How the Body's Energy Systems Really Work
Understanding the Dantiens, Jing–Qi–Shen, the Five Elements and the Flow of Life Force
Most people have heard terms like energy, chakras, meridians or Reiki. But very few people are ever shown how the whole system actually fits together.
Once you understand this, everything changes.
You begin to see that your body is not random, not broken, and not working against you. It is an intelligent, interconnected energy system that is constantly trying to restore balance, vitality and wellbeing.
This article will take you through that system in a way that makes sense, and more importantly, shows you how to work with it.
The Foundation of Life Force: Jing, Qi and Shen
In Daoist energy medicine, all life is based on three core substances:
- Jing – your essence, your deep life force and physical foundation
- Qi – your energy in motion, responsible for all function and activity
- Shen – your spirit, awareness, consciousness and higher connection
These are not separate energies. They are part of a continuous refining cycle:
Jing transforms into Qi → Qi refines into Shen → Shen returns to nourish the system
This cycle is the basis of health, vitality, emotional balance and spiritual development.
The Core Cycles of Life Force
Everything begins with Jing (Essence)
Jing → Qi → Shen → Return to Source
- Jing is stored in the Lower Dantien (Kidneys)
- Jing is refined into Qi (movement, vitality)
- Qi rises and refines into Shen (awareness, spirit)
- Shen expands outward into the aura and higher consciousness
- Then returns inward again to nourish the system
This is not linear. It is cyclical and continuous, like breathing.
The Three Dantiens – Your Internal Energy Centres
These three energies are housed in the Three Dantiens, which act as centres of storage, transformation and refinement.
Lower Dantien – The Foundation (Jing)
Located below the navel, deep within the abdomen, the Lower Dantien is your primary energy reservoir.
It is associated with:
- Kidneys and adrenal glands
- Reproductive system
- Physical strength and endurance
- Longevity
This is where Jing is stored.
Jing is inherited at birth, but it can also be depleted or supported through lifestyle. When this centre is strong, people feel grounded, stable and resilient. When it is weak, fatigue, fear, burnout and depletion often follow.
Middle Dantien – The Transformer (Qi)
Located in the chest around the heart, the Middle Dantien is where energy is transformed and circulated.
It is associated with:
- Heart and lungs
- Blood and circulation
- Breath and emotional energy
This is where Qi is generated and distributed throughout the body.
It also governs emotional experience. When this centre is open, people feel connected, calm and emotionally balanced. When blocked, emotions such as grief, anxiety or overwhelm can arise.
Upper Dantien – The Refiner (Shen)
Located between the eyebrows and deep within the brain, the Upper Dantien is the centre of awareness and consciousness.
It is associated with:
- Brain and nervous system
- Intuition and perception
- Spiritual awareness
This is where Qi is refined into Shen.
When this centre is clear, there is clarity, peace and insight. When disturbed, people may experience anxiety, overthinking or disconnection.
Why Jing Is So Important
In modern life, many people try to increase energy without understanding where it comes from.
Qi depends on Jing.
Shen depends on Qi.
If Jing is depleted, the entire system becomes unstable.
You can think of it like this:
- Jing is your savings account
- Qi is your daily spending
- Shen is your quality of life
If you keep pushing, stressing and giving without restoring Jing, eventually the system runs down.
This is why protecting and cultivating Jing is the key to long-term health and longevity.
The Five Elements
How the Five Elements Feed This Process
The Five Elements describe how energy moves and transforms within the body.
Each element is connected to an organ system, a function and an emotional expression.
| Element | Organ | Emotion | Role in Energy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water | Kidneys | Fear | Stores Jing (foundation) |
| Wood | Liver | Anger | Moves Qi (flow) |
| Fire | Heart | Joy | Houses Shen (spirit) |
| Earth | Spleen | Worry | Transforms energy (nourishment) |
| Metal | Lungs | Grief | Regulates Qi (rhythm, breath) |
These emotions are not negative. They are natural expressions of energy.
However, when emotions become stuck, suppressed or excessive, they disrupt the flow of energy.
For example:
- Fear can weaken Kidney energy and deplete Jing
- Anger can cause Qi to rise and stagnate in the Liver
- Grief can restrict the lungs and breathing
- Worry can weaken digestion and energy production
Emotional balance is therefore essential for energetic balance.
The Flow Between the Dantiens and the Five Elements
Energy constantly moves between the Dantiens and the organ systems.
- Lower Dantien Jing (Water element / Kidneys) rises and is transformed into Qi
- Middle Dantien Qi (Earth + Fire / Spleen, Heart, Lungs) is moved by the Liver (Wood element)
- Transformed into usable energy by the Spleen (Earth)
- Expressed through the Heart (Fire element) as Shen in the Upper Dantien Fire element (Heart) + Heaven/Spirit.
- Regulated by the Lungs (Metal) through breath
This is known as the growth cycle.
When this cycle flows smoothly, people feel energised, emotionally balanced and mentally clear.
When it is disrupted, symptoms begin to appear physically, emotionally or mentally.
If Water (Jing) is weak → everything above becomes unstable
If Wood (Liver) is blocked → Qi stagnates
If Fire (Heart) is disturbed → Shen becomes unsettled
This is why emotional health is energy healthLower
This diagram below shows how the ancient Daoist understanding of creation flows all the way down into the human body. From the Dao and Wuji (pure potential), through Yin and Yang and the Five Elements, this same pattern is reflected within us through the Three Dantiens and our internal energy system.
Jing, Qi, Shen & Their Connections
| Aspect | Jing | Qi | Shen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Lower Dantien | Middle Dantien | Upper Dantien |
| Element | Water | Earth/Fire | Fire/Heaven |
| Function | Essence, foundation | Movement, vitality | Consciousness, spirit |
| Organs | Kidneys | Spleen, Lungs, Heart | Heart, Brain |
| Emotion | Fear | Worry/Grief | Joy |
| Direction | Stored | Circulates | Expands |
| Goal | Preserve | Strengthen | Refine |
The Microcosmic Orbit – The Body’s Energy Circuit
The Microcosmic Orbit (Small Universe) is a fundamental energy pathway that connects the entire system.
It consists of two main channels:
- Governing Vessel (Du Mai) – runs up the spine
- Conception Vessel (Ren Mai) – runs down the front of the body
Together, they form a continuous loop.
This loop allows energy to circulate between:
- The Lower, Middle and Upper Dantiens
- The organs
- The brain and nervous system
How to Practise the Microcosmic Orbit
Begin simply.
Sit comfortably and bring your awareness to your Lower Dantien.
Breathe slowly and gently into your abdomen.
As you inhale, imagine energy moving from the base of the spine (perineum) upward:
- Through the lower back
- Up the spine
- Past the heart
- Through the neck
- To the crown of the head
As you exhale, allow the energy to flow down the front:
- Forehead
- Throat
- Chest
- Abdomen
- Back to the Lower Dantien
Do not force the energy. Simply guide your awareness.
Over time, the flow becomes natural and continuous.
Role of the Microcosmic Orbit in Refining Energy
| Stage | Function |
|---|---|
| Lower Dantien | Builds and stores Jing |
| Up the spine | Jing transforms into Qi |
| Crown | Qi refines into Shen |
| Down the front | Shen nourishes the body |
| Return to Dantien | Energy is stored again |
Chakras and the Aura
The word Chakra is a Sanskrit word which means “spinning wheel” or “vortex”. Chakras are energy centres that draw life force into the body, process it, and radiate it outward to influence our physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
In many healing tradtions this is the main focuse when it comes to balancing emotional and physical disturbances. It can be worked on as a stand-alone, or integrated into a deeper understanding when we add it to the overall energy systems of the body.
Although the chakra system comes from a different tradition, it fits remarkably well with the Daoist understanding of energy.
Rather than being separate systems, they are simply different ways of describing the same life force from different perspectives.
Chakras are energy centres that draw life force into the body, process it, and radiate it outward to influence our physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
The aura is the energetic field surrounding the body, reflecting our inner state and our physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing while interacting with the energy we take in and send out through the chakras.
Many Reiki practitioners also work directly with the aura using a technique known as Byosen scanning, where they gently move their hands through the energy field to detect areas of imbalance, congestion or depletion. These sensations may be felt as heat, tingling, pulsing or resistance in the energy. Some people, particularly those with more developed intuitive or psychic perception, may also see disturbances in the aura as changes in colour, density or movement. These changes can reflect physical issues in the body, as well as emotional or energetic imbalances.
In my Reiki Level 1 classes, I teach students how to begin sensing the aura in a simple, grounded way, learning to see and feel it, trust what they notice, and, over time, even start to use this ability to detect blockages and where the client may be in need of heaing.
Check my Mini-Blitz Workshops to learn more about Chakras.
