Qigong of Embryology: Center and Periphery

Class 1: Development of the Lateral Plate Mesoderm, Visceral and Somatic Layers

After a review of development up to this point, we will identify the origin and overall progression of the visceral and somatic layers of the lateral plate meso-tissue. This middle tissue creates two layers. The visceral layer lines our digestive tube, body cavity and forms the mesentery. The somatic layer develops into the structure and connective tissue of our limbs. Both layers derive from one source providing continuity of visceral and somatic functions in practice.

Class 2: Limb Development

Arms and legs appear as buds on the sides of the embryo. Mesenchyme forms the internal structure of cartilage and other connective tissue. Joints arise from cavitation of the mesenchyme and create cartilage segments. These segments serve as templates to ossify and form bones. Hand and foot “paddles” form and guide limb growth in length in a distal to proximal direction. Otherwise, joints form in a proximal to distal sequence. Eventually individual digits result from select cell growth and cell death. Distinguishing proximal and distal movement refines our practice and movement of qi.

Class 3: Limb Rotation

Rotation of our limbs results in their functionality. Our hands reach and touch while our feet stand and walk. Of course, we not that limited. Rotation of the limbs occurs in the formative connective tissue and can be seen in spirals in the bones. When we embody bone and connective tissue rotation, our joints can be at ease and not have to compensate for rotational forces. Our relationship with qi reminds us of our natural internal rotation.

Class 4: Innervation by Neural Crest Cells; Autonomic Ganglia and Somatic Nerves

Neural crest cells are so unique and multipotent that they may be considered a 4^th germ layer. Among other things, they are the source for the autonomic nervous system and the sensory nerves for the muscles. Motor nerves arise from the neural tube. Between sensory input and motor output lies integration. Sensory and motor awareness and the ability to pause provides us opportunity to change our patