The energy in this dantian is considered unique when compared with the other two. It’s the basis of form and function for universal energy.”Īccording to practitioners, the middle dantian is the spark of all living things. “Qi, like prana, is as ubiquitous in the body as it is in nature.

“Qi is more subtle and less dense of an energy than jing, and as you elevate through the dantians, you also evolve through the purity of consciousness and subtlety of energy, just like you would in looking at the chakras,” says Soffer. It’s associated with the thymus gland and is considered to be the seat of qi. The middle dantian is located at the center of the chest and is most closely related to the heart chakra, or Anahata.

considered to be located within the pineal gland.

corresponds to spirit and intelligent consciousness.“Likewise, if your jing or physical essence and qi/life force are not healthy, your mental state will suffer as well.” Upper dantian “Shen is spirit and intelligent consciousness, and is the result of cultivating your jing/essence upward through the heart into qi and then finally shen,” says Martha Soffer, founder of Surya Spa in Los Angeles. It’s considered a vessel for the shen, an energy believed to be more subtle than qi. It’s believed to be located within the pineal gland. The upper dantian is most closely related to the third eye, or Ajna. There are three main dantian in the body: That said, some studies mention possible beneficial effects of dantian breathing, a practice similar to diaphragmatic breathing. It’s important to note that there is no scientific evidence to support the energy forces associated with dantian. In traditional martial arts, proper posture and movement are coordinated with the breath to cultivate energy within the dantian centers. They’re believed to support the development of the physical body as well as the development of the mind and the soul on the path of consciousness, according to a 2018 article in the Journal of Daoist Studies. This involves cultivating the qi, or life force, into more rarefied forms.ĭantian are considered by some to be essential for cultivating health and wellness on a subtle level. These are thought to be subtle energies that support and sustain the blood, bodily fluids, and solid tissues.Īccording to tradition, practitioners cultivate and protect the proper formation and circulation of the dantian energies to restore and promote health and well-being. They’re believed to hold the “ three treasures” of the body, known as:

In TCM, dantian are considered to be energy centers similar to the Indian yogic concept of chakras.

Deep World Fire by C.M. Meridian