The Chakras and Their Connection to the Dantiens and Energy System
The seven main chakras align closely with the Three Dantiens:
- Lower Dantien (Jing) connects with:
- Root chakra (survival, grounding)
- Sacral chakra (creativity, sexuality)
- Middle Dantien (Qi) connects with:
- Solar plexus (personal power)
- Heart chakra (love, connection)
- Upper Dantien (Shen) connects with:
- Throat chakra (expression)
- Third eye (intuition)
- Crown chakra (spiritual connection)
This means the Dantiens act as core energy reservoirs, while the chakras are like processing and distribution centres.
The Dantiens store and refine energy.
The chakras express that energy into your emotional, mental and spiritual life.
How the Microcosmic Orbit Affects Chakras and the Aura
Although the chakra system comes from a different tradition, it integrates naturally with this flow.
When the Microcosmic Orbit is active:
- Chakras tend to align and balance
- The aura becomes stronger and more stable
- Emotional energy clears more easily
- The nervous system settles
It feeds the entire energy field from within.
What Happens When Energy Flows Well
When Jing, Qi and Shen are balanced:
- The Root feels safe and grounded
- The Heart feels open and connected
- The Third Eye feels clear and intuitive
- The Crown feels aligned and peaceful
Energy flows upward and downward with ease, and there is a sense of stability and flow at the same time.
What Happens When There Is Imbalance
Because everything is connected, an issue in one area affects the others.
For example:
- Weak Jing (Lower Dantien)
→ can lead to anxiety, insecurity and poor grounding (Root chakra imbalance) - Blocked Qi in the Middle Dantien
→ can affect emotional flow, causing grief, anxiety or overwhelm (Heart and Solar Plexus) - Disturbed Shen
→ can show up as overthinking, disconnection or lack of clarity (Third Eye and Crown)
This is why working only on one chakra sometimes isn’t enough.
You need to support the whole system, especially the foundation.
The Aura – Your Energy Field in Motion
The aura is the field of energy surrounding the body.
It is not separate from you. It is an extension of your Jing, Qi and Shen.
It reflects:
- Your physical vitality (Jing)
- Your emotional and energetic state (Qi)
- Your mental and spiritual clarity (Shen)
The Layers of the Aura
Traditionally, the aura is described in layers:
- Etheric layer – physical energy and vitality
- Emotional layer – feelings and emotional patterns
- Mental layer – thoughts and beliefs
- Astral layer – relationships and connection
- Higher layers – intuition, purpose and spiritual awareness
Each of these is influenced by the Dantiens and the flow of Qi.
How the Microcosmic Orbit Feeds the Aura
When the Microcosmic Orbit is flowing:
- Energy is continuously circulated and refined
- The Dantiens are nourished
- Excess or stagnant energy is cleared
This creates a stronger, more stable aura.
Instead of leaking energy, the system becomes self-sustaining.
Kinesiology and the Direction of Energy Flow
In Traditional Chinese Medicine and Qigong, energy flows up the spine and down the front.
In Kinesiology, particularly in correction work, the Conception Vessel is often encouraged to flow downward.
This is not a contradiction. It is a functional correction used to restore proper neurological and energetic balance within the body.
How Reiki Supports the Aura and Chakras
Reiki works directly with the aura and chakras while also strengthening the internal system.
It can:
- Clear stagnant energy from the aura
- Repair weak or depleted areas
- Balance the chakras
- Support emotional release
- Strengthen the connection between the Dantiens and the energy field
When Reiki is combined with awareness of the Dantiens and the Microcosmic Orbit, the effect is much deeper.
You are not just clearing energy…
you are building a stronger system that holds energy more effectively.
Kundalini and the Rising of Energy
In yogic traditions, there is also the concept of Kundalini energy, which is described as a dormant energy at the base of the spine.
When awakened, this energy rises upward through the chakras, activating higher levels of awareness and consciousness.
From a Daoist perspective, this is very similar to the upward movement of energy through the Governing Vessel in the Microcosmic Orbit, where Jing is refined into Qi and then into Shen.
The key difference is that in traditional Qigong and Daoist practices, this process is approached gradually and safely through building and refining energy over time, rather than forcing it to rise.
This is important, because true development of energy should always be stable, grounded and supported by a strong foundation of Jing.
Replenishing and Strengthening Our Energy
Reiki’s Role in Harmonising the System
Reiki works across all levels of the energy system:
- Clears blockages in meridians
- Balances chakras
- Strneghtens the Aura
- Strengthens the Dantiens
- Calms the nervous system
- Supports Shen
Reiki does not force energy, it restores natural flow and enhances it’s ability to heal and rebalance.
