6

Closing the Three Gates

In order to create and maintain the correct pressure in the lower Tan Tien, we must be able to tighten and seal the sexual organ, the perineum, and the anus. In order to do this, we must be able to contract the pelvic floor and be able to tighten the sexual organ, perineum, and anus in a controlled and coordinated manner. This ability prevents leakage of sexual essence/generative energy (Jing) and preserves it so that it may be transformed into vital life force energy and spirit energy. Tightening and sealing the sexual organ, the perineum, and the anus is called “the closing of the three gates.”

The perineum is known as the “gate of life and death” as it plays such a crucial role both in preventing degeneration and in activating all the organs, glands, and other body functions. The perineum—called the Hui Yin—is located between the genitals and the anus. It constitutes the lowest point of the yin or descending energy channels, and is the lower meeting point of the Governor (ascending) Channel and the Functional (descending) Channel. Through the legs and feet, it is the main link with the earth Chi. When the perineum is strong, the organs remain firm and healthy; when it is weak the organs lose cohesiveness and Chi energy drains away.

The ability to achieve control over the three gates and to lead the energy up and inward rather than allowing it to flow down and outward is very important in Tan Tien Chi Kung, as well as the Microcosmic Orbit and Healing Love practices. The dense form of Chi (Jing) produced in the sexual organ is brought into the loop of the Governor and the Functional Channels and thence upward into the brain. On its upward journey, the Chi undergoes several transformations and nourishes and activates all the organs before it finally brings fresh energy and hormones to the brain.

A good beginning practice as we learn to control the three gates is massaging the perineum. Massaging the perineum vitalizes the sexual organs and strengthens the pelvic floor. It also contributes to activating the pineal gland, to which it has a direct connection through the Thrusting Channel, the energy channel that is located in the center of the body between the perineum and the crown. Perineum massage also helps one to become aware of the unity of high and low in one’s body. It acknowledges the most honorable function of what are often called “the lower organs.”

THE PERINEUM AND PINEAL GLAND ARE CONNECTED THROUGH THE THRUSTING CHANNEL

Contracting the muscles of the perineum, sexual organs, and anus activates our connection with the earth energy. By pulling up these areas and drawing in energy through the soles of the feet, we immediately become grounded and energized. Holding a very gentle contraction in the muscles of the perineum, sexual organs, and anus will keep you grounded during Chi Kung practice.

UROGENITAL AREA IN WOMEN

Tightening the perineum and anus strengthens the pelvic and urogenital diaphragm, and holds up and reactivates the organs in the lower Tan Tien, thereby revitalizing them. If coordinated with the downward pressure of the chest diaphragm, it helps to provide the space in which the process of Chi compression can be realized.

As we practice contracting the perineum, sexual organs, and anus, Chi is pressed inward from all sides, and Chi pressure in the lower Tan Tien rises. The more the Chi is concentrated, the higher its expansive potential becomes. This practice has been called the creation of a “Chi ball.” Scattered Chi is concentrated and compressed in the lower Tan Tien, which raises the inner power needed to activate the whole body and all its flows and networks.

PELVIC AND UROGENITAL DIAPHRAGMS IN MEN AND WOMEN

THE UROGENITAL AREA IN MEN

ANUS-BODY CONNECTIONS

The anus exercises are important keys of Tan Tien Chi Kung. These exercises strengthen, tighten, and seal the abdomen to prevent leakage of energy. Smiling into the anus is a very im portant practice, as is contraction of the anus: both facilitate energizing all organs in the body. The spiritual energy hidden in the smile helps to raise the quality of the energy and consciousness condensed in the organs and glands.

The Taoists divide the anus into five parts: middle, front, back, left, and right. Each part of the anus has an important energy connection with different parts of the body. The following diagrams illustrate the various anus-body connections.

FIVE REGIONS OF THE ANUS

ANUS AND PERINEUM

The middle part of the anus connects to the organs in the front part of the abdominal area. For women, this connects to the vagina-uterus, for men the prostate gland. It also connects to the aorta and vena cava, stomach, heart, thyroid and parathyroid, pituitary gland, pineal gland, and the top of the head—through the center channel.

CONNECTIONS OF THE MIDDLE ANUS

The front of the anus connects to the prostate, bladder, small intestine, thymus, thyroid, and brain. As you contract the anus, pull the middle part of the anus up toward the front.

CONNECTIONS OF THE FRONT ANUS

The back of the anus is connected to the coccyx, the sacrum, the back of the spine, and the cerebellum at the base of the skull, also known as the “jade pillow.” As you contract the anus, next pull the middle part of the anus up toward the back, toward the sacrum.

CONNECTIONS OF THE BACK ANUS

The right side of the anus is connected with the right side of the abdomen, the right ovary or right testicle, ascending colon, right kidney, adrenal gland, liver, gall bladder, right lung, and right hemisphere of the brain. As you contract the anus, next pull up the middle and then toward the right side.

CONNECTIONS OF THE RIGHT ANUS (MALE)

CONNECTIONS OF THE RIGHT ANUS (FEMALE)

The left side of the anus is connected with the left side of the abdomen, the left ovary or left testicle, descending colon, left kidney, adrenal gland, spleen, stomach, left lung, and left hemisphere of the brain. As you contract the anus, next pull up the middle and then toward the left side.

CONNECTIONS OF THE LEFT ANUS (MALE)

CONNECTIONS OF THE LEFT ANUS (FEMALE)

In Tan Tien Chi Kung we strengthen all these parts of the anus and develop “perineum power” by contracting and pulling up these areas. When your pelvic area is strong, no energy will leak out of the “three gates,” and you can enhance the Chi pressure in your Tan Tien. With a weak perineum and anus, this is not possible.

There are good Taoist exercises to strengthen the different parts of the anus (perineum/pelvic floor) and to learn to contract them without tightening the muscles too much. To make them very strong, which means giving the muscles a strong tonicity, you must do these exercises many times a day. The pleasant thing about them is that you can do these exercises everywhere; good times and places to practice are while waiting at the post office, the bus station, the shop, when you watch a movie or TV, or work on the computer. When you are creative, you will find many occasions during the day to practice these exercises.

The best way to do these exercises is in the standing position. However, you also can practice them sitting or laying on the ground, in bed, or even in the bathtub. We will further discuss exercises to build perineum power in the next chapter.