; the third level resides in the liver, referred to as the soul in TCM. The Huangdi Neijing states, “The heart houses the spirit, and the liver houses the soul.”
In Western terms, the spirit and soul correspond to the subconscious. In the realm of consciousness, people need to think, while in the realm of the subconscious, they need tranquility, love, and gratitude. Consciousness can bring us wealth, while the subconscious can bring us health. For example, when a person sleeps, the consciousness in the brain rests, but the heart and liver’s subconscious continues to work, directing the stomach to digest and the blood to flow.
Therefore, for the body to be healthy, the subconscious must function normally. At the same time, human consciousness can also influence the subconscious, one method of influencing the subconscious is through suggestion. For instance, if you repeatedly say a certain phrase, it serves as a suggestion to the body, and over time, this phrase will transform from consciousness into the subconscious, directly entering the heart and liver, thus affecting our body. People in the park continuously shout, “I am free of ailments, and my body is unblocked,” which is a form of suggestion. Over time, this consciousness will transform into the subconscious, influencing the entire body. Therefore, sometimes a person’s intention can be more effective than the best medicine.
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Basic Clapping Qi Supplementation Method
Spread your ten fingers, palms facing each other, fingers aligned, and clap evenly. Remember to keep the thumbs separated from the other four fingers to avoid excessive clapping that could cause bruising. Start with gentle claps and gradually increase the intensity. Clap to a level that your hands can tolerate, but do not clap too lightly. Otherwise, it will not stimulate the acupoints and reflex zones in the palms effectively.
Clapping is best done in the morning. If the noise from clapping is too loud to bear, you can clap with “hollow palms.” Curve your palms and spread your fingers; when you clap down, aim for the tips of your fingers and the edges of your palms. However, this method has a smaller impact area, so the effect may be slightly less, thus requiring a longer duration of clapping.
In addition to the basic palm-to-palm clapping, you can also clap the backs of your hands against each other, clap the tiger mouths of both hands together, bend both palms to clap, strike one palm with the edge of the other hand, and clap fists together. Do not underestimate these small movements; they are significant. If you carefully read the chart of palm acupoints and reflex zones, you will understand that each small action targets one or several important acupoints and reflex zones. Stimulating them can unblock the meridians and ensure the smooth flow of Qi and blood.
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Advanced Clapping Qi Supplementation Method
(1) Lightly clap the back of your hands against your back and spine
Each segment of the spine has acupoints of the Governing Vessel. The Governing Vessel is one of the eight extraordinary meridians in the body, regulating the Qi and blood of the yang meridians, resisting external pathogens, warming the meridians, and nourishing the internal organs. Clapping the back with both fists at the Mingmen acupoint on the Governing Vessel can tonify Qi, strengthen the kidneys, bolster yang, and support righteous Qi. If you can also lightly clap the acupoints along the Bladder Meridian on the back, the Qi supplementation effect will be even more pronounced.
(2) Clap the backs of both hands against the upper part of the coccyx and the outer sides of the buttocks
The coccyx, known as the “tailbone” in Daoism, is the starting point for unblocking the Governing Vessel, with the immortal bone resting above it. Clapping this area can enhance the Qi of the Governing Vessel, thus promoting bowel movements. Friends with constipation can try this method; it is simple and effective.
Next, alternate clapping the midline of the buttocks, which is where the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian runs, clapping the Bladder Meridian helps with diuresis. Finally, alternate clapping the outer sides of the buttocks, where the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian runs; clapping here can promote bile secretion and enhance the liver and gallbladder’s digestive, blood supply, and detoxification functions.
Many beauty-conscious women often complain about dull skin and spots, which are actually caused by toxins in the body. By using this method daily to clap, supplementing the Qi of the Governing Vessel and promoting bowel movements, the toxins in the body will be expelled. When the body is clean, the skin will naturally become fair and radiant, exuding a captivating glow from within.