Useful Reiki Hand Positions
- Lower Dantien (below navel)
- Heart centre
- Third eye
- Crown
- Base of spine
Symbols (for those attuned to Level 2 or above)
- Cho Ku Rei – increases energy flow
- Sei He Ki – emotional and mental balance
- Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen – deeper integration across time and space
Qigong & Energy Healing
Qigong works by:
- Gathering energy from the environment (Heaven & Earth Qi)
- Storing it in the Lower Dantien
- Circulating it through the meridians and orbit
Simple practices:
- Standing Qigong
- Holding the ball of energy
- Slow flowing movements
How Reiki, Qigong, Kinesiology and Hypnosis Work Together
Each modality supports a different level of the system:
- Qigong builds and circulates energy
- Reiki harmonises and restores flow
- Kinesiology identifies and corrects imbalances
- Hypnosis clears subconscious patterns that affect energy
Together, they support lasting change by addressing both the energetic and subconscious levels.
Strengthening Kidney Energy and Jing (Your Foundation)
Jing is precious. It is your life battery.
You build it through:
- Deep rest and sleep
- Warm nourishing foods
- Reduced chronic stress
- Gentle strengthening exercise
Physical Practices
- Squats (excellent for Kidney/adrenal strength).
- Walking in nature
- Gentle strength or resistance training
- Avoiding burnout
Even 10–20 slow squats daily helps stimulate Jing energy.
These support Kidney energy and build Jing over time.
Building Qi through Breath & Movement
Qi is built through:
- Breath
- Movement
- Circulation
Simple Practice
- Breathe into the Lower Dantien
- Expand the belly gently
- Exhale slowly
Add movement:
- Tai Chi
- Qigong
- Arm swings
- Spinal movement
Building Qi (Energy in Motion)
- Deep abdominal breathing
- Gentle movement (Qigong, Tai Chi, stretching)
- Keeping the body moving
Even simple daily movement improves circulation of Qi.
Enhancing Shen (Clarity and Spirit) Through Meditation
Shen thrives on:
- Stillness
- Clarity
- Presence
Simple Practices:
- Meditation
- Mindfulness
- Gratitude
- Time in nature
- Meditation
- Mindfulness
- Time in nature
- Gratitude
When Shen is calm, the entire system harmonises.
A Simple Daily Energy Routine
You may like to combine:
- Breathing into the Lower Dantien
- Gentle tapping along meridians
- Cross crawl movements
- Holding neurovascular points (as used in kinesiology)
- Finishing with hands on the Lower Dantien to store energy
Even a few minutes a day can create noticeable shifts.
Understanding the Body Through Multiple Energy Systems
Modern energy medicine, including the work of Donna Eden, describes the body as working through multiple interconnected energy systems.
These include:
- Meridians
- Chakras
- The aura
- The Celtic weave
- Basic grid
- Five rhythms
- Triple warmer and spleen energies
- Radiant circuits
- Electrics
While different traditions use different language, they are all describing the same essential truth:
The body is made up of multiple interacting energy networks, all of which influence our health, emotions and wellbeing.
Practices such as cross crawl movements, holding neurovascular points, tracing meridians and simple daily routines can help keep these systems flowing and balanced.
The Key to Longevity: Protecting and Cultivating Jing
If there is one principle to remember, it is this:
Protect your Jing
Because everything else depends on it.
Slow down when needed.
Rest when tired.
Build energy gradually rather than pushing through exhaustion.
This is how the body was designed to function.
Bringing It All Together
Your energy system is not made up of separate parts.
It is one integrated, intelligent system.
- Jing forms the foundation
- Qi brings movement and vitality
- Shen brings awareness and connection
The Five Elements guide balance
The organs support function
The Microcosmic Orbit connects everything
The chakras and aura reflect it outward
And practices such as Reiki, Qigong, Kinesiology and Hypnosis help restore what was always meant to flow naturally.
Your body already knows how to heal.
Sometimes it simply needs the right support, awareness and space to do so.
I hope this has given you some usefull tools and a deeper understanding of the majot Energy Systems of the body.
You may also like to read my blog on Energy and the Mitochondria and “Why You’re So Tired”, for more ways to improve your energy levels and my “Simple Daily Energy Healing Rituals to Boost Your Energy.”
Carol xo
2 Responses
Thank you for this incredible post and explanation and integration of these Eastern energy systems!! Deeply grateful to have stumbled upon your post as this is what I have felt as a reiki pracititioner — and now have images that I can hold and share with clients who are interested in understanding how reiki works! 🙂
You’re so welcome Hollee, this is my life’swork and I love sharing what lights me up x