Small Circulation, or the Microcosmic Orbit, has been known for centuries for promoting health and longevity.

This second edition includes

Updated pinyin that includes diacritical tonal marks (for proper pronunciation of Chinese words). Updated Chinese text character font (providing better readability).

Small circulation is the practice of circulating energy within the human body through the two main pathways of the body. This practice is considered the foundation of internal elixir qigong and was a fundamental step of meditation training in ancient times. Over the centuries, this practice has slowly been lost from many meditation traditions, and its importance is being forgotten.

Small circulation regulates the qi circulating in the twelve primary qi channels, making it abundant throughout the entire body. Building upon a foundation of embryonic breathing practice, small circulation is the second stage of meditation training.

Dr. Yang presents translation and analysis of many ancient documents used to transmit small circulation and internal elixir cultivation and offers modern scientific explanation for learning and training safely. Though meditation is popular today for relaxation and general health, the ultimate goal of this training, in both Daoism and Buddhism, is spiritual enlightenment.

Contents include

General concepts of qigong Theoretical foundation of small circulation meditation Meditation refinement and regulating skills The practice of small circulation meditation

Dr. Yang is acclaimed for helping readers understand qigong concepts deeper and more clearly by expressing them in familiar methods for the Western mind. He takes these ancient concepts and presents them in a logical way that helps practitioners stay on the right path to deepen knowledge and skill.