What is the Dantien?
If you search for “What is the Dantien?” you will usually only find something like the following: The Dantien (also spelled Tan Tien, Tan T’ien, Dan Tien, Dantian, and tanden) is literally translated as cinnabar field, or red field. According to the ancient Chinese theories, that produced acupuncture, Qigong, etc, there are three Dantiens although the term is more often used to describe the lowest (physically) of the three.
Also known as the elixir field, the Lower Dantien is extremely important within Neijia (the Chinese Internal arts), Neigong and Qigong (Chi Kung). It is located in the abdominal cavity three finger widths below and two finger widths behind the navel and is often associated with the physical centre of gravity.
The first thing I need to cover is the nature of the Lower Dantien. As stated, most definitions only cover the location (described physically), the translation of the name and its role as a reservoir of Qi. A recently asked question (from one of my students) about what is the Dantien has prompted me to update the page and give a fuller description based on my own experience of it.
What is the Dantien – Connections and interactions
- We have 12 Classical Meridians that each has their own discrete qualities but the meridians are interconnected and constantly interact with each other.
- The same can be said of the Extraordinary Meridians (AKA the Exceptional Vessels).
- Additionally, the 12 Classical Meridians are connected to and interact with the Extraordinary Meridians.
- Each of the Extraordinary Meridians is a reservoir of Qi that feeds into the Classical meridians and is, in turn, fed by them.
There are, however, some connections that are stronger. Here are three examples: –
- The Master Points (and Coupled Points) that lie on the 12 Classical Meridians are used access (trigger a reaction in) the Extraordinary Meridians.
- The Mu Points are connected to their associated meridian, the Mu Point is not always on that meridian.
- The Shu Points all lie on Bladder meridian but are connected to all 12 Classical meridians.
So we have all of these essences overlapping, interacting and creating the overall pattern that makes us us. One of these overlaps is much stronger and we call it the Lower Dantien.
What is the Dantien – The composite Qi
There are three Extraordinary Meridians that begin at Mingmen, travel down to Ren Mai 1 and then follow along different (though still overlapping in the physical area of the lower abdomen) paths.
- Du Mai (The Governing Vessel) flows from Mingmen to Ren Mai 1 before looping back towards the coccyx and then up along the length of the spine and over the head.
- Ren Mai (The Conception Vessel) flows from Mingmen to Ren Mai 1 before continuing up along the front of the torso.
- Chong Mai (The Thrusting Vessel) flows from Mingmen to Ren Mai 1 before continuing up along a central core.
This area (physical location) that is associated with the Lower Dantien corresponds to where the overlap of these three Extraordinary Meridians is strongest. Please note that these are not the only overlaps that are occurring here but they are the most obvious for this explanation. Add Dai Mai (The Belt Vessel) to this and you have quite some mix.
Is the Lower Dantien something separate from the rest of our Qi? No, its existence is no different from that of the meridians or vessels, it is a quality created from those interactions. However, when listened to it has a defined shape, temperature, texture, etc. Just like the rest of those energetic patterns. Except in this case it seems more compact (Further exploration belies that).
When you consciously guide Qi to the Lower Dantien you are feeding, what might be described as, the controller of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians. It then sends Qi to the ones that require topping up.
What is the Dantien and what does it feel like?
This always makes me have a wry smile…………… The very first time I was aware of it, acutely aware of it, was while at work. I was driving when I became aware of an intense heat and my immediate thought was that I had a bladder infection. It was so intense that I stopped the vehicle and sat with the awareness of something the size of a baking potato slowly rotating inside me. It wasn’t long before the Qi was flowing through my entire being and I realized what it was……….. So no need for antibiotics.
That circulation / rotation is a lot smoother now as the rough shape of the old baking potato has been smoothed off and polished to something more spherical.
What is the Dantien – Awareness
There are many Qigong that can be used to gain awareness of the Lower Dantien but simplest is best……
- After practicing your Qigong, stay in Wuji and place your hands over your lower abdomen.
- Feel the warmth (part of this will be physical) building up.
- Move your hands a few inches away from your body but continue to be aware of the warmth.
- Gradually take your awareness inward.
What is the Dantien – size
In most cases, initially the Dantien appears to be about the size of a small ball (remember my baking potato) but there is a huge surprise waiting for those who explore further. Explore? Go deeper into the Qi of the Lower Dantien and it grows in size.
Does it really grow or was it always that size? This is Qi and it is not bound by our experience of the physical world. The further in you delve the more there is to experience and that “small ball” can become disconcertingly big, enveloping you. I’ll leave you to figure out what is happening………….