Working with the Qi Ball

Once we have successfully generated and stabilised the Qi ball within the lower tan tien, we can begin to explore its potential and power through a series of advanced practices. The Qi ball represents a concentrated quantum of energy, and by learning to expand, refine, and direct it, we enhance our ability to attract, store, and command Qi with greater precision and awareness.

All of these are ways of playing with Qi.

So far, in this course, we have seen that we can play with Qi in many different ways:

• We can lead Qi through the body – by consciously guiding Qi through the meridians, organs, and energy centres, we create smooth circulation and unblock stagnation, ensuring a healthy, vibrant flow of life force.

• We can store it – energy is not meant to be exerted continuously; rather, it must be accumulated, refined, and stored in places like the lower tan tien, which acts as an internal battery.

• We can move it around the body – by learning to circulate Qi with our breath and intention, we ensure that energy is balanced throughout the entire system, healing and strengthening us.

• We can project it – Qi is not only for internal cultivation; it can be directed outward for healing, martial applications, or even influencing our environment. This demonstrates how intention and focus shape energy movement.

• We can receive it – just as Qi can be projected outward, it can also be drawn in from nature, the cosmos, and other energy sources. Learning to absorb Qi efficiently prevents depletion and enhances vitality.

• We can expand it and contract it – Qi is not static; it can be inflated like a balloon or compressed into a dense form. By practicing Qi expansion and contraction, we refine its quality and intensity, improving our ability to store and distribute energy efficiently.

• Our thought gives it direction – Qi follows the mind. By sharpening mental focus, we become more effective at guiding, shaping, and controlling energy with precision.

• We can squeeze it into our bones and flesh – the ability to infuse Qi into the skeletal structure and tissues strengthens bone density, resilience, and internal power. This is essential for vitality, longevity and martial applications.

• We can spin it, make it run fast or slow – speed and movement matter in energy work. Sometimes, slowing Qi down creates stability, while accelerating Qi increases intensity and dynamism. Learning to modulate the speed of Qi flow is crucial for energy mastery.

These are all like ‘Qi push ups’, strengthening our internal power, awareness, and control. Just as a martial artist builds body coordination and muscle control, working with Qi enhances our ability to command and refine our life force.

Through consistent practice, these exercises:

• Train the mind-body connection, deepening Qi sensitivity.
• Develop strength and endurance in the energetic system.
• Enhance the ability to store, circulate, and project Qi efficiently.
• Lay the foundation for more advanced energy work, including healing, spiritual cultivation, and martial power.

As with any form of training, the more we engage in these exercises, the stronger our Qi, and our energy body, becomes. Over time, what once felt subtle or imperceptible will become tangible, powerful, and responsive to our intention.

By continuing to train with ‘Qi push-ups’, we build an inner strength that extends beyond the practice itself, shaping how we interact with our own energy, our health, and the world around us.

The practices in the following section move beyond the foundational steps of Qi cultivation and enter the realm of Qi refinement, direction, and application.

They train us to:

• Deepening our ability to feel and interact with energy.
• Increasing the capacity of the tan tien to hold and refine energy.
• Expand our energy fields – connecting with the six directions (front, back, left, right, above, and below) to gather universal energy.
• Strengthen our ability to store and regulate energy.
• Integrate multiple energy centres, developing greater internal balance and power.
• Refine Qi for healing, resilience, and spiritual development.
• Direct Qi for purposeful use.

Through dedicated practice, these practices allow us to unlock deeper layers of energy mastery, bringing balance, strength, and purpose into our lives.