However, it may be perfonned during the 
daytime by simply imagining that the star is there above you. However , 
always face the North Star when you are practicing this exercise. It will 
182 Taoist Meditative, Contem plative , and Breathing Exercises 
then be easy for your body to accept and receive the electromagnetic energy 
coming from the star. I. Begin by sitting facing the North Star, which may be located by 
frrst finding the Big Dipper. 2. Use your imagination and feel the light of the North Star come 
down and meet you on the top of your head at a place called ''The 
Meeting of All Points''. This point lies at the crown of the head at a 
point equidistant between the ears. Figure 96. The ''Meeting of All Points''. _, ,, 
-- '" ... 
, ,. , ,, , ... .... 
" ' 
' 
3. Feel the energy from the ''Purple Rose'' meet your energy at this 
point, and imagine that this area of your head produces a golden fire. The meridians of your body will begin to look transparent and golden. Feel the golden light penetrate throughout your entire body and down 
to the toes. NOTE: If is often extremely difficult to practice this exercise, as you 
need complet e attention on what you are doing for it to be success ful. If your attention wanders or you are interrupted , start again. How­
ever, never force yourself to perfonn the meditation. If you are unable 
to complete it successfully, stop and come back to it another time. Eventually you will meet with success . Once you are able to complete 
the meditation and feel the golden light enter your body, you may 
discover that some places within your body will appear dark, while all 
the rest remains a golden color. The dark area within your body is a 
disease. Allow the light from the North Star to soak into this dark area 
until this place also becomes transparent and golden. Then you will be 
charged with energy and your diseases will be healed. 183 Taoist Medit ative , Contempl ative , and Breathing Exercises 
Whenever you have a disease, you may use this exercise to literally wash 
it away. It works. ''As you think, so you will be.'' You will also find that it 
helps to refresh, heal, and strengthen your body. Candle light, Sunlight , and Moonlight Contemplations 
If you are unable to locate the North Star, you may practice the exercise 
using a candle. You may also use the sun or the moon as the source of the 
golden light which you wish to absorb into your body. But you should take 
into consideration the facts that the sun may be too hot and the moon may be 
too cold. You can start using the Candlelight, Sunlight, and Moonlight 
Contemplations to heal your self today, whereas the Meridian Meditation 
may take several months to learn. The contemplations may be done in the early mornings, just before 
sunset, or on a cold day. I. Look at a candle or the source of light. 2. Close you eyes and bring the light into your head. Feel your head 
fill with golden light. 3. Then, feel the light gradually fill your neck, shoulders, trunk, and 
entire body. NOTE A: When performing the Candlelight or Moonlight Contem­
plations, face north and sit in a comfortable position. Do not face 
north when you do the Sunlight Contemplation and do not sit in the 
sun for longer than 10 minutes, as sunlight is strong and the earth's 
magnetic force flows from north to south. NOTE B: The candle is the best source of light. It is best not to 
substitute a candle with an electric light bulb. NOTE C: If some blockage comes in when you do the contemplation, 
open your eyes, gaze at the candle, and start over again. Do so until 
you can fill your entire body with transparent light. If someone sees 
you, he or she will think light is projecting out from your body. When 
you get proficient at filling your body with light, you may see some 
dark places which are not filled by light. These are diseased areas 
which can be healed if you work on them by filling them with light. Concentration Exercise 
To make one's way through life successfully, one must train one's mind 
184 Tao ist Medit ative , Contem plative , and Breathing Exercises 
to make proper use of its powers. How often have you heard or read that 
concentration is the main reason why some people are able to do everything 
well? The ancient Taoists were very aware of the connection between 
concentration and betterment, so they created the Concentration Exercise 
to strengthen the powers of concentration. The exercise is done by concentrating on one of three points of focus: the 
point called Ying Tang (located on the forehead between the eyebrow s, or 
at the level of the third eye), the point called Shan Chung (located at the 
thymus gland), and the point called Chi Hai (located I 1/2 inches below the 
navel). You may use the figure below to find the points, or you may locate 
the points on an acupuncture chart. (If you choose the latter alternati ve, 
look for points #17 and #6 on the Jen-Mo meridian. However, you will 
not find the equivalent of point Ying Tang on the chart because that point is 
an extra point on the Jen-Mo meridian.) Sometimes the three points are 
called, from top to bottom, the upper Tan Tien, middle Tan Tien , and lower 
Tan Tien. Figure 97 . The Ying Tang, Shan Chung, and Chi Hai points. 185 Taoist Medit ative , Contem plative, and Breathing Exe rcises 
This exercise may be done in the prone, sitting, or standing position 
whenever you have a quiet period of time to yourself. 1. You may begin by sitting with your legs crossed on a flat surface. 2. Now concentr ate on one of the three points illustrated in figure 97. The point most often selected for this purpose is point Chi Hai. Concentrate by thinking only of this point and by removing any extra 
thoughts. Concent rate until heat is felt at that point. 3. Once you are able to feel the heat, discontinue and forget the 
exercise. You have succeeded in accomplishing this difficult exer­
cise, and you may apply your concentrative abilities to other areas of 
your life: 
NOTE: Do not be discouraged if the first few trials yield no results. This is a difficult exercise, and it may take several weeks before heat 
can be felt by some people. But once you feel the heat, you should 
forget about the exercise. Continuing to do the exercise to experience 
the sensations can cause serious damages. The difficulty of this exercise is shown by the many mental aids people 
use to help themselves concentr ate. Some recommend combining the 
exercise with breathing exercises-then air may be visualized to travel to 
the point of focus to heat the area. Others recommend manipulating the 
point or visualizing frres burning at the point. But once they have surpassed 
the difficulty and experienced the heat , their hearts will be filled with 
elation. Unfortunately, this feeling of elation buries some people, especially the 
superstitious and uneducated, in self-conceit and encoura ges them to abuse 
the exercise. What is just a simple metabolic reaction in the body (concen­
trating on a point brings more circulation to the point of focus, and 
heightened activity in that area causes the sensations of warmth) is thought 
to be a working of the gods or a generation of godlike powers. Being able to 
achieve such a sensation boosted these people's egos tremendously. Unfortunately, opportunistic cult leaders saw in this way of thinking an 
opportunity to control the simple-minded masses, so they created a varia­
tion of the original exercise. This variation encourages constant concentra ­
tion to generate heat (energy) in the navel area and constant concentra tion 
to send that energy directly to any comer of the body . By teaching this 
exercise to unsuspecting people, cult leaders were able to generate a large 
186 Tao ist Medit ative , Contemplative, and Breathing F.xercises 
following. Their followers were told that constant and ritualized use of this 
exercise, and only this exercise, gave them godly powers that could 
immediately make them impervious to all lethal weapons and all diseases 
and make them great and immortal at the same time. So whenever the 
followers needed a psychological lift, they would generate some heat in the 
abdomen and then use their minds to send the heat (energy) directly from 
the abdomen to the sexual organs or any other place in the body at will, in 
order to become "holy", to feel elated or energitic, or become "immor­
tal'' (even though they had no idea what the characteri stics of energy 
were). As a result many died from the lack of proper medical care, mental 
and physical illnesses (caused by misguided interference with the delicate 
workings of the body), robbing raids led by cult leaders (the followers were 
beholden to their leaders for making them immortal, so they willingly did 
what their leaders demanded), rebellions (also led by cult leaders), and 
executio ns (in the hands of the local magistrates). By researching the historical records, one can trace the development of a 
simple exercise into a cause of widespread chaos and mental illness among 
the poor and illiterate. These records show that the altered form of the 
exercise causes loss of appetite, hallucinations, uncontrolled shaking and 
trembling of the entire body (nerve damage), impotence, infertility, 
accelerated aging, cancers, schizophrenia, and moral corruption (incests, 
promiscuity, murders, and so on). The cult members were like walking 
time-bombs , and because their conditions were incurable, the local magis­
trates were required by law to execute them. The powerful mind, like a nuclear bomb, must be handled carefully. Over-concen tration can lead to imbalance. Since Taoism stresses that 
balance is the key to mental and physical health, anything that is overused 
is capable of causing imbalance and is therefore distinct from true Taoism. True Taoists teach that the Concen tration Exercise is learned in two steps: 
I. CONCENTRATING 
2. FORGETIING 
You are probably already familiar with such a process. For instance, when 
you first learned how to ride a bicycle, you had to concen trate very hard to 
balance yourself, otherw ise an accident would occur. Then, when your 
