Warming the Organs
If the kidneys, liver, spleen, stomach and intestines are cold, the body has to burn energy to warm them up. Cold drinks, poor circulation, winds, air conditioning, and low vitality can cause the organs to be less than then optimal body temperature.
Breathing techniques, self massage, and meditation, when done regularly, can keep the organs warm. Increased awareness leads to better circulation and the knowledge that the organs are cold or functioning poorly. Energy follows intention, or as Taoists say “chi follows Yi (intention)”.
One technique for increasing energy, warmth, and vitality is Bellows Breathing, a method of deep breathing, through the nose, that expands the abdomen in all directions 20-30 times). Another technique is to massage the navel area clockwise and counter wise to loosen the intestines (30-40 times). Rest by placing the hands at the navel, feeling warmth grow, and even visualize a low fire, like a cooking fire, burning behind the navel.
We can finish the practice of warming the organs by self massaging the lower back. With the back of the hands, we can warm the lower back, kidney area, and sacrum until they’re all warm (30-60 times). Our energy knows where to go to nourish the body. We can consciously conserve our energy and build more through predictable practices like the ones mentioned here. Learn more in the book:
The Alchemist’s Tao Te Ching:
Transforming Your Lead Into Gold