The Small or Microcosmic Circulation
The Small Circulation, Small Circle, or the Microcosmic Orbit, is the practice of circulating one’s internal energy (Qi or chi), within the human body. The illustration below represents the awareness of energy flow throughout the Governing and Conception meridians; in this case, the fire path. These meridians are located on the center line of the body and in turn govern and regulate the other meridians. This practice has been considered to be the foundation of Internal Qigong. It was a fundamental step on the path of meditation training in ancient times. Over time, this practice has gradually been lost from many meditation traditions, and its importance diminished. Though meditation is popular today for relaxation, stress relief and general health, the ultimate goal for some people, is spiritual awareness and enlightenment. Small Circulation Meditation transforms the body from weak to strong while training the mind to be calm and focused.
Opening of the Small Circulation
Basically, the small circulation refers to the practice of regulating and increasing the flow of one’s internal energy throughout the conception and governing channels. This increase in energy throughout the body has been known for centuries to promote health and longevity. Beginning meditation training can be started by practicing breathing deeply from the diaphragm or Abdominal Breathing. The Small Circulation can be the next stage of meditation training. Eventually, one can practice the Grand Circulation Meditation, which circulates Qi everywhere in the body. The Grand Circulation, Big Circle or Big Circulation refers to the energy flow through the Twelve Primary Qi channels or meridians. Qigong is interrelated to the energy meridians. When consistent practice reaches a certain level, the individual can feel the Qi and blood flow through the meridians. The paths of the meridians must be some-what familiar while practicing Qigong so as promote Qi to move along them.
Qigong is one way of strengthening the human body, preventing diseases and prolonging life. It includes two aspects. One being, self-training by performing postures of the human body, regulation of respiration, relaxation of the mind and body, and concentration of one’s mind. This aspect is to regulate and strengthen the physical functions of the practitioner’s own body. The second aspect is more advanced in that the spe-cialist of Qigong can send out their Qi externally to particular areas of another person in order to treat or prevent illness.
Visualize holding a weightless ball between your palms and chest, another within the pelvis. After conforming to the above body alignments, inhale while focusing just below the navel and following your center line between the legs and up the back, over the head and to the spot between the nose & upper lip. Exhale as following your awareness back to just below the navel.
One on one instruction is often the best option for learning and practicing these types of exercises. If interested in learning more, contact me at 407-234-0119 or info@MindAndBodyExercises.com
Be well, stay healthy, be wise.
Jim Moltzan
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United Martial Arts Association 