(3) Lightly clap the abdomen
Use both palms to lightly clap the abdomen. Several meridians pass through the abdomen: the Ren Meridian, the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian, the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian, the Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian, and the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian. Alternating clapping in this area helps to strengthen the Qi of the spleen, stomach, liver, and kidneys. The Ren Meridian runs through the center of the abdomen, encompassing all the yin meridians, responsible for the body’s essence, blood, and fluids. If the Ren Meridian is obstructed, issues in the urinary and reproductive systems may arise, such as irregular menstruation, impotence, hernias, and pelvic masses. Regularly lightly clapping the Ren Meridian in the abdomen can stimulate the secretion of human hormones, regulate the yin meridians, and thus delay aging. Lightly clapping the abdomen is beneficial for liver and gallbladder diseases, urinary and reproductive systems, digestive systems, nervous systems, and ophthalmic diseases. Some people instinctively pound their lower back when experiencing back pain; in reality, back pain may be caused by poor circulation of Qi and blood in the liver meridian. Persisting with light clapping of the abdomen can improve and cure back pain symptoms.
(4) Fist Clapping
One hand clenches into a fist while the other hand remains open, clapping the fist against the palm can strengthen the strength of the palm’s muscles and bones, thereby enhancing the peripheral nerves of the hands and improving the circulation of Qi and blood throughout the body. When performing this action, coordinate with your feet, either walking or stepping while clapping. Nowadays, people often drive or take elevators, leading to fewer opportunities for walking, causing the feet to become weak. The Qi of the six meridians in the feet may be insufficient, leading to a decline in the functions of the liver, gallbladder, spleen, stomach, kidneys, and bladder.
Just like the hands, the feet also have many reflex zones that connect to the internal organs. If the Qi and blood in the foot reflex zones are blocked, corresponding organs will develop diseases. If you practice clapping while walking, both hands and feet will receive massage stimulation, which is an excellent method for health preservation and disease treatment.
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Standing Post Qi Supplementation Method
Another simple method of Qi supplementation is standing post
“To cleanse the marrow, one must start with standing post”, standing post is a posture that can mobilize the Qi of the entire body, promoting the circulation of Qi and blood.
Standing post can nourish the spirit and strengthen the body; it can enhance mental strength and increase physical strength. Many people may think that standing post is just squatting in a horse stance, which anyone can do, and it is not that magical. Squatting is one form of standing post, but there are many types of standing post. Do not underestimate this practice; “A thousand movements are not as good as one stillness, a thousand practices are not as good as one standing.”
When a person is young, the lower jiao (lower abdomen) is generally more solid, while the upper jiao (chest) is more deficient. The upper jiao refers to the heart and lungs, while the lower jiao refers to the liver and kidneys. When the upper jiao is deficient and the lower jiao is solid, the yuan yang is sufficient, the head is clear, and the person is full of vitality. This is like a clear sky, with gentle winds and light clouds above, and lush trees below. However, as one ages, the body gradually shifts to a state of lower jiao deficiency and upper jiao excess. When the upper jiao is deficient and the lower jiao is solid, the head feels light and the feet feel heavy; when the lower jiao is deficient and the upper jiao is solid, the head feels heavy and the feet feel light. Therefore, TCM believes that upper jiao deficiency and lower jiao solidity is a sign of health, while upper jiao solidity and lower jiao deficiency is a manifestation of illness.
Why does one experience upper jiao solidity and lower jiao deficiency?
This is because the flow of Qi is obstructed, causing Qi to concentrate in the upper part and not descend, leading to solidity above and deficiency below. The universe is a vast cosmos, and the human body is a small universe; the laws of the human body follow the laws of the universe. Between heaven and earth, clear Qi rises while turbid Qi descends; within the human body, clear Qi should rise and turbid Qi should descend. If the lower part becomes deficient, such as when forests are recklessly cut down and soil is lost, then the upper part will become solid, leading to sandstorms covering the sky.