riding skills improved so much that you rode as if you were walking, you 
naturally forgot to concen trate; otherw ise, mulling over every movement at 
that advanced stage would cause a big accident. 187 Taoist Medita tive , Contempl ative , and Breathing Exe rcises 
BREATHING EXERC ISES 
There are many kinds of breathing besides the regular, in/out breathing 
of normal, everyday life. One of these-the Crane breathing-has been 
explained earlier. Other techniques include the following exercises. All of 
these exercises bring about a myriad of health benefits , including the ability 
to last 50% longer during deman ding physical performance s such as ballet, 
gymnastic s, etc. The Reverse Crane I 
This exercise allows thorough gaseous exchange to take place in the lung 
and stomach tissues because it passes the air slowly throughout the lungs 
and stomach. Such thorough exchanges of oxygen and carbon dioxide 
usually do not occur with the regular method of breathing. This exercise may be practiced in the mornings or evenings while 
standing, sitting, or while assuming a prone position. I. Begin by exhaling slowly. As you do this, pull the stomach in so 
that air is pushed out of the stomach and the lungs. You want to 
imagine that every drop of air is leaving the stomach and lungs. 2. After you exhale comple tely, begin to inhale slowly and extend 
the lungs outward so that your chest expands in all directio ns. Try not 
to allow the stomach to expand-pull it in tightly. You want to use 
only the muscles in the chest while doing the first half of this exercise. 3. When the lungs are full, hold your breath for a while, to prevent 
the air from escaping from or entering into the lungs, and to allow full 
gaseous exchange to take place. 4. Next, slowly pull your chest in to contract the lungs. As you do so, 
slowly push out your stomach so that it become s like a balloon . This 
series of actions pushes the air out of the lungs and into the stomach. 5. After retaining the air in the abdomen for a while, slowly contract 
the stomach and let the air out directly from the mouth. At first the 
exercise may be difficult to do. but with continued practice, you will 
be able to fill and empty the abdomen quite easily. 6. One complete inhale followed by an exhale comprises one round 
of breathing. At first, you will only be able to perform two or three 
188 Taoist Medita tive, Contem plative, and Breathing Exercises 
a. b. 
c. d. 
Figures 98a-98d. Reverse Crane I. 189 Taoist Medit ative , Contempl ative , and Breathing Exercises 
rounds of breathing at one sitting. Eventually you want to perform 
twelve rounds. Always remember to do the exercise slowly. NOTE: Women are cautioned not to perform this exercise during 
pregnancy as the in/out motions of the abdomen may create un­
pleasant feelings within the abdomen. Besides allowing full oxygenation and invigoration of the bodily tissues, 
this exercise also tones abdominal tissues and enlarges the chest. It also 
encourages deeper regular breathing and full elimina tion of stagnant gases 
that are often retained in the lower portion of the lungs. The Reverse Crane II 
This exercise differs slightly from the first in these repects : the air is drawn 
into the upper portion of the lungs and later held in the stomach for as long 
as possible before it is exhaled. This exercise may be done in any position, at any time of day. I. Begin exhaling slowly by pulling in the stomach muscles. Use the 
stomach and diaphragm to squeeze every bit of air out of the stomach 
and lungs. 2. After you exhale completel y, begin to inhale slowly to expand and 
fill the entire upper portion of the lungs. Keep the stomach in -you 
want to use only the muscles of the upper lungs. 3. When the upper portion of the lungs is full, hold your breath a 
while to prevent air from escaping and to allow full gaseous exchange 
to take place. 4. Now slowly pull the chest in to contract the lungs. Squeeze the air 
out of the lungs and into the stomach. As you do so expand the 
stomach slightly to accommodate the inflow of air. 5. Hold the air in the stomach for as long as possible . Then slowly let 
the air out the stomach. Exhale it directly to the outside. 6. One complet e inhale followed by a complete exhal e comprises 
one round of breathing. You may do as many rounds as you wish, but 
you snould not carry it to an excess. NOTE: At first you may not be able to hold the air inside the stomach 
very long. But with practice, you will be able to hold the air for a long 
190 Taoist Medita tive , Contempl ative, and Breathing Exercises 
time. Also, when you do the exercise, try to decelerate the inhalations 
and exhalations so that the stream of air will not even stir the hairs of 
the nostrils. These techniques will make you appear calm and strong 
through any rigorous activity, since you will not need to hyperventi­
late for air. Using this technique during strenuous external exercise will improve 
your performance by as much as fifty percent . It supplies the body with all 
the oxygen and energy it needs throughout any rigorous performance as it 
eliminates the signs of hyperventilation, beautifying any performance 
tremendo usly. So the person who uses this technique will not tire easily, 
even after hours of non-stop activity. For these reasons, the breathing 
technique was adopted by the Oslo Ballet School in Norway. Gymna sts 
who have adopted this technique experienced a tremendous improvement 
in their perform ance. Research done on the effects of the technique upon 
athletes during their routines showed that their lasting power increased by 
as much as 50%. Bone Breathing 
We need a certain amount of tension to live, as the total absence of 
tension means death. However, it is a medical fact that excessive tension 
and stress cause disease, quite probably even cancer. Taoists have under­
stood for centuries that the best way to protect against disease is to give 
oneself a full body and mind relaxation at least once a day. Relaxation is of 
the utmost importance for proper healing to take place, as it helps prevent 
energy blocks caused by the build-up of tension. 1. Lie on your back with your feet slightly apart, your arms next to 
your body, and your palms turned slightly upward. Allow the floor or 
bed to support the weight of your body rather than using your muscles 
to hold you up. Keep your eyes closed and let your breathing become 
regular. 2. As you inhale, feel the fresh, clean air and energy and vitality 
enter into and penetrate your entire body. 3. As you exhale, feel all the toxins and stale air leave your body. 4. Now begin to feel, as you inhale, the air as it comes in through 
your toes, flows up through the bones of your leg, and enters into your 
chest. 191 Tao ist Medit ative, Contempl ativ e, and Breathing Exercises 
Figure 99. Bone Brea thing. 5. As you breathe out, imagin e feeling the air descend through the 
chest, pass through your leg and out through the toes of your foot. 6. Repeat steps 5 and 6 for a total of three times with each leg. 7. Now imagine feeling the air come up through you r hands and anns 
and enter into your chest and head. 8. On the exhale , follow the air back down through your ann and out 
throu gh your hand. 9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 for a total of three times with each ann. NOTE A: Once you have mastered the indi vidual movem ents , you 
may com bine the flow of the breath through both anns and legs 
simultaneously . NOTE B: If it is not practical to assume a prone posit ion (at work or 
traveling, for example ), then close your eyes and practice the exercise 
in a sitting position with your spine as straight as possible , and your 
arms and legs in a relaxed and comf ortable posi tion . After completing the Bone Breathing exercise, your mind and body will 
feel completely rested and relaxed, and you will feel refreshed and ready to 
begin your work anew. Energizing and Relaxing Breathing Exercises 
Bodily energy is divided into Yin energy and Yang energy. Yin energy is 
negative, calm, and seda tive in nature. Yang energy is positive , stimula­
tive, and tonic. These energies are rela ted to sympathet ic and parasympathetic nerv ous 
192 Taoist Medit ative, Contempl ativ e , and Breathing Exercises 
impulses and ion generation. When the sympathe tic nervous system is 
activated, Yang energy increases. With its increase, blood pressure, heart­
beat, breathing, sexual desire. etc. increase. Meanwhile, the body also 
generates positive ions. Because of the rise in positive ion levels, people 
expe rience headaches, hypertension, stress, tension, and so on. In con­
trast, when Yin energy increases, negative ions are generated. Together 
these stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, resulting in decreased 
blood pressure , slower heartbeat and breathing, decreased sexual desire, 
and so on. Excessive Yin energy results in drowsiness, depression, sad­
ness, weakness, etc. Hence, the human body is an ion generator that generates both positive 
and negative ions. But it must generate these ions in a balanced manner, 
otherwise daily living will be uncomfortable. How does one adjust or balance Yin and Yang energies? Simply by breathing. Heavy or lengthy inhalation generates Yang ener­
gy, heavy or lengthy exhalation generates Yin energy, and holding one's 
breath balances both energies. So whenever you need a lift anytime, 
anywhere , you may inhale for fifteen seconds or fifteen counts, hold the 
breath for ten counts, and then exhale for five counts. To relax yourself 
anytime, anywhere, inhale for five counts, hold the breath for ten counts, 
and then exhale for fifteen counts. With these techniques, you can maintain 
a positive or calm demeanor in any negative situation. You are also free to 
extend the length of the inhalations or exhalations. Brain Cleansing Exercises 
The Brain Cleansing Exercises utilize the Turtle, Deer, and Crane 
brea thing techniques to form the founda tion upon which rests the Immortal 
Breath ing. Without a firm foundation one cannot build a secure house 
which will be safe from the winds of disease and negative mental attitude s. 
