Exploring how "Energy Goes Where Attention Flows" with Qigongs' La Qi Method
- The Art of Healing with Love
- Sep 5, 2025
- 5 min read
In the practice of Zhineng Qigong, a directed focus dictates reality. Here's how this powerful Qigong philosophy may change your life entirely. The fundamental principle: "Energy goes where attention flows" or “where the mind goes, qi follows the flow” is at the very heart of how we engage with and cultivate Qi (vital energy). With it, we can foster a deep body-mind connection and establish holistic health. To understand this better, we’ll look at the La Qi method of Zhineng Qigong.
The Philosophy of Connection: Mind, Body, and the Universal Qi
Zhineng Qigong offers a holistic philosophical framework that sees human beings as a holistic existence consisting of physical form, qi and Shen. Unlike dualistic Western thought, this perspective emphasises the fundamental interconnectedness of our physical body, vital energy (Qi), and consciousness (Shen).
The foundation of this system is awareness, or the mind's consciousness (Yishi). It holds the function and ability to direct and guide Qi and life activities. By consciously leading our attention, we transform natural life activity into conscious life activity. This is where "Energy goes where attention flows” comes alive: our deliberate focus becomes the primary tool for guiding and amplifying the flow of Qi throughout our body, leading to healing, activation of specific areas, and improved overall energetic circulation. While seemingly simple, mastering this technique requires consistent practice. To truly appreciate how we see this in the La Qi Method, let's clarify the essential concepts of Qi, Shen, and consciousness:
Qi: The Universal Life Force Energy
In Zhineng Qigong, Qi is the fundamental, formless yet objective existence that establishes everything in the universe.
Hunyuan Qi is the primal, universal Qi of nature, forming the basis of all things. Our physical body is even considered a condensed form of Qi.
Shen: The Refined Consciousness and Spirit
Shen is the most subtle, refined, and complex form of Qi, often discussed alongside the physical body and Qi itself due to its advanced nature.
It is considered the "ultimate commander of life", capable of receiving, synthesising, storing, extracting, and transmitting information.
Due to its subtlety, Shen can saturate less refined matter, enabling it to "dissolve negative emotions and transform aspects of our character".
Consciousness (Yishi): Our Subjective Awareness and Control
In Zhineng Qigong, consciousness (Yishi) refers to the mind's capacity to direct and control Qi and life activities. It is itself a refined form of Qi.
Practitioners aim for a state of consciousness and connectedness described in the 8 verses of Zhineng Qigong. Namely, "Mind is clear and appearance is humble" (Xin chéng Mao gong), eliminating "distracting thoughts" (Yi Nian bu qi), and allowing the "Mind [to expand] into infinity space" (Shen Zhu tai kōng). This leads to feeling "The entire body is harmonised with Qi" (Zhou Shen Rong Rong). The ideal state is described as empty yet not empty, with a mind that is flexible, sensitive, clear, pure, quiet, and still, capable of receiving and sending information effectively. If you’re interested in learning the 8 verses, check out this post.
La Qi: Harnessing Attention and awareness to Pull and Pour Qi
Now that we’ve defined fundamental Qigong terms, let’s explore a fundamental method of Zhineng Qigong La Qi. This method is explicitly designed to collect and gather Qi. While it is a fundamental movement in Qigong, you’ll find that it spans beyond this particular technique.
The open and close movement of La Qi can be found in most other methods of Zhineng Qigong like Chen Qi, and The Lift Qi Up Pour Qi Down Method. The essence of La Qi (Open and Close) is the harmonious integration of the mind (attention) with Qi, using the mind to induce Qi. Here's how La Qi embodies the "Energy goes where attention flows" principle:
Mind Directs Qi
In La Qi, the mind's consciousness actively guides Qi. When performing "push/pull" movements, practitioners are instructed not to focus on the Qi itself, but to only focus on the mind and use the mind going out and coming in to lead the qi to go out and come in naturally. When the mind goes to the void, Qi follows; when the mind comes into the body, Qi follows. This direct mental engagement is key to gathering Qi and drawing it into the body.
Visualisation and Intention
In preparing for La Qi with the 8 verses, one visualizes the head touching the blue sky and the feet standing on the earth, and one’s own body integrating with nature into one whole body. When doing open and close movements, the mind may imagine the hands acting at the horizon, absorbing universal Hunyuan Qi. This powerful visualisation, driven by focused attention, actively draws in Qi.
Physical Movements as Channels for Attention
The physical open-close movements of the hands, arms, and body are not merely exercises; they are an integral part of directing the mind's attention. These movements strengthen the Open–Close movements of the mind’s consciousness, facilitating the outward release of internal Qi and the inward absorption of external Qi. The opening and closing of the mind are the key points of this method.
Practice the La Qi method with Grandmaster Dr Pang Ming
This YouTube video features Dr. Pang Ming, the founder of Zhineng Qigong, delivering an insightful explanation of Qi—the vital energy central to Traditional Chinese Medicine and Qigong practices. He demonstrates feeling qi, and he guides the La Qi Method.
From practice to daily life
In the context of Zhineng Qigong's La Qi Method, the philosophy that "energy goes where attention flows" becomes a tangible pathway to transforming one's everyday life. This principal highlights that our mind's consciousness (Yishi) possesses the inherent ability to dominate and control our Qi and life activities. By consciously directing our attention, we transition from natural, unconscious life activity to a more deliberate and powerful conscious engagement with our internal and external Qi.
Through the regular practice of the La Qi Method, which involves using the mind to induce Qi during open-close movements and visualising the absorption of Hunyuan Qi, not only is one's own Hunyuan Qi replenished and its quality improved, but this heightened awareness, and energetic connection can be extended into every moment. This empowers individuals to go beyond merely curing diseases and improving general health; it allows for the development of heightened sensitivities, increased vitality, wisdom, and greater control over emotions and thought patterns, ultimately leading to a more vigorous, balanced, and consciously directed life, thereby changing one's very destiny.
A Journey to Empowered Well-being
The practice of Zhineng Qigong, particularly through the La Qi Method, is an invitation to refine your awareness and harness the profound connection between your attention and your vital energy. It's about consciously using your mind to cultivate Qi for enhanced healing, vitality, and wisdom. Start by dedicating a few minutes daily to simply focus your attention, perhaps on your hands, and with consistent practice, you may begin to feel subtle sensations – a tangible experience of the timeless truth that energy truly does go where your attention flows.
Upcoming Zhineng Qigong Events:
A 7-day workshop where we focus on the La Qi and Chen Qi methods of Zhineng Qigong, and explore Traditional Chinese Medicine & Qigong philosophy.
Weekly Zhineng Qigong practice sessions, free for all practitioners. Sessions are held each Monday and Friday.
References:
Pang, M., Wei, Q. F., & Fraser, P. (2013). The Methods of Zhineng Qigong Science (Vol. 1, Teaching Zhineng Qigong) (Paperback, 196 pp.). Patricia Fraser. ISBN 0473242311.
Pang, M. (n.d.). Chinese sport health-building methods: First level of the dynamic method of Zhineng Qigong – Hold Qi Up and Pour Qi Down method (Zhijun Liu, Trans.). Life Qi Center, Meishan, China; ZQ Education Corporation, Kentucky, USA
Zhen, Q., & Liu, L. (2017). The Psychology of Inner Perceptions: A New Branch Originating from Traditional Chinese Medicine (Paperback). Independently published. ISBN 1521411638.
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