Tao Yin
The Archer Declines, a Tao Yin exercise.
Tao Yin means ‘The Secret Island’ it has also been known as T’u Na, which means ‘Sudden Arrest’. Tao Yin’s principles of correct breathing are based on the foundations of Yin and Yang, and also the Five Elements (Wu Hsing).
Tao Yin creates harmony between the organs of the human body via many different respiratory exercises, which are interwoven with a variety of physical muscle change, so that the effects and the benefits of the breathing are increased. Some of the exercises are a means of sedating, some are a stimulant and a tonic, others help in the activation, harnessing and cultivation of internal Ch’i energy and external Li life force.
To begin with there were twenty basic respiratory exercises: eight Yang and eight Yin and four, a mixture of Yin and Yang. All of these have a specific job to do, and that is why they are an integral part of all our Taoist arts.
Benefits
Tao Yin enhances the functioning of the autonomic nervous system, increases the mental capacity of the brain, which gives greater mind control. This in turn increases perception and intuition, and gives an uplift to moral standards, giving tranquility to the mind, which confers inner harmony and greater happiness.
With regular practice these exercises slowly open up the functional and control channels that feed and activate the energy, nervous and psychic centres, and gives the individual a deeper consciousness, awareness and understanding of the spiritual world.