So before begin ning any of the breathing techniqu es, it is nece ssary to have 
practiced and to become profic ient in com bining the Deer, Crane , and 
Turtle Exer cises. We need to learn to relax not only the body, but also the mind . Our minds 
are hosts to tremendous amo unts of unnecessa ry worry which produces 
undue tension and stress and may lead to acute and chronic diseases . The 
Brain Cleansing Breath ing is a basic heal ing techniqu e which works to 
wash away stress from within our minds . Negati ve thoughts are large 
obstac les which prevent heal ing from occurring within our system. Taoism 
193 Taoist Medita tive , Contempl ative , and Breathing Exercises 
holds that an idea or thought is reality. Thus a negative thought cultivates a 
negative condition within our physical bodies. By practicing the Brain 
Cleansing Exercises we gain a tool to empty the mind of all its useless 
thoughts, and bring it to a balanced state. If the mind is completely 
balanced , so also will be the body. If you feel sick, this is an imbalance, but 
even if you feel well, this too is an imbalance. Taoism asks one to feel 
nothing to either extreme but just to act natur ally in the mi ddle way. We 
must awaken to our native condition and become empty to the point where 
there is neither positive nor negative, neither hate nor love-just an 
openness. Thus we become something great and at peace with ourselves. Emp ty yourself of everyt hing. Let the mind rest at peace . The ten thousand things rise and fall while the Self watches their 
return . They grow and flourish and then return to the sour ce. Returning to the source is still ness, which is the way of nature. The way of nature is unchang ing. Knowing constanc y is insigh t. 
Not knowing constanc y Leads to disaste r. 
Knowin g const ancy , the mind is open. With an open mind, you will be openhear ted. Being openhearted, you will act royally . Being roya l, you will attain the divin e. 
Bein g divine , you will be at one with the Tao. Being at one with the Tao is eter nal. And though the bod y dies , the Tao will nev er pass away. Tao Te Ching XVI 
BRAIN CLEANSING I 
Negative thoughts are large obstacles which prevent healing from occur­
ring within the body. The Brain Cleansing I exercise helps to train the mind 
to become empty of negativities and to help it take on divine qualities. It 
will help one come into hannony with the natural laws of the universe, by 
enabling one to cast out the limiting concepts of wrong thinking and death 
and find the Tao, where there are no "isms" or dualistic thoughts, no" 
desires, no diseases, but only complete peace. I. Begin the Brain Cleansing I breathing exercise by assuming the 
Turtle sitting position. Sit with the back erect and with the hands 
194 Taoist Medit ative , Contem plative , and Breathing Exercises 
resting lightly on the knees. Clasp the thumbs securely between the 
fingers. In this manner you hold onto the energy in your hands so that 
it re-circula tes back into the anns. Allow the eyes to remain closed 
throughout the exercise . 2. Now exhale all of the air from your lungs (without straining) as 
you assume the Turtle position with the head stretching upward and 
the shoulders down. b. Figures IOOa and IOOb. Brain Cleansing I. 195 Taoist Medita tive, Contem plative , and Breathing Exercises 
3. Next, gently tilt the head backward into the second Turtle position 
and slowly begin to inhale the breath. Try to feel that as the breath 
enters into the internal chambers of your body it carries with it a 
boiling steam, fire, or white smoke, and that it slowly begins to rise 
upward from the abdomen to the head. Feel the smoke fill the head 
completely. 4. When you have completed the inhalation (without straining), then 
straighten the head and begin to exhale in the first Turtle position. Feel the smoke, steam, or fire leave the body. Feel it carry out with it 
the worries, tensions, unnecessary thoughts , dishonesty , anger, de­
pression, and ills of your mind and body. Feel the clearness and 
cleanness that is left behind. Then repeat the breathing sequence 
again as many times as you feel comfortable. However , try to main­
tain a minimum of seven inhalations and seven exhalations at each 
sitting. NOTE A: It is important to remember to keep the anal muscles 
contracted while performing the exercise as this will lock the energy 
in the upper chambers of the body and will allow the energy and the 
smoke to rise up the spine,into the brain. NOTE B: At first it may be difficult to coordinate the breathing with 
the sensations. But with determined and motivated practice, you will 
be able to clearly feel the smoke as it comes into and leaves your head. Also at first you may not be able to feel the clearness that is left 
behind, but with patient practice you will be able to develop a strong 
feeling of clarity. If the mind is clear, then your problems will be 
eighty percent eliminated. BRAIN CLEANSING II 
This exercise provides a marvelous stretch to the back, shoulders, and 
arms, as well as helping to balance your energy and relieve tension and 
fatigue from the body. It also keeps the mind alert and fresh. It is beneficial to practice the Brain Cleansing II exercise at any time 
during the day when you feel tired, such as in the morning upon rising, at 
the office, or in the evening after work. 1. This exercise is performed while in a standing position (it may also 
be practiced from a prone position while lying on your back) with the 
feet slightly apart but parallel to each other. The hands are relaxed but 
196 Tao ist Medita tive, Contem plative , and Breathing Exercises 
straight and are held at the sides of the body, and the head is in an 
upright position as in the first position of the Turtle Exercise. 2. Begin by exhaling the breath to complet ely empty the lungs. 3. Now drop the head back and begin to inhale slowly. As you 
inhale, expand the chest and bring the arms up away from the sides of 
your body so that you bring the hands together up over your head wit h 
the palms together. (Do not strain during any of these movements . If 
it is impossible to touch the hands together comfortably, simply raise 
the hands as far as they will go and stop there.) As you bring the arms 
up over the head, feel as if you are bringing in the active (yang) energy 
of the universe (or white smoke) into your lungs, body, and mind. a. b. Figures lOla and IOib. Brain Cleansing II. 197 Tao ist Medita tive , Contem plat ive, and Breathing Exercises 
4. After you have inhaled a full breath, and while still keeping the 
anns held over your head, hold the breath in, lock your anal muscles 
and relax in this pose for as long as you can wit hout strain. Feel as if 
the white smoke is coming up to comple tely penetrate every space 
inside the mind. Feel the energy circulate around within your bod y 
and your mind, knowing that it is beginning to wash away all of your 
negative thoughts . 5. Next, as you slowly begin to exhale, bring the head forward and 
separate the hands. Keeping the arms straight, move them back down 
to your sides. As your hands move in the downwar d arc, try to feel the 
passive (yin) energy from the earth (cool breezes) com e into the arms 
through your fingers. This exercise is symbolic of embracing the 
entire universe so that one achieves a feeling of oneness from uniting 
the earthly passive energy with the active, heavenly energy. As you 
continue to exhale, feel the smoke leave, leaving behind a clean and 
clear feeling. 6. When you have finished exhaling, repeat the breathi ng and ann 
movement sequence a minimum of seven times or until you feel like 
stopping. NOTE: It is refreshing to practice this exercise out of doors in the 
sunshine, gathering the fresh air into the body . As you perform the 
ann movem ents, feel as if you are reaching out to touch the clouds and 
the sky. 198 8 
Immortal Breathing: 
Small and Large 
Heavenly Cycles 
There are two special mer idians surr ounding the Seven Gla nds System . One is called the Jen- Mo Concept ion Merid ian, and the other is called the 
Tu-Mo Govern ing Mer idian . They are the only two merid ians whose 
energy flows can be cha nged . If we chang e them we will bring about 
prof ound changes in the seven glands which will immort alize our bodi es. The seven glands of the human body are responsi ble for cont rolling all of 
the bodily functions. As mentioned earl ier, they mutual ly balance and are 
interconnect ed with one anothe r. They ener gize , recharge , and help circu­
late energy in the body , and may be likened to electrical transfonners or 
generators or stor ehous es of ener gy within the human body . When the 
energy within the Seven Gla nds System is elevated to a higher frequency by 
the body , the entire body will be brought to a perf ect or spiri tual orde r. 
