The Historical Position of Dao Yin
Dao Yin is the Twelve-Meridian Dao Yin Method created by the ancient Pengzu — the patriarch of all Chinese Dao Yin. In 1973, the Daoyin Tu (Illustration of Dao Yin) unearthed from the Han-dynasty Mawangdui tomb in Changsha depicted 44 postures of Dao Yin, attesting to the unbroken lineage of this practice from antiquity through the Han. The defining feature of the Pengzu Dao Yin is the mind guides the qi, the qi guides the body — the unification of intention, breath, and movement, opening the stagnation of qi throughout the meridians.
The Core Movements of Dao Yin
The Pengzu Dao Yin comprises twelve groups of movements, each corresponding to one of the twelve meridians. The Lung Meridian of Hand-Taiyin is exercised by extending the arms and opening the chest. The Large Intestine Meridian of Hand-Yangming is exercised by pushing the palms and gathering the abdomen. The Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming is exercised by twisting the waist and rotating the hips. The Spleen Meridian of Foot-Taiyin is exercised by raising the knee and pressing the abdomen. The Heart Meridian of Hand-Shaoyin is exercised by lifting the palms and pressing the chest. The Small Intestine Meridian of Hand-Taiyang is exercised by grasping the feet and steadying the waist. The Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang is exercised by rounding the back and stretching the waist. The Kidney Meridian of Foot-Shaoyin is exercised by embracing the knees and consolidating the kidneys. The Pericardium Meridian of Hand-Jueyin is exercised by supporting the chin and swaying the body. The Triple Heater Meridian of Hand-Shaoyang is exercised by rotating the waist and swinging the hips. The Gallbladder Meridian of Foot-Shaoyang is exercised by opening the side of the body. The Liver Meridian of Foot-Jueyin is exercised by stroking the ribs and pushing the palms.
The Essence of the Meridian Clearing Method
The Meridian Clearing Method is one of the core techniques of the Pengzu Secret Arts, forming an inner-outer pair with Dao Yin. If Dao Yin is seeking openness through movement, then the Meridian Clearing is seeking openness through stillness. Based upon the Standing Post, it employs a unique respiratory method to guide qi and blood directly into the deep regions of the twelve meridians, dissolving the long-held stagnation within. This method has never been transmitted outside the lineage; the Institute opens it to the public for the first time.
Practice Sequence and Coordination
The Institute recommends the following sequence for the practice of Dao Yin and Meridian Clearing. Begin with the Standing Post for three to six months to cultivate the root and consolidate the foundation. Next, cultivate Breathing Inner Alchemy to master the respiratory method. Then enter into Dao Yin, using movement to open the meridians. Finally, enter into the Meridian Clearing, using stillness to dissolve deep-seated stagnation. This progression from movement to stillness, from shallow to deep, is the proper path. Practitioners must not skip the foundation in their haste to achieve.
When the body is not aligned, the qi does not flow; when the qi does not flow, the mind is not at peace; when the mind is not at peace, the spirit does not gather.
The Institute's General Training Course includes the foundation of Dao Yin, while the Meridian Clearing forms the advanced curriculum of the Inner Disciple Mastery Course. Practitioners will receive direct guidance from the lineage holder of the Institute and gain insight into the true essence of the Pengzu millennial transmission.