So how can we improve this situation? The national policy is to plant trees and create forests, allowing the lower part to become solid first; when the lower part is solid, the upper part will naturally become deficient. The principles of TCM health preservation are similar: to allow the Qi of the upper jiao (heart and lungs) to descend, one must first enrich the Qi of the lower jiao (liver and kidneys). One method is standing post. The key to standing post is the word “posture”; the posture must stabilize the lower half of the body, creating a sense of rooting. When you stand still, with your head reaching for the sky and your feet grounded, the body will root itself, and the Qi within will gradually return to its original position, with what should rise ascending and what should descend descending, clear Qi rising and turbid Qi descending. Over time, the body will return to a state of upper jiao deficiency and lower jiao solidity. This is akin to a glass of murky water; the more you stir it, the murkier it becomes. If you let it sit still, the lighter substances will float to the top, and the heavier substances will sink to the bottom, and soon you will see a clear glass of water.
When standing post, bending the elbows and raising the arms, and squatting slightly, aims to lower the body’s center of gravity, enriching the lower part. When the lower part is enriched, the kidney essence will be replenished; when the kidney essence is replenished, the zong qi will flow smoothly, the heart and lung Qi will descend, and the liver and kidney Qi will rise. In this way, a person enters a state of upper jiao deficiency and lower jiao solidity, achieving health and longevity. The Huangdi Neijing has specific discussions on standing post: “Grasp the yin and yang, breathe in the essence, stand alone and guard the spirit, bones and flesh as one, thus can one live long and cover the heavens and earth…”
Centuries of practice have proven that standing post is one of the best methods for replenishing yuan qi. Once the yuan qi is full, a person will be strong and robust, capable of resisting all diseases. Many healthy individuals who practice standing post for a long time enjoy longevity. Those who are weak and sickly can also benefit from standing post. Standing post not only unblocks the meridians and harmonizes Qi and blood, allowing yin and yang to intersect, and accelerating metabolism, but it also strengthens the functions of various organs and cells, providing excellent effects for many chronic diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidemia, and gout.
The Most Basic Standing Post Qi Supplementation Method
Here, I will introduce the most basic standing post Qi supplementation method. Before practicing standing post, one should empty the bladder and bowels, loosen clothing and belts, and avoid practicing one hour before and after meals.
1. Feet: Stand with both feet in an inward “eight” shape, raise both hands to the chest, ensuring the feet are not too wide, with the heels slightly wider than the shoulders and the toes about shoulder-width apart.
2. Head: Keep the head upright, neck straight, chest slightly retracted, and chin slightly tucked. Keep the mouth slightly closed, tongue against the upper palate, and maintain a calm demeanor. Gaze forward, breathe naturally, and relax the entire body to balance and harmonize the Qi throughout.
3. Hands: Let the fingers naturally spread, as if there is a balloon in the middle, and hold it carefully with both hands, with the arms rounded, forming a semi-circle around the body. Start with the hands lower, then gradually raise them, but do not raise them above shoulder height or below the navel.
4. Shoulders: Relax the shoulders, do not tense them or raise them. The shoulders should hang naturally and relax downwards. At this time, the collarbone and chest may feel slightly heavy, so when the shoulders relax, they should also extend outward. Some people sweat after standing post for a long time, and their hands feel cold; this is because the shoulders and elbows are not relaxed, obstructing the flow of Qi. Therefore, before practicing standing post, shake and relax the shoulders, and rotate them gently.
5. Knees: Keep the knees slightly bent, ensuring they do not extend beyond the toes, with the thighs feeling empty, resembling a sitting position without actually sitting.
