Dahn Yoga: Ki, The Life Energy

Ki, also commonly spelled chi or qi, is a fundamental concept embraced by Asian philosophy, arts, medicine, and mind-body traditions. Ki is the word for the vital energy that is the true essence of every creation in the cosmos. Most people begin their understanding of Ki by experiencing it as bioenergy, or the basic life force in the body.

Dahn means energy, and yoga means union. Ki is the bridge linking the body and mind; it is the essential medium of life, moving and flowing freely. The continuous joining together and drifting apart of Ki composes the rhythm of the phenomenon of life. Everything in existence undergoes constant change. Everything around us, as well as each of our very lives, is a temporary manifestation of ki.

Although immersed in this grand flow of energy every moment of our lives, we are unable to sense its currents without properly attuned senses. Our overdependence on rational thought and language has obscured our natural ability to sense the flow of energy. however, we can regain our innate ability to feel the slight but pervasive vibrations that define our existence. It is up to us to reawaken this sense. By opening blockages in the energy pathways and reawakening our innate ability to sense energy flow, we can recover our health and natural balance. When we develop sensitivity to ki, we will be able to reach our body's potential. Dahn Yoga provides various programs to develop sensitivity to ki energy.

Dahn Yoga Exercise

What is Dahn Yoga's Meridian Exercise?
The meridian system of the body is a series of channels or pathways running from the feet to the head and from the head to the hands, transporting Ki energy. Meridians can be likened to rivers of the body. The meridian system is responsible for the distribution of Ki throughout its intricate network, nourishing and influencing body, mind, and spirit. Acupressure (or acupuncture) points, which are distributed along meridians, are portals through which energy enters and exits the body.

It is easy to understand the system of meridians and acupressure points if you imagine the body as representing land. The meridians would be the main roads while the acupressure points are the bus stops. Just as goods and merchandise are transported across a highway system, our body can supply energy to the organs and different parts of the body through meridians. If energy flows well through the meridians, it is distributed evenly throughout the body, helping the body and brain to maintain their optimal conditions. With Dahn Yoga practice, one can facilitate their energy circulation.

Our body consists of twelve main meridians and eight secondary meridians. In general, only fourteen of the meridians are commonly used. Ki comes into the body through the breath. it then flows through the twelve meridians and collects in two of the eight secondary meridians—one along the back, called the Governing Vessel (Dok-maek), and one along the front, called the Conception Vessel (Im-maek). The two meet when the lips touch. When one does Dahn Yoga practice, it is recommended that they keep their lips touch.

The twelve major meridians are associated with the internal organs and are named accordingly.

Abbreviations of each meridian: Dahn Yoga

• Bl: Bladder
• Cv: Conception Vessel
• Gb: Ball Bladder
• Gv: Governing Vessel
• Ht: Heart
• Ki: Kidney
• Pc: Pericardium Channel
• Li: Large Intestine
• Liv: Liver
• Lu: Lungs
• Si: Small Intestine
• Sp: Spleen
• St: Stomach

These twelve meridians are paired, or bilateral, and situated systematically on either ise of the body. Dahn energy flows constantly through the weleve meridians of the body, starting in the lungs and ending in the liver.