The Qigong of the Wudang Taiyi Tianying School is divided into two parts: dynamic and static practices.
The dynamic practice consists of two sets. One set is called “Taiyi Xianhe Gong” (also known as “Xianhe Yinshui”, a beginner’s practice with 32 forms), which is composed of movements that imitate the actions of a crane flying, foraging, and drinking water.
By practicing this method in conjunction with static practices, one can quickly open the three Yin meridians and three Yang meridians of the hands, allowing the Qi to flow through the Ren (Conception) and Du (Governing) vessels, achieving the “Small Heavenly Cycle” with significant effects in treating diseases and strengthening the body.
The other set is an advanced practice called Taiyi Tianying Gong, which imitates the actions of a majestic eagle stretching its neck, gazing at the moon and sun, spreading its wings, circling, flying, foraging, drinking water, building a nest, and sleeping. The routine follows the eight trigrams, with the entire sequence starting with the left foot stepping into the center and the right foot moving through the eight trigrams, performing exercises in all directions.
The directions are divided into “Four Cardinal Directions” (East, South, West, North) and “Four Diagonal Directions” (Southeast, Southwest, Northeast, Northwest), with 24 movements for each direction, performed in two rounds, totaling four segments with eight sections. Most movements are symmetrical, with openings and closings, varying in speed, and integrating both internal and external practices.
This practice is gentle and natural, expansive and graceful, “using movement to guide Qi, with movement and Qi following each other, and intention, Qi, and form in unity,” creating a feeling of floating like an immortal, bringing tranquility (due to the “external movement and internal stillness”) and joy, allowing practitioners’ minds and bodies to be well-regulated.
More importantly, this set of practices generates quick and strong Qi sensations, guiding Qi through the meridians, with Qi following the movements. After practicing Taiyi Xianhe Gong for six months, one can quickly open the Great Heavenly Cycle and enter a higher level of Qigong training (while continuing to practice the corresponding static methods).
The most significant feature of this practice is the swallowing of saliva. After practicing the beginner’s method for three months, practitioners will notice an increase in saliva during subsequent practices.
During the practice of Taiyi Tianying Gong, one will continuously have saliva in the mouth, flowing out abundantly.
Ancient texts on Qigong state, “Qi is the medicine for longevity, and saliva is the essence for sustaining life,” and there are poetic lines, “The jade spring by the white jade teeth nourishes me through the years,” referring to saliva as “Golden Saliva and Jade Liquid” by medical practitioners and “Divine Water of the Flower Pool” by Daoists, indicating that saliva is a precious substance for the human body.
With the guidance of the practice, swallowing saliva enters the Dantian, producing a bubbling sound, as the saying goes, “The water of the jade pool moistens the whole body, Qi reaches the hundred vessels, nourishes the myriad spirits, nourishes Yin and lowers fire, balances Yin and Yang, supports the righteous and expels the evil,” thus playing a role in strengthening the body and prolonging life.
Currently, both domestic and international Qigong communities recognize that Qigong has five major functions: strengthening the body, treating diseases, prolonging life, enhancing intelligence, and stimulating potential. This school of Qigong also possesses these five functions.
Although modern practitioners of Qigong cannot be as detached as ancient Daoists, enhancing moral cultivation, character development, and ethical training is essential, and all who learn this practice must pay attention to this.