The Big Universe Qigong: A Hidden Gem for Deeper Healing

In the vast repertoire of qigong techniques, the Big Universe (Da Zhou Tian, 大周天) probably doesn’t get enough attention. I myself am guilty of this.

Even though I’ve practiced and taught the technique for years, I haven’t even written a single blog post on the topic. Let’s change that right now.

What Is the Big Universe

The Small Universe Qigong gets all the attention, but the Big Universe, also known as the 12 Meridian Skill, is definitely worth learning and practicing. The Big Universe involves circulating qi (or vital energy) in a specific orbit through the 12 Primary Meridians of the body. Doing this enhances the health of the meridians and also their respective organs.

Here’s a closer look at the method:

1. The Circulation Pathway

1. First, we direct the qi down the 3 yin meridians of the arms to the Lao Gong point in the palms.
2. Then we direct the qi up the 3 yang meridians of the arms to the Bai Hui point at the top of the head.
3. Then we direct the qi down the 3 yang meridians of the legs to the Yong Quan point at the bottom of the feet.
4. And finally, we direct the qi up the 3 yin meridians of the legs to the Tan Zhong point in the chest.
5. Rinse and repeat.

We’re using the skill of Directing The Qi to guide our energy along this orbit. You can read more about the 12 Skills here or in my book. If you aren’t already skillful at directing the qi, then the Big Universe probably won’t make much sense to you.

However, most students start with the Small Universe and then move on to the Big Universe. In that case, you’ve already worked on directing the qi with the Small Universe. This will make your journey through the Big Universe much, much easier.

2. The 4 Key Acupoints

I mentioned 4 acupoints in the method above. If you were studying acupuncture, then you would need to know the exact location of these energy points. But for our purposes, we only need to know the rough location. As you practice the Big Universe, you’ll feel an energy vortex at each point roughly the size of a golf ball, and the exact location will reveal itself.

Here are the 4 points:

• Tan Zhong (膻中)
  Acupuncture point: Ren 17 (or CV 17)
  Location: On the centerline of the chest between the nipples
• Lao Gong (勞宮)
  Acupuncture point: Pericardium 8
  Location: On the center of the palm.
• Bai Hui (百會)
  Acupuncture point: Du 20 (or GV 17)
  Location: On the top of the head.
• Yong Quan (涌泉)
  Acupuncture point: Kidney 1
  Location: On the sole of the foot.

With practice, students can feel all of these energy points. If you’ve previously practiced the Small Universe, then you’ve already opened Bai Hui and Tan Zhong. And if you’ve practiced Cosmos Palm, then you’ve already opened Lao Gong and Yong Quan!

The Benefits

The ancient Chinese masters spoke in poetic terms about the benefits of these practices. According to traditional wisdom:

If you master the Small Universe, then you will eliminate hundreds of ailments;If you master the Big Universe, then you will live for 100 years.”

Is this accurate? I’ll let you know in 48 years!

While these claims should be viewed metaphorically, I think there’s truth in the underlying principles. Consistent and dedicated practice of qigong, including advanced techniques like the Small and Big Universe, can seriously shift your health and longevity.

Most of you probably want to know the specific benefits of this technique. Based on my own experience practicing the technique for years, as well as feedback I’ve received from students, it’s safe to say that practicing the Big Universe can:

1. Greatly enhance your qi experiences during Flowing Breeze Swaying Willow and Five Animal Play
2. Boost the effectiveness of things like acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, and even Western pharmacology
3. Help you quickly return to baseline after emotional distress
4. Improve the quality of your sleep
5. Improve your digestion
6. Give you a more youthful appearance
7. Improve your athletic performance (even if you’re in your 60s or 70s)

Benefits like these suggest that the past masters were right, i.e. that the Big Universe is indeed promoting longevity. I can’t guarantee that you’ll live for 100 years, but I’m confident that the Big Universe will be a useful and powerful tool if you want to live a longer and healthier life.

Medical vs. Spiritual Big Universe

Some teachers, many of them connected to my ex-teacher in one way or another, differentiate between the Medical Big Universe and the Spiritual Big Universe. This is confusing and unnecessary. These are two different techniques, and using the same name in the 21st century is just bad pedagogy.

Historically, names for techniques were recycled and repurposed by past masters. For example, the name Poisonous Snake Basks in Mist (毒蛇打霧) is used both in the Shaolin Five Animal set as well as the Shaolin Staff Set. One is an empty-handed set, and the other is a weapon set using a 7-foot staff. The two patterns look completely different, but they share the same name.

The so-called Spiritual Big Universe is, quite simply, an advanced version of Dantian Breathing similar to deep states of Buddhist or Taoist sitting meditation. Whether this technique is practiced sitting or standing is irrelevant; the effect is the same, i.e. a merging of consciousness with the One Consciousness.

That’s why I don’t use the term “Spiritual Big Universe”. When I refer to the Big Universe, I’m referring to the Medical Big Universe where we circulate qi in a loop through the 12 Primary Meridians as described above. Simple..

Learning the Big Universe

I will teach the Big Universe in my new Qigong 301 program. (Click here to get on the notification list.)

Whether you learn it from me, or from another teacher, here are some things that you can do to prepare yourself:

1. Develop a solid qigong habit. Without a daily habit, you won’t be able to appreciate advanced qigong techniques like the Small or Big Universe. If you’re not doing 300+ qigong sessions per year, then that is your first goal. And this goal is totally doable!
2. Learn and practice the 5-Phase Routine. You can learn this from my book or from my online courses. The 5-Phase Routine is the single best thing you can do to prepare because it opens up the 12 Primary Meridians and primes you for more advanced skills.
3. Learn and practice the Small Universe. I also teach the Small Universe in my Qigong 301 program, and for good reason. If you learn the Small Universe first, then the Big Universe is easy by comparison.
4. Learn and practice Sinew Metamorphosis. This unusual qigong set, which I teach in my Qigong 201 program, helps to “forcefully” open the 12 Primary Meridians. Some students actually experience a flow similar to the Big Universe simply from practicing Sinew Metamorphosis.
5. Learn and practice Zhan Zhuang (aka the Warrior Stances). If you’re early in your qigong journey and you want to build a strong foundation for future learning, then learn and practice zhan zhuang. You’ll need a solid daily habit first, and you should also know the 5-Phase Routine. I teach zhan zhuang in my Qigong 101 program.
6. Memorize the pathway of the flow. You can do this by learning a simple qigong technique called 12 Meridian Patting.

Here’s a short video showing the 12 meridian Patting:

Incorporating the Big Universe qigong into your repertoire can elevate your practice, unlocking deeper levels of healing. While the Small Universe often steals the spotlight, the Big Universe offers a simple way to enhance the flow of qi through the 12 Primary Meridians. Whether you’re seeking deeper healing or striving for longevity, this powerful practice is worth exploring.