Hey,
I have a question.
I have read through "Embryonic breathing", and I have a question regarding leading the qi to the real lower dantian (charging the dantian).
Dr. Yang writes, "Once you can lead the Qi down and inward to store it at the Real Lower Dan Tian, you must also be able to maintain your mind there. In this case, you are doing the Embryonic Breathing. However, this Embryonic Breathing" can be divide again into two practices. One is classified as Yang and is called 'Girdle Vessel Breathing" and the other one is classified as Yin and is called 'Marrow Breathing' (pg 338).
So, as far as I can interpret. There are actually 3 different breathing methods described in this section (pgs 335-340). A way to charge the real dantian and then two ways beyond that (Girdle vessel and Marrow breathing).
Is this correct?
If this is correct, then here is my next question?
Does charging the dantian use up Guardian Qi? I ask this because looking at the theory, qi is being led inwards, which will shrink the guardian qi if it is not counteracted by leading back out. In the diagrams for reverse breathing (pg 338), Dr. Yang has the inward arrows towards the center of the body while inhaling (drawing the qi inward), and then the downward arrow in the center for exhalation (guiding the qi down to real dan tian). Will not drawing qi inward like this use up guardian qi/make it shrink?
I have been practicing this method and I think it is using up guardian qi (from my body feeling after practicing). Maybe I am doing something wrong. Either way, I would appreciate some input in this regard.
Alex