Before undert aking the Imm ortal Breath ing, it is necessar y that you have 
already achieved sufficient expertis e in the syst em of Internal Exer cises so 
that the body is in a balanced state of health without any serious or chronic Immortal Breath ing: Small and Large Hea venl y Cycles 
ailments. It is impossible to practice the final stages of the breathing 
exercises if there are any blockages in the meridian pathways. The Merid­
ian Meditation and the other Internal Exercises are therefore necessary 
prerequisites for opening up the meridians and preparing the body for 
receiving the Immortal Breath. The human body is an electrical system. It is capable of carrying a load of 
electricity through it only as strong as the resistance of the nerves and 
glands are to that electrical current. The stronger the body is physically , the 
greater the curre nt load of electricity it will be able to handle. Top tan-t"ien 
Middle tan-t "len 
Lowest tan-t "len . the Caul dron 
or Furnace -
-
-
-
--
--
Figure I 02. Schematic Represe ntation of the Path of Energy Flow . Immortal Breathing brings into the body very powerful levels of energy, 
and if the body is not sufficiently strong to handle it, the nerves and glands 
may "bum out" from an overload of energy. It has been said that many 
people who suffer from extreme mental conditions are that way only 
because they are unable to handle the energy levels flowing within their 
bodies. Unfortunately, if one experien ces excessively high levels of energy 
over too long a period of time, irreversible damage may be done to the 
body. Do not. therefore. regard the Immortal Breathing lightl y. 200 Immortal Breath ing: Small and Large Heavenl y Cycles 
However, if you have followed the steps of the Internal Exercises and 
meditations conscientiously and have practiced the Crane, Turtle, and Deer 
Exercises so that you are proficient in them, you will be ready to begin the 
Immortal Breathing (the Immortal Breathing exercises are extensions of 
the Deer at a very, very elevated level). This is the fina l stage of the Taoist system of Internal Exercises. Mastery 
of Immortal Breathing may require from one year to a lifetime of diligent 
practice. Letting the body raise its energy levels to higher frequencies is not 
something to be rushed. Promising miracles for a minimum of effort and 
time is a sin, for many lives can be ruined permanen tly, or "disintegrated 
into evil' ' . However, if impatience can be overcome , the rewards are indescribable. The spiritual eye of the practitioner is fully awakened, and he or she is 
raised to the level of the Hsien , or wise and immortal person. The Hsien is 
one who knows the secrets of the universe by being in complet e union with 
the Tao, or God , exists perpetually, and has the power of the universe at his 
or her disposal. Is this not the true desire which lies in the hearts of all men? God has put this desire for spirituality in mao-no other organism in the 
universe is so gifted-so that man may one day accompany him. SMALL HEAVENLY CYCLE 
This type of breathing is often called the ''Self-Winding Wheel of the 
Law". When first practicing this type of breathing, one must use one's will 
power to initiate the cycle. However, there comes a time when the breath­
ing becomes automatic and will continue on an involuntary basis. Thus, 
once the process has been initiated, it becomes something which, in a 
manner of speaking, becomes self-winding, irreversible and beyond one's 
control. In such a way the final stage of enlightenment comes not from 
something you are doing, but comes all of its own to you. I. Sit with your spine and head held erect. 2. Grasp your thumbs inside your fingers and lay your hands lightly 
on your legs. 3. Begin to inhale slowly, without forcing your breath at any time. As you inhale , feel the breath come in through your nose and 
201 Immortal Breathin g: Small and Large Heavenl y Cycles 
descend through the Jen-Mo meridian into the abdominal cavity 
(stove) where the breath will be heated (transmuted) and energized. 4. When you have fully inhaled the breath, lock your anal sphincter 
muscles and pull your chin down onto your chest in a chin lock. These 
two movements prevent the energy from escaping the abdominal 
chamber and help to further energize the energy as it activates the 
sexual glands. Also, when you hold your breath, the blood vessels 
tend to constrict, thus raising the blood pressure. The chin lock helps 
to reverse this process and restore an equilibrium to the body. 5. With your breath held, and the anal and chin locks in place, begin 
to feel the energy in the stove cauldron (abdomen) beginning to rise 
upward along the back of the spinal column or Tu-Mo meridian. 6. As the ener gy travels upward, it moves through the seven houses 
(glands) in succession, entering first into the sexual glands where it 
makes a spiraling circular movement , and then passes upward and 
through the remaining six houses in similar wheel-like movements 
(see figure 103). The wheel rotations at each house serve to energize 
the house in which it occurs, as well as transform the energy into a 
higher order to be received by the next house. In this fashion each of 
the glands serves as transformer and generator for the energy of the 
body. b. Figures 103a and 103b. Small Heavenly Cycle Sitting Pose. 202 Immortal Breat hing: Small and Large Heavenl y Cycles 
7. When the energy reaches the level of the pineal gland, allow it to 
circulate there for a moment , and then release the anal and chin locks 
and slowly exhale the breath. 8. Begin the Small Heavenly Cycle again. NOTE: At first you will want to hold the breath only for seven 
seconds, one second for each gland. As you become proficient in the 
breathing, hold the breath for longer periods of time. As the breath is 
held for longer periods, begin to make two or more loops around the 
houses for each period during which the breath is held. So the 
sequence would become : inhale the air into the abdomen through the 
Jen-Mo meridian; hold the breath and lock the chin and anal muscles; 
pass the energy up and through the Tu-Mo meridian into the sexual 
glands, adrenals, pancreas , thymus , thyroid, pituitary, and pineal 
glands, then back down the Jen-Mo, and so on until there is the need 
to exhale the breath. With practice the breath can be held for several 
minutes to several hours without feeling the need to breathe . When 
the seven houses have been sufficiently energized, the need to breathe 
disappears and one functions in a breathless state of immortality. LARGE HEAVENLY CYCLE 
The Large Heavenly Cycle, like the Small Heavenly Cycle, utilizes the 
breath and the seven basic houses (glands) of the body. The difference 
between the two techniques is that the Large Heavenly Cycle allows the 
energy to travel down the meridians of the legs and arms in addition to the 
