THE EIGHT SEAS
This is a brief presentation of the Eight Extraordinary Channels (also called the Eight Seas) and a qigong practice (with a link to a video) to activate their deep energetics. It is a method for self-discovery and realization.
Put simply, life has two aspects: what we’re given to work with (constitution), and what we do with it.
Constitutional Qi (Yuan Qi) is what we’re born with. Genetics is a big determining factor. At every turn in life we do have a choice as to which path to take but usually our so-called free will is limited by our constitutional makeup. The practice of Qigong is to free us from these limitations and even change our constitutional makeup. This is our epigenetics at work.
Here are the currents of the Eight Seas:
Chong Mai (Penetrating Channel) determines our gender, ethnicity and natural disposition.
The Ren and the Du are polar opposites but also mutually interdependent pairing of Yin and Yang:
Ren Mai (Enabling Channel) provides the Du Mai the material for building.
Du Mai (Governing Channel) constructs using what the Ren provides.
Wei Mai (Linking Channel): There are two and again there is a Yin/Yang division. The Wei Mai contains the blueprint for the process of growth, maturation, and aging. Throughout life it interacts with external and internal factors to affect our physical being:
Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Channel) has to do with bodily functions as it is affected by external and climatic factors. For example, exposure to cold wind causing Bell’s Palsy resulting in deviation of the mouth.
Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Channel) has to do with structural changes caused by internal and mental factors. It relates to our inner life. For example, depression resulting in a wilting body structure.
Qiao Mai (Heel Channel) involves the present moment. Similarly there are two aspects, the Yin and the Yang:
Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Heel Channel) has to do with how we perceive ourselves.
Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Heel Channel) has to do with how we perceive the world.
Dai Mai (Belt Channel) involves issues and emotions that have been bothering us for a long time. We know they need to be changed but we don’t have the wherewithal to do it so we hide them under the belt.
Here’s a link to a video of the Eight Seas qigong form. It is brief and rather easy to practice. Practice of this form activates and harmonizes the deep energetics of the Eight Extraordinary Chanels to promote self-discovery and self-realization.