6. Body: Keep the upper body straight, avoiding a sagging waist or protruding buttocks. The chest should be slightly contained, and the back should be straight. The abdomen should relax and slightly retract. The perineum should be lifted, and the coccyx should point downwards towards the ground. Lifting the perineum allows the Qi to rise, in conjunction with the head reaching upwards, thus connecting the Qi flow throughout the body, ensuring balance and sufficient internal energy, allowing one to exhibit a posture of “standing like a pine tree”—tall and robust, with abundant internal Qi. When the internal Qi is sufficient and smooth, the body will naturally lower. When lowering, ensure the knees do not extend beyond the toes; this way, standing post will not only build strength but also enhance energy. However, it is crucial to keep the coccyx down; otherwise, the Qi will only rise without descending, leading to an imbalance that may cause high blood pressure.
Maintain this posture, relax the entire body as much as possible, and think of nothing, allowing Qi and blood to flow naturally. Generally, stand for at least 30 minutes. When first practicing standing post, it may feel strenuous, and the knees and thighs may ache. Some may even tremble; this is a normal reaction and is not a concern. The trembling will gradually subside. When experiencing leg pain, it is essential to persist and endure for a while; the pain is due to insufficient Qi in the body, unable to support its weight. At this time, you can use your mind to sense which part is sore and how it feels; as the Qi flows with your intention, when your intention reaches the sore area, Qi will be infused into that area. Once the Qi in that area gradually fills up, the pain will disappear, and your body will be able to squat lower and more steadily. Everyone must remember that while standing post straight may save energy, the straighter you are, the less effective it becomes; if you can squat lower, try to squat lower. Of course, when squatting, do not force yourself to sit down; just go as low as feels comfortable.
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The Six Character Formula for Qi Supplementation
The Six Character Formula for Qi Supplementation is an ancient breathing method passed down through generations, with its primary function being to guide and mobilize the Qi of the five internal organs. When the Qi of the five internal organs is turbid, a person becomes ill; if the turbid Qi is expelled and fresh Qi is inhaled, health can be restored. How can we expel the turbid Qi from the body? The ancients invented the Six Character Formula—Xu, He, Hu, Xi, Chui, Xi.
Making the sound “Xu” can expel the toxins from the liver.
Making the sound “He” can expel the toxins from the heart.
Making the sound “Hu” can expel the toxins from the spleen.
Making the sound “Xi” can expel the toxins from the lungs.
Making the sound “Chui” can expel the toxins from the kidneys.
Making the sound “Xi” can expel the toxins from the Sanjiao.
By expelling the toxins from the internal organs using the Six Character Formula and inhaling the fresh Qi from heaven and earth, the Qi of the five internal organs circulates and renews daily, stimulating their potential, leading to a vibrant spirit and longevity.
How to expel toxins from the liver
To expel toxins from the liver, make the sound “Xu—”. First, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, head upright and neck straight, chest slightly retracted, waist and hips relaxed, knees slightly bent, and the whole body relaxed, breathing naturally.
Xu, pronounced (xū). The mouth is slightly closed, with horizontal tension, the tongue slightly forward and inward, with a small gap between the upper and lower teeth.
As you exhale, say the word “Xu”, lightly tapping the big toe on the ground, while slowly raising your hands from the lower abdomen, palms facing each other, moving up to shoulder height, with the arms spreading like a bird’s wings. As you exhale completely, round your eyes and widen them. As you inhale, lower your arms in front of your body, letting them fall to your sides. Repeat this action six times for one round, completing one breath adjustment.
The Xu breathing technique can treat eye diseases, liver enlargement, chest and rib distension, loss of appetite, dry eyes, dizziness, and other symptoms.
How to expel toxins from the heart
To expel toxins from the heart, make the sound “He—”. He, pronounced (kē). The mouth is half-open, with the tongue touching the lower teeth and the tongue surface pressed down.
As you exhale, say the word “He”, lightly tapping the big toe on the ground; raise both palms from the lower abdomen, moving them in front of the body to the center of the chest, flipping the palms outward, lifting them to eye level. As you exhale completely, lower your hands in front of your body, letting them fall to your sides, and repeat this action six times for one round, completing one breath adjustment.
