The Microcosmic Orbit (aka Small Heavenly Orbit 小周天) is the circulation of energy (qi) through the Du and Ren meridians of the body. The idea comes out of micro-macrocosmic correspondence, as above so below. This video is an overview of its significance in the internal arts, touching on the underlying theory, history, types of orbits and types of practices.
This is not meant to be exhaustive and certainly could never be. The idea goes back far in history, and as the video alludes to, varies greatly depending on point in history, lineage, style and genre of practice, etc.
0:00
00:19-1: Microcosmic-macrocosmic Correspondence
02:26-2: History and Origin of the Term
02:53-3: Style of Microcosmic Orbit Practice
03:42-4: Three Barriers (San Guan)
04:00-5: Types of Microcosmic Orbit
04:23-6: Intention-driven Cosmic Orbit
04:49-7: Meridian Cosmic Orbit
06:03-8: Dandao Cosmic Orbit
A written version can be found on the blog:
https://mrneigong.com/the-microcosmic-orbit/
https://mrneigong.com/
Music:
Scott Buckley
🎵🎶 'Beautiful Oblivion' (Royalty-free music)🎶🎵
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3KpJ5k1Htg&t=0s