central axial chamber of the body. I. Begin in a seated po sition with the spine and head held erect. 2. Inhale the breath and allow it to pass through the Jen-Mo meridian 
in the front of the body to the abdominal cauldron (stove) where it will 
be fired up and energized. 3. After a full inhalation, perfonn the chin and anal lock, hold the 
breath, and allow the energy to circulate through the seven houses as 
described in the Small Heavenly Cycle. 203 Immor tal Breat hing: Small and Large Heavenl y Cycles 
4. When the energy has reached the pineal gland, allow it to descend 
again down the Jen-Mo meridian into the legs through the stomach, 
bladder, and gallbladder meridia ns which lie along the outside of the 
legs. 5. When the energy has reached your toes, bring it back up your legs 
through the spleen-pancreas , kidney, and liver meridians which lie 
along the inside of the legs. 6. Circula te the energy back up the spine along the Tu-Mo meridian 
and then allow it to descend down the arms through the lung, heart, 
and Heart Constrictor meridians which lie along the inside of each 
arm. 7. When the energy has reached the finger tips, allow the energy to 
pass back up the arms through the large intestine, small intestine, and 
Triple Heater meridians and bri ng it back into the Jen-Mo meridian 
and down to the abdominal cauldron . 8. This completes one Large Heavenly Cycle. You may now exhale 
the breath or continue to perform the brea thing cycle until you feel the 
need to exhale the breath. NOTE: At the beginning of your practice, hold your breath for seven 
seconds while feeling the energy around your body . With increased 
proficiency , increase the time to five minutes or more and perform as 
many rotations of the large cycle as possible, always ending the 
breath with the energy in the abdominal cauldron . You may eventual ly reach the point where there is no need felt to inha le 
or exhale. It is at this level that the cells of the body have been transmut ed 
through an alchemical process to where they are able to exist only on the 
energy which circulates throughout the universe, rather than on the grosser 
need for oxygen which is presently felt. It is at this point that the • 'normal'' 
laws of time and space no longer bind the individual to this body or earth , 
and one has entered into the eternal nature of the universe . 204 PART IV 
GANEW: 
FINDING PROBLEM S, 
SOLVING PROBLEMS 9 
Taoist Healing 
Prescriptions 
The Internal Exercises may be divided into four distinct categor ies: I) 
general and regular health maintenance exercises; 2) specific healing 
exercises for individual organs or parts of the body ; 3) breath ing exercises ; 
and 4) meditative and contemplative techniques . In ad dition , there are 
healing prescriptions which combin e several of the Internal Exercise tech­
niques and are used when treating a specific disease or ailment. The general health maintenan ce exer cises are to be prac ticed on a daily 
basis for a minimum of three months.Then one should continue to practice 
the Deer, Crane, and Turtle daily, and use the other exer cises on a schedule 
of alternate days or weeks so as to build the body to its max imum level of 
health. After about three months one should be able to feel the flow of 
energy in the body as one practices these exer cises. When one can perceive 
this subtle flow of energy or life force (Chi) within the body , then it will be 
time to begin practic ing the Mer idia n Meditation techn iques . To properly 
learn the contemplative exer cises takes between one and ten years . Taoist Healing Prescri ptions 
Develop patience in your practice and you will escape ' 'Disintegration into 
Evil'' and be rewarded generously. Practicing the Taoist Internal Exercises 
is like venturing into a dark cave and discovering a treasure which has been 
lying there for years awaiting its discovery. Upon returning to the sunlight, 
that treasure will sparkle magnificently. The treasure is your health and the 
Taoists feel that perfect health is our birthright. You may find from time to time that you will go through periods when 
you are unable to perform your exercises (because of location, family 
crisis, etc.) If you have become genuinely interested and are able to see the 
benefits you will have accrued from doing the Internal Exer cises up to that 
point, have faith that you will return and begin again where you left off. The Internal Exercise system is to be practiced throughout your lifetime. Therefore, minor periods when one does not practice them will be insignifi­
cant if one follows them for the bulk of one's lifetime. The constitutions of some people upon beginning the Internal Exercises 
may be very weak, or there may be chronic problems which have been 
developing over the years. Even if one practices the exercises, whether 
because of poor diet or an excess of stress in one's daily life or through 
injury, one may acquire diseases or problems of health, such as heart 
disease, obesity, or lower back pain. Included in the system of Internal 
Exercises, therefore, are techniques designed to deal with specific prob­
lems of the body. These are prescribed on an individual level, and are to be 
practiced until the disease, pain, or problem disappears entirely. They are 
to be practiced in conjunction with the other general health maintenance 
exerc1ses. Included in this chapter are also healing prescriptions or combinations of 
several Internal Exercises which, when practiced together, aid the natural 
healing processes in certain states of discomfort or disease, such as mi­
graine headaches, high blood pressure, or hemorrhoids. General Health Maintenance Schedule 
Upon w aking in the morn ing: 
Toe Wiggling and Body Stret chin g 
Internal Organ Relaxation 
Head Rubbing Exerc ise 
Eye Exerc ises 
Nose Exercise 
Beating the Heavenly Drum 
208 Taoist Healing Prescri ptions 
Mouth Exercis es 
Face Rubbing Exerc ise 
Kidney Exercis e 
Liver Exerc ise 
Sola r Plexus Exer cise 
Mer idia n Massage 
Deer Exerc ise 
Crane Exercis e 
Turtle Exe rcis e 
Regular Health Maintenance 
To be done daily throughout one's life: 
Five Ani mal Exer cises 
Eight Directional Exerc ises 
Twelve Zodia c Exer cises 
Twe lve Nerve Exer cises 
Meditation 
Upon feeling the subtle ener gy flow in the body , one may begin practicing 
the meditation : 
Meridian Medita tion 
Only after masteri ng the Mer idia n Meditation shou ld one begin to 
practice the Immortal Breath ing techniqu es. Specific Healing Exercises 
These may be practic ed in conjunction with the general health mai ntenance 
exerc ises or just for corr ecting spec ific ailments . Weight Reduction Exer cise 
Lower Back Exer cises 
Stomac h Healing Exerci se 
Heart Exerc ises 
Abd ominal Strength ening Exer cise 
Lung Exer cise 
Lower Body and Sexual Gla nds Exercis e 
Tec hniques for Relieving Pain 
