Moving With The Dantien
Welcome to the World of Energy Medicine & the Three Dantiens
The Dantiens are the body's three energetic powerhouses, guiding movement, breath, and awareness. Understanding and activating them unlocks a new relationship with energy flow, balance, and vitality, whether in yoga, martial arts, or everyday life. The Three Dantiens are the three energy centers of the body, each governing a different aspect of human experience—vitality, emotions, and spirit. They work together to cultivate balance, transformation, and higher awareness.
The Lower Dantien, located about two to three finger-widths below the navel and a couple of inches inward towards the body's center, is the "sea of qi", the foundation of vital energy. It is the root of physical vitality, grounded presence, and core stability. It governs physical strength, endurance, digestion, and sexual energy. Often referred to as the "cauldron" or "furnace" of the body, it refines and distributes energy throughout the system, providing the grounded power needed for higher energetic and spiritual work. A strong and balanced Lower Dantien creates a deep sense of embodiment, stability, and resilience in life. 🌿🔥
The Middle Dantien, centered at the heart, governs breath, emotion, and energetic coherence. It is the energetic heart center, located in the chest at the level of the sternum. It is the seat of compassion, love, and emotional balance, acting as the bridge, harmonizing emotions, relationships, and our ability to give and receive love. When open and balanced, the Middle Dantien allows for heart-centered presence, deep connection to others, and an effortless flow of authentic expression. 💛✨
The Upper Dantien, at the third eye, is the gateway to higher perception and deep inner knowing. It is the spiritual energy center located in the third eye region (between the eyebrows, slightly inside the head). It is associated with higher consciousness, intuition, insight, and divine connection. In Taoist and energy practices, the Upper Dantien is seen as the seat of the spirit (Shen) and the gateway to expanded perception, clairvoyance, and deep wisdom. It refines and integrates the energies of the Lower Dantien (body) and Middle Dantien (heart), allowing for a harmonized flow between physical, emotional, and spiritual awareness.
In my classes, we move with the Lower Dantien because this is the point of power for the lower three chakras, which govern your earthly body. From this energy center, Yoga becomes a dance of energy, where alignment happens organically and effortlessly. We also utilize the breathe through the Middle Dantien, in and out through the heart, and the body recalibrates—cultivating relaxed power, fluid stability, and deep presence.
Let's Begin.
I invite you now, just as I do with my students, to stand with your hands open at your sides, feet slightly apart. Close your eyes. Bring your awareness just below your navel, into the center of your abdomen. You can even place a hand there to tune in.
Now, imagine a luminous pearl of light dropping into the top of your head—where your fontanel was soft as a baby. Let it slowly descend through your body until it reaches the Lower Dantien, splashing gently into its elixir well.
As your attention meets this energy center, notice the subtle shifts. Your hands and feet may feel more connected. Your chin might naturally tuck, aligning your head with your spine. Your hips might adjust, bringing your weight evenly into both feet. You may instinctively take a deeper breath.
This is the spot.
For some, this connection is instant. For others, it takes practice. I engage with it every single day. This is the beginning of moving from your true center—your core of power, alignment, and flow.
When you move with the Dantien, power distributes effortlessly through your limbs, creating fluid strength rather than forced effort. Whether practicing yoga, exercising, walking, or simply standing, this awareness allows your body to self-correct, releasing unnecessary tension and revealing where you are out of balance.
The Dantien is free energy for movement. When you focus here, the body organizes itself naturally, allowing strength and relaxation to coexist. You’ll feel more powerful, more stable, and more connected to the energy that moves through you.
This is the journey—the practice of relaxed power.
Welcome to the experience.