The He breathing technique treats palpitations, angina, insomnia, forgetfulness, night sweats, oral ulcers, and other heart-related ailments.
How to expel toxins from the spleen
To expel toxins from the spleen, make the sound “Hu—”. Hu, pronounced (hū). The mouth is shaped like a tube, with the tongue slightly curled upwards and extended forward.
As you say the word “Hu”, lightly tap the big toe on the ground, while raising your hands from the lower abdomen, palms facing up, to the navel, with the left hand rotating upward to the top of the head while the right hand presses down to the lower abdomen. As you exhale completely, lower the left arm while rotating the palm inward, and lower the right arm while rotating the palm inward, crossing the hands in front of the body, with the left hand on the outside and the right hand on the inside, then lower them to your sides. Repeat this action six times for one round, completing one breath adjustment.
The Hu breathing technique treats abdominal distension, diarrhea, fatigue in the limbs, loss of appetite, muscle atrophy, and skin edema related to the spleen.
How to expel toxins from the lungs
To expel toxins from the lungs, make the sound “Xi—”. Xi, pronounced (xì). The mouth is open, with the tongue lightly touching the lower palate.
As you exhale, say the word “Xi”, raising your hands from the lower abdomen, gradually turning the palms upward to shoulder height, with the arms rotating outward, flipping the palms outward to form a flat palm, with the fingertips pointing towards the throat. Then, spread your arms wide like a bird spreading its wings. As you exhale completely, lower your arms to your sides, repeating this action six times for one round, completing one breath adjustment.
How to expel toxins from the kidneys
To expel toxins from the kidneys, make the sound “Chui—”. Chui, pronounced (chuī). The mouth is shaped like a tube, with the lips protruding.
As you exhale, say the word “Chui”, gripping the ground with your toes, while raising your arms from your sides, drawing an arc in front of your body to shoulder height, with the arms rounded as if holding a ball, with the fingertips facing each other. As you squat down, lower your arms, and as you exhale completely, let your hands rest on the upper part of your knees. When squatting, ensure your body remains upright. As you exhale completely, slowly stand up, letting your arms fall naturally to your sides. Repeat this action six times for one round, completing one breath adjustment.
The Chui breathing technique can treat soreness and weakness in the waist and knees, night sweats, nocturnal emissions, impotence, premature ejaculation, and coldness in the uterus related to the kidneys.
How to expel toxins from the Sanjiao
To expel toxins from the Sanjiao, make the sound “Xi—”. Xi, pronounced (xī). The mouth is slightly open, with the tongue slightly retracted and the tip pointing down, resembling a joyful expression.
As you exhale, say the word “Xi”, raising your hands from your sides as if holding something, moving them over the abdomen to shoulder height, with the arms rotating outward and lifting towards the head, with the palms facing upward and the fingertips pointing towards each other. As you inhale, spread your fingers apart, allowing your hands to descend along the sides of your body, guiding the Qi to the tips of your toes. Repeat this action six times for one round, completing one breath adjustment.
The Xi breathing technique treats dizziness, tinnitus, throat pain, chest and abdominal distension, and urinary difficulties caused by Sanjiao obstruction.
The complete practice of the Six Character Formula involves performing each sound six times, practicing three rounds in the morning and evening, and over time, significant effects will be observed.
The meridians are like iron railways, connecting the five internal organs and the limbs; acupoints are the stations along these railways, primarily serving to replenish water and fuel for the trains, increasing their power. Qi and blood are the cargo carried by the trains.
Qi is the commander of blood, and blood is the mother of Qi; Qi is the driving force for blood circulation. When the train carrying Qi and blood travels a certain distance along the railway, the Qi will gradually weaken, and the train must stop at the next station to replenish Qi to continue moving forward. In the human body, there are ten most important acupoints for Qi supplementation; these acupoints are responsible for replenishing true Qi for each meridian, increasing their power.