Hand , Arm, and Upper Body Exer cises 
209 Taoi.ft Healing Prescriptions 
Sun Worship Exercise 
Eye Exercises 
Internal Organ Relaxation 
Relaxation exercises 
Breathing Exercises Include: 
Crane Exercise 
Heart Healing Exercise 
Reverse Crane I 
Reverse Crane II 
Bone Breathing 
Brain Cleansing I 
Brain Cleansing II 
Imm ortal Breathing: 
Small Heav enly Cycle 
Large Hea venly Cycle 
HEALING PRESCRIPTIONS 
Arthritis, Rheumati sm, Bursitis , Tennis Elbow: 
Turtle 
Crane 
Deer 
Ann stimula ting exerc ises (for tennis elbow , rub until you feel the 
ann become hot around the elbo w-f eel the heat in the elbow) 
Leg stimula ting exerc ises 
Ann and Hand Pressing Exercise (for bursitis or arthri tis in 
anns or han ds) 
Tec hniques for Relievin g Pain 
Asthma: 
Crane , Turtle , Dee r-al l practiced together 
Lung Exercise 
Liver Exerc ise (soothes and stre ngthe ns the nerve s) 
210 Taoist Healing Prescriptions 
Back Pain: 
Lower Back Exercises 
Kidney Exercise 
Beauty and Fitn ess (rejuvenation) 
Deer, Crane, Turtle 
Eye Exercises (for wrinkles) 
Gum Pressure Exercise 
Tongue and Saliva Exercise 
Beating the Heavenly Drum 
Teeth Clicking Exercise 
Weight Reduction Exercise 
Solar Plexus Exercise 
Head Rubbing Exercise 
Breathing exercises 
Blood Press ure- High: 
Crane, Turtle (avoid Deer until pressure falls to normal) 
Brain Cleansing I 
Toe wiggling exercise 
Blood Pressure-Low: 
Deer, Turtle (avoid Crane until pressure comes up) 
Brain Cleansing II 
Toe wiggling exercise 
Bronchitis (throat pains): 
Lung exercises 
Meridian Massage (especially downwa rd along lung meridian) 
Solar Plexus Exercise 
Cancer, 
Bone: 
Kidney Exercise 
Lower Back Exercises 
Liver Exercise 
211 Taoist Healing Prescri ptions 
Prev ention : 
Crane , Turt le, Deer 
Ann stimula ting exer cises 
Knea ding shoulder muscles (releases tensi on and stress and opens 
meridians which may be blocked) 
CelluUte: 
Leg stimulating exer cises (rub downward on outside only) 
Lower Body and Sexual Gla nds Exerc ise 
Common Cold (sneezing, coughing, sinus headache): 
Internal Organ Relaxation (brings blood into head and lungs to fight 
head cold) 
Nose Exercis e (for sinus) 
Head Rubbi ng Exercise (pressing points behind head for headache 
and tension) 
Pressing on either side of the throat on stomach meridian points (this 
may cause you to cough at first , but it will eventually stop the 
coughing) 
Meridian Massage (rubbing downward along the lung meridian for 
temporary relief of cold symptoms and lung congestion) 
Concentration Problems: 
Five Anima l Exerc ises 
Concentration Exerc ise 
Constipation: 
Crane brea thin g 
Solar Plexus Exerc ise 
Twelve Zodia c Exercis es 
Diabetes: 
Liver and pancreas rubbing exerc ise 
Leg stimulating exercises (espe cially upward rubbing on the inside of 
the leg to bring energy into the body) 
Deer Exerc ise 
212 Taoist Healing Prescriptions 
Tongue and Saliva Exercise (for relief of symptoms of thirst caused 
by diabetes) 
Diarrhea: 
Deer 
Leg stimulating exercises (upward rubbing on inside of leg only) 
Solar Plexus Exer cise 
Dizziness (vertigo, nerve imbalance): 
Bone Breathing 
Ear Exercise 
Brain Cleansing ll 
Turtle, Crane 
Emphysema: 
See Asthma 
Eye Problems (glaucoma, cataract, near-and far-sightedness, etc. ): 
Eye Exercises 
Female Problems: 
Deer 
Kidney Exercise 
Leg stimulating exercise (on the inside of legs only) 
Sola r Plexus Exer cise 
Headache: 
Bone Breathing 
Eye Exercises 
Nose Exercise 
Standing Crane 
Brain Clea nsin g II 
Head Rubbing Exercise (rub points behind head) 
Hearing Problems: 
Ear Exercise 
213 Taoist Hea ling Prescri ptions 
Heart Problems: 
Heart Exercises 
Hepatitis Oiver problems): 
Liver Exercise 
Hemorrhoi ds: 
Deer Exercise (squeezing anal muscles) 
Sun Worship Exercise 
Impotence (premature ejaculation): 
Deer 
Brain Cleansing I 
Sexual gland exercise 
Insomnia 
Toe wiggling exercise 
Crane breathing 
Bone Breathing 
Solar Plexus Exercise 
Kidney Problems: 
Kidney Exercise 
Deer 
Leg stimulating exercis e (upward on the inside only) 
Menstrual Problems: 
See Female Problems 
Nerve Problems (numbn ess and paralysis): 
See also Liver Problems 
Crane, Deer, Turtle 
Liver Exercise 
Rubbing local area until warm to bring in fresh blood and energy 
Twelve Nerve Exercises 
214 Taoist H�aling Prescriptio ns 
Obesity: 
Weight Reduction Exercise 
Solar Plexus Exercise 
Overaci dity: 
Crane 
Liver Exercis e (calms and balances stomach) 
Pneumo nia: 
Crane breathing (to help rest lungs, very slowly) 
Rubbing downwar d along lung meridian (for temporary relief) 
Prostate Problems: 
Deer 
Refreshing Yourse lf: 
Five Animal Exer cises 
Eight Directional Exercises 
Twelve Nerve Exercises 
Deer, Crane, Turtle 
Reverse Crane I 
Reverse Crane II 
Bone Breathing 
Energizing and Relaxing Breathing Exercises 
Internal Organ Relaxation 
Eye Exercises 
Sciat ica: 
Leg stimulating exercise 
Lower Back Exercises 
Lower Body and Sexual Glands Exercise 
Stomach Problems (ulcers , pain, vomiti ng): 
See also Diarrhea 
Crane 
Solar Plexus Exercise 
215 Taoist Healing Prescri ptions 
Stomach Healing Exercise 
Stomach Problems (nausea from hypoglycemia ): 
Liver Exercise 
Rubbing across pancreas 
Tennis Elbow : 
See Arthritis 
Teeth and Gum Prob lems: 
Mouth Exercises 
Thyroid Problems: 
Thyroid Exercise 
Tonsilitis: 
Turtle 
Throat rubbing 
Tuberculosis: 
Crane 
Coughing complications: 
Rubbing down inside of anns 
Throat rubbing 
Sweating complications: 
Toe wiggling exercise (calming) 
Diarrhea complications: 
Solar Plexus Exercise 
Crane, Deer 
Ulcer: 
See Stomach Problems and Nerve Problems 
216 Taoist Healing Prescriptions 
Vomiting : 
Crane 
Stomach exercises 
All illnesses: 
Five Ani mal Exer cises 
Eight Directiona l Exer cises 
Twe lve Zod iac Exer cises 
Twe lve Nerve Exer cises Conclusion 
When thinking about integrating the system of Internal Exercises (or the 
Tao of Revitalization) into our daily lives, it is important to keep in mind 
the ancient Taoist proverb which states simply: ulf you do external ex­
ercises, you must do internal exercises''. External exercises expend energy 
without replacing it, and therefore we feel a need to rest after strenuous 
physical activity. On the other hand, Internal Exercises work to conserve 
and build up our energy. The proverb continues: ''If you do internal 
exercises , you may forget to practice external exercises' '-because one 
benefits complet ely through the practice of Internal Exercises. This is not to imply that one should not practice external exercises such 
as tennis, running , or golf. The Taoists were only recognizing the fact that, 
by themselves, external exercises are incomplete and need to be balanced 
by the addition of these simple techniques for rebalancing and supplanting 
the loss of energy incurred through external exercises. The Internal Exercises energize, train, and strengthen the internal organs 
