People often talk about two types of Qi: one is the Qi of breathing, and the other is Inner Qi that circulates between the meridians.
When a fetus is in the mother's body, it absorbs nutrients and energy through the umbilical cord. The Ren Meridian in the front of the chest and the Du Meridian along the spine circulate continuously. This is called Innate Breathing. After severing the umbilical cord that connects the mother and child, external air is inhaled through the nose and mouth, which is Postnatal Breathing.
Once Innate Breathing is severed, the Inner Qi in the Ren and Du Meridians rapidly weakens, leading to blockage of the meridians. The purpose of cultivation is to blend essence, Qi, and spirit, re-entering the state of breathing like a fetus and reactivating the Innate Inner Qi to unblock the Ren and Du Meridians. This process is commonly known as the practice of the river cart.
