The energetic center which in Tibetan Yoga is called Snow Mountain, and in Taoist practice is referred to as the Golden Urn, is one of the most important physical/energetic “spaces” in qigong/Inner Alchemy traditions. This center – located just in front of the coccyx/tailbone – is also known, in Hindu Yogic traditions, as the home of Kundalini – the “serpent power” which lies dormant there at the base of the spine, until awakened by yogic practice. It is home to Yuan Qi – i.e. prenatal or ancestral qi – which is the qi/energy that we’re born with. Snow Mountain is an important energy-source for the kidneys, the brain and the third eye -- a subtle center located at the bridge of the nose, between the inner edge of the eye-brows. It is also the starting-point for four important meridians: the Ren/Conception Vessel, the Du/Governing Vessel, the Dai/Belt Channel and the Chong/Penetrating Vessel.
One technique for beginning to have experiential access to Snow Mountain -- to begin to feel a warmth or brightness or fullness in this area -- is the following visualization, offered by Zhi Gang Sha in Soul Mind Body Medicine: Place your awareness in the Snow Mountain area, just in front of the tailbone, and just above the pelvic floor. In that space, visualize a mountain of snow, with a very warm sun shining down from above -- as though there were a sun in your lower belly, shining down on the Snow Mountain. The warmth of the sun is melting the snow. As the snow melts and turns to water, the water flows down to form a lake at the base of the mountain, and – at the same time -- steam rises upward and nourishes your entire body.
Suggested Reading: Zhi Gang Sha’s Soul Mind Body Medicine (Novato, CA: New World Library, 2006) is a wonderful and accessible presentation of a number of powerful qigong practices.