and tissues so they may become strong and healthy . When the internal body 
and mind is strong, we will lack the opportu nity to become diseased. The 
beauty of the Internal Exercises is that they are very easy to practice . No 
matter where you are or what time it is, it is possible to practice these simple 
techniques: when you are driving along in your car, do the Deer Exercise by 
squeezing the sphi ncter muscles. Nothing could be s impler or easier to 
practice; no special equipment is needed and no one else need know what 
you are doing! In addition, Internal Exercises encoura ge the circulatory system without Conclusion 
speeding up the heart rate. All the exercises are done slowly, without 
effort. You see, the number of times our heart beats during our lifetime 
indicates the length of our life. We do not want the heart to wear out 
prematur ely. The heart rate does not increase during the practice of these 
exercises and, yet, through their practice the heart rate actually slows 
down. We are therefore able to increase our life expectancy as the ancient 
Taoists wished. Oftentimes, people who practice external exercises become involved in 
a subtle, yet destructive cycle. External exercises work to train the muscu­
lar system. Vigorous exercise often stimulates the appetite and the person 
in training ends up eating more than he or she would otherwise. All goes 
well until the person stops exercising, and then all the muscles which have 
been built up tum to fatty tissues. This does not occur through the practice 
of the Internal Exercises . They work to control the size and tightness of the 
muscles and other tissues without encouraging the appetite. As a matter of 
fact, many report that the Turtle Exercise actually decreases their appetite. The ancient Taoists recognized that the Internal Exercises follow natural 
laws in working to fulfill their final purpose. Will power is not necessary to 
practice these exercises, for one is not interested in making impossible 
things occur, only in doing what is possible. By practicing the Internal 
Exercises, one forgets oneself and the ego becomes smaller, while the spirit 
or god within becomes larger. There are four kingdoms in the universe. The first, or Vegetable King­
dom, has no purpose other than to exist and grow; plants and one-celled 
organisms have no mind of their own. The second, or Animal Kingdom, 
has mind and soul, but lacks a spirit and therefore has no purpose other than 
to propagate itself. The third realm, the Human Kingdom, has mind, soul, 
and spirit. If we ask why man has religion, we realize that man is not 
content with his situation as it is. Animals do not seem to care about their 
situation, but man does. He has a higher purpose than merely to exist. This 
is exemplified in man's pursuit of his material life-he always wants 
something more than he has. We also have a desire to improve ourselves. Why? Because we have a spiritual need to improve ourselves into the 
Kingdom of God. To be religious means to find a way to get into the divine 
Kingdom of God-the fourth realm of this universe-to become im­
mortal. The ancient Taoists recognized this primal urge of mankind and 
through their knowledge of the natural laws perfected this system of 
Internal Exercises as a means whereby-with daily practice-man could 
realize his birthright, his divine self. The system of Internal Exercises is 
220 Conclusion 
meant to provide each of us with the opportunity to unify our bodies with 
our minds and our spiritual selves. Only then can we realize the Tao, our 
true immortality, and enter into the Kingdom of God. 221 Index 
Abdominal Strengthening Exe rcise , 144- 145, 
209 
Acid , 42 
Acupressure , 34 
Acupuncture: IS, 34, 2S; chart of, 185 
Adrenal glands , 40, 41 
Aging, 14 
Allergies, 14 
Anus : problems of, 93, 154 
Ann and Hand Press ing Exe rcise , 135-136, 
210 
Arthrit is, 135, 136, 164, 210 
Asthma, 61, 210 
Astigmati sm, see Eye, problems of 
Back Pain , 68, 145, lSI, 211 
Bear Exe rcise, 59-60 
Biorhythm: 70; cycles , 71 
Bladder: 62, 6S; merid ian, 162, 164, 178 
Blood: analysis of, 171; cells, 35; circulat ion, 
35-37 , 122; clots, 122; flow , 35, 36; pres­
sure (high), 145, 159, 163, 211; pressure 
Oow), 60, 211; sugar, 60; vessels, 37, 57 
Bone: 65; Breathing Exerc ise, 191-19 2, 210, 
211, 213, 214 , 215; cancer, 211 
Brain: 186-18 7; cells , 58, 113; 
Cleansing I, 194-196 , 210, 211, 214 ; 
Cleansing II, 196-19 8, 210, 211, 213 
Breast: cancer, 98 
Bronchit is, 211 
Bursit is, 135, 136, 164 , 210 
Candlelight Contemplation , 184 
Cme l, Alexis, 72 
Cataract , see Eye, problems of 
Cellulit e, 212 
Colon: 144; cancer, 154 
Co mmo n Cold , 138, 212 
Concentration: Exe rcise, 184-187, 212 ; problems of 212 
Constipa tion , 71, 110, 144, 212 
Coughing , see Lungs, coughing 
Cramps , 94, 156 
Crane Exe rcise: 37, 4S, 100-IO S, 115-116, 
127' 209, 210, 211' 212 , 213 , 214, 215, 
216 , 217 ; digestive problems , 102; respira­
tory probl ems, 102-103; Standing Crane, 
106-10 7 
Deafness, see ED1', probkms of 
Deer Exerc ise: 43, 45, IIS-116, 209, 
210 , 211, 212 , 213 , 214, 215, 216; 
estrogen production , 94; Female, 93-99; 
impotence , 93; Male , 87-93 ; menstrualion, 
94-95 ; premature ejacula tion , 93; Prone, 
99- 100 ; self -determination, 87 
�. ·"·�.. Dhann a, 79-80 
... Diabetes , 60, 212 
Diarrhea, 110, 144, 213 
Digesti on, 66, 159 
Digestive syst em, 68 
Disi ntegration into Evil, 92, 201 
Diverti culitis , 102 
Dragon Exe rcise, 43 , 44-58 
.._ Eagle Exe rcise , 61-62 
222 "' Ear: Exe rcise, 128-130, 208, 211, 213 ; 
problems of, 129, 213 
Eight Directional Exercises , S I, 63-69, 209, 
215, 217 
Emp hysema , 61, 213 
Endocrine syst em, 42 
Endorp hins, 93 
Energy: balance of, 33, 34, 42, 70; Oow 
of, 39, 42, 52, 162, 172-174; nature of, 
30-32, 91-92; transf ormation of, 33, 34 
Energy gate, 118 
External exercises, 13, 36 Eye: 66, 151; Bxem�e�. 122-126, 208. 210 
211, 213 , 215; problems of, 122, 213 
F.:e Rubbina Bxe n:i�e, 132, 209 
Fats. 145 
Five Animal Exen:iaes . 5 I. 54-63, 209, 
212 , 215, 217 
Five Elemen t Theory, 51-54 
flatu lence , 148 
Gallbl adder: 58, 66, 67; meridian, 162, 164, 
180 
Ginaena. 24 
Glaucoma , see E�, problem of 
Gums , see Moudt 
Gymnastics, 191 
Hamsb'ings, 160 
Hand and Ann Exen:ises, 136, 209 
Head: ache, 122, 213 ; Rubbing Exen: ise, 
121-12 2, 208, 211, 212 , 213 
Heart: 57, 67, 145; attac: k, 141; beat, 36; 
Consb'ictor merid ian, 162, 165, 179; Exer­
cises, 1� 144, 209 ,210, 214 ;exhaustion, 
37; merid ian, 70, 162, 165, 177; problems 
of, 143, 214 
Hemorrho ids, 154, 214 
Hepatitis, 214 
Herbs, 23-24, 139, 171 
Hsien , 201 
Hyper-and hypog lycemia, 60, 216 
Hystuectom y,43 
Impotence , 15S, 214 
Indigestio n, 103 
Insomn ia, 71, 214 
Insulin, 40 
Internal Organ Relaxation , 1S8-160, 208, 
210, 212, 21S 
Intestines , see Large or Small 
lmtstines 
Iodine, 133 
Jeo-Mo meridi an, ISS, 199 
