The first method is qi(气 ).  It is written Circulate qi, collect spirit –xing qi ji shen  (行气集神).  In Chinese culture Qi is a foundational substrate to all living things.    It circulates the whole body.  In very simple terms within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), if there is a blockage, imbalance or disruption this is how you get sick, injured or die.  A person must keep their Qi circulating freely to keep healthy and strong.  Within internal martial arts the person looks to guard and improve their Qi.  They look to gather their pre-heavenly (essence from parents) and post-heavenly (food, water, air)–note this is an oversimplification of Qi and many books have been written about this deep subject.

This first method looks wants the person to learn to use their intention to circulate the Qi (beginning with the Ren and Du meridians), to build the dan tian (via water and fire cycle), and make the Qi abundant throughout their bodies; especially their 5 zang organs, 6 fu organs, and 100 meridians.   Once your Qi is abundant your Si Shou (4 extremities) will be naturally filled and expressed via hair, nails, teeth, and flesh.

Once your Qi is in abundance you can then start to work on the Shen (spirit).  The Shen is nurtured and supported by the Qi (relighting the cauldron) and vice versa.  This mutually beneficial relationship will strengthen the body, resist illness, and increase longevity.

The Shen will follow Qi.  It will follow it up into the spirit valley and with consistent practice it can be filled and opened.  It must also follow the Qi into every pour of a person’s body, every fiber and hair.  There it can be used to radiate outward and connect with the greater world.  Once it connects with the void, wondrous things become possible and viable.