QI, IN GENERAL, USING THE FACE AS EXAMPLE
6/26/21
Generally speaking, the qi-paradigm is an attempt to explain how strength and movement happen, particularly in the human body. The qi theory has a lot to do with the involuntary-muscle systems of the body, the subconscious mind that controls those systems, and some guesses made long ago about a mysterious energy that accompanies the workings of the involuntary-muscle/fascia/subconscious systems.
"Jin", which has many different attempted definitions, is considered to be a 'refined force skill' that is the result of actions by the qi-tissues and the subconscious mind. So, in other words, jin is essentially just one of the skills of the involuntary-muscle/fascia/subconscious-mind systems. Jin is fairly simple to do, in a rudimentary way, so it is like a first step into developing the qi-tissue systems of the body.
The qi systems of the body can be developed, but it takes some time and effort to do it. Various qi-system methods involve, for example, reverse breathing, mental contraction of tissues, stretching and holding, silk-reeling exercises, and so forth. A general rule is that it is difficult to feel the actions of the qi-tissues until they have been developed for a while.
The qi-tissues in the face can be felt fairly easily because the face is heavily innervated; the qi-tissues in the legs are difficult to feel because of less innervation. There is a saying about "the legs are the last place the qi develops" because the qi controls in the legs take so long to feel and then manipulate.
BREATH PULL-IN
To feel the qi tissues in the face, try the following experiment. Focus your attention on the area of the face around the cheeks, mouth, and nose and then inhale (with a slight reverse breath) slowly, partway (enough to get air into your lungs so that you're comfortable), then quit pulling actual air in and switch to trying to pull air in through the skin around your mouth, cheeks, nose, etc. Keep your mouth closed and the tongue tip on the upper palate.
Pretend that the skin in those areas is some wet neoprene material and you're trying to pull air through the material. You should be able to feel the facial skin in those areas pull inward against the skull and muscles, as your imagined scenario triggers the subconscious mind to activate those involuntary-muscle systems accordingly. Do this procedure a number of times as a breathing exercise to strengthen the "qi" in the facial area.
So, with a reverse breath and "intent" you are able to cause involuntary-muscle systems to contract. That's a first step to developing some areas of "qi" with the breath. This basic mechanism also applies to the rest of your body, but at first, it is difficult to feel the slight pull of tissues in the less innervated areas of the body.
HELD CONTRACTION OF THE QI
Going a step further, after you've practiced the above for some time and can feel the qi-tissues in your face, easily, let's try a held contraction. Inhale slowly and deeply and 'pull in the air' through the cheeks and mouth area, feeling for the resultant contraction. Mentally make that contraction in your skin continue ... hold it in contraction ... while you relax the rest of your body and breathe normally. I've heard traditional suggestions like "hold/condense the qi for nine breaths". You don't want to overdo things at first, so just make your holds for short periods of time and gradually increase the holds over the weeks and months. Later, you'll be able to trigger your qi almost at will.
HELD CONTRACTION WITH JIN
If you have developed some jin skills, you should be able to take a light, steady push to the area between your upper lip and nose. If someone pushes you there, you should be able to let the force slip through your frame to the soles of your feet/foot. Check by freely wiggling your hips.
So, if you can bring your jin-qi to that point and you can also inhale and trigger your qi, you're utilizing two different functions of qi at the same time. The postural involuntary systems of the qi and the breath-related systems are not the same thing, but they're both under the generic name of "qi". If you are experienced can bring blood pressure to various parts of your body, that is yet another type of involuntary system that falls under the heading of "qi".
Basic exercises and qigongs are done with the qi of jin and the breath qi working together. Sure, there are a lot of add-on body mechanisms that can enhance those qigongs and martial usage, but the basic idea is to first develop some basic jin and breath qi.
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