Kidney: 62, 1S2; Exen:ise, 1Sl-1S 2, 209, 
210, 211, 213 , 214 ; meridian, ISS, 162, 
178; problems of, 68, 214 
Kim Bong Han, 160, 161 
Kingdom: Animal , 220; God, 220-2 21; 
Human , 220; Vegetable , 220 
Kirlian photograph y. 32 Index 
..._.Tse, 14, 19 
Large Heave nly Cycle, 203-204, 210 
Large infatine: 65; meridian , 162, 165, 175 
Laxat ives, 110 
· -..... Lew is, Thomu , 161 
""" Liver: 58, 66, 67; cancer, Ill; Bxercile , 
149-1 51, 209, 210, 211, 212 , 214, 215, 
216 ; meri dian, 155, 162, 181 
Lordosos, I 52 
Lower Back Exen: ise, 152-154 , 209, 
210:211, 21S 
' Lower Body and Sexual Glands Exen:ile, 
ISS-1S7, 209, 212 , 214, 215 
Lumbago, IS2 
Lung: 6S, 68; asthma, 139; bronchial 
tubes, 139; coughing, 138; Exen:ise, 138-
144, 209, 210, 211; meridian, 162, 165, 
172-174 
Menopau se, 94 
Menstruation: problems of, 214 
Meridian: 34, 69, 160-16 3; Massage, 
160-166 , 209 , 211, 212 ; Medi lllion, 37, 
171-181, 209; Points o f Entty and Exit, 162 
Monkey Exe n:ise, 62-63 
Moonlight Contemplation, 184 
Mother and Child Law, S4-5S 
Mouth: Exm:ises, 130-13 2, 209, 211, 
213, 216 ; problems of, 130, 132,216 : llli­
va, 130-131 
Muscle , 66 
Near- and fars ightedoess, see E�. � 
lems of 
Neck: 113; pain, 134 
Nei Ching, 29, 160 
Nerve: 4S, 66, 67, 68, 71, 79, ISS; problems 
of, 214 
North Star Meditation, 182-184 
Nose: Exercises, 127-128, 208, 212, 213; 
sinus , 127 
'-.. Obesity, 107-108, 163, 21S 
Overacidit y , 148, 21S 
' 
223 Pancreas gland , 40, 41 
Pineal gland, 40-4 1, 87 
Pituitary gland , 40-4 1 
Pneumo nia, 21S 
Polyps, 154 
Prematwe ejaculati on, 155 
Prematwe labor, 95 Prostate gland: 88; cancer, 93; 
problems of, 215 
Prostatec tomy . 43 
Reverse Crane I, 188-190, 210, 211, 215 
Reverse Crane 0, 190-19 2, 210 , 211, 215 
Rheuma tism, 210 
, Ringing ears, see Ear, probknu of 
Runny nose, see Nose 
Sciatica, 21 S 
. Seven Glands System, 39-43, 87, lSI 
-..... Sex glands , 39�. 41, 42-43, 67, 199-
200 
Shoulder: pain, 68, 1 34 
Sitting position , 117-119 
Skin, 61, 6S, lSI 
Sleep: as energizer, 33-34; position , 120-
121, 139 
Slipped discs, 152 
Small Heavenly Cycle, 201 -203 , 210 
Small intestines: 57; meridian , 162, 165, 177 
Snori ng, 139 
Solar Plexus Exerc ise: 107-112,209, 211-216 
Spine: 87, 152; probl ems, 68 
Spleen -pancreas: 60, 66; meridian, 70, ISS 
162, 176 
Standing position , 119 
"' SIOmach: 60, 102; cancer, 148; Heal ing 
Exerc ise, 148-149, 209; indigestion, 148; 
meridian, 162,164, 176;pQn, 21S 
Silas, 13, 37, SO 
Sun Worship Exercise, IS4-1S S, 210, 214 
Sunlight Conlem plation, 184 
T'ai Chi Cluan , 16, 80 
Tao of Revitalization: history of, 14; u 
therap y, 16; types of, 14-15 Tao TeChing , 
19, 170, 194 
Taoism: Eight Pillan of, 19-28; symbol of 
(Pa-Kua) , 20, 64 
Techniques for Relieving Pain, 134-13 5, 
209, 210 
Tennis elbow , 135, 210, 216 
Tension ,37 
Thymus aJIDCI, 40, 41, 87 
Thyroid aJIDCI: Exemse , 133, 216 ; iodiDe, 
133; problems of 216 
naer Exen:iiC , 58-59 
Toe WilaJina and Body Stletchina , IS7-IS8, 
208, 211, 214, 216 Index 
Tooth decay , see MOUlla, probknu of 
Toxins , lSI, 157 
Triple Heater meridian, 162, 165, 179 
Tu-Mo meridian, 199 
Tuberculosis, Ill, 216 
Tui-Na , 2S 
Turtle: Exercise, 45, 113-116, 209, 210, 
211,212 ,213, 214 ,21S, 216 ;mebho6sm, 
114; nervous system, 113-114 
Twelve Ne rve Exercises, 45, 79-86 , 209, 
214, 215, 217 
Twelve Zodiac Exercises, 43, Sl, 71-79, 209 
212 , 217 
Ulcer, 215, 216 
Varicose veins, 163 
Vertigo, 213 
--.,...., Vilamin D, IS4 
'V omiting, 215, 217 
224 Walking, 120 
Watches, 70-79 
Water retention , 163,164 
Weight Reduction Exercise, 145-148, 209, 
211, 215 
Wrinkles, 133, 211 
Yellow Emperor, 14, 19
Stephen_T._Chang,_The_Complete_System_of_Self-Healing__Internal_Exercises.txt
Summarize the following text section accurately and concisely. Maintain specific details and numerical information, and use anti-repetition mechanisms:

        However, it may be perfonned during the 
daytime by simply imagining that the star is there above you. However, 
always face the North Star when you are practicing this exercise. It will 
182 Taoist Meditative, Contem plative, and Breathing Exercises 
then be easy for your body to accept and receive the electromagnetic energy 
coming from the star. I. Begin by sitting facing the North Star, which may be located by 
frrst finding the Big Dipper. 2. Use your imagination and feel the light of the North Star come 
down and meet you on the top of your head at a place called ''The 
Meeting of All Points''. This point lies at the crown of the head at a 
point equidistant between the ears. Figure 96. The ''Meeting of All Points''. _,,, 
-- '". ,,. ,,,,. "'
' 
3. Feel the energy from the ''Purple Rose'' meet your energy at this 
point, and imagine that this area of your head produces a golden fire. The meridians of your body will begin to look transparent and golden. Feel the golden light penetrate throughout your entire body and down 
to the toes. NOTE: If is often extremely difficult to practice this exercise, as you 
need complet e attention on what you are doing for it to be success ful. If your attention wanders or you are interrupted, start again. How­
ever, never force yourself to perfonn the meditation. If you are unable 
to complete it successfully, stop and come back to it another time. Eventually you will meet with success. Once you are able to complete 
the meditation and feel the golden light enter your body, you may 
discover that some places within your body will appear dark, while all 
the rest remains a golden color. The dark area within your body is a 
disease. Allow the light from the North Star to soak into this dark area 
until this place also becomes transparent and golden. Then you will be 
charged with energy and your diseases will be healed. 183 Taoist Medit ative, Contempl ative, and Breathing Exercises 
Whenever you have a disease, you may use this exercise to literally wash 
it away. It works. ''As you think, so you will be. '' You will also find that it 
helps to refresh, heal, and strengthen your body. Candle light, Sunlight, and Moonlight Contemplations 
If you are unable to locate the North Star, you may practice the exercise 
using a candle. You may also use the sun or the moon as the source of the 
golden light which you wish to absorb into your body. But you should take 
into consideration the facts that the sun may be too hot and the moon may be 
too cold. You can start using the Candlelight, Sunlight, and Moonlight 
Contemplations to heal your self today, whereas the Meridian Meditation 
may take several months to learn. The contemplations may be done in the early mornings, just before 
sunset, or on a cold day.
The text does not explicitly state the importance of facing the North Star, but it does mention that the North Star should be used as a source of energy.
What is the importance of facing the North Star during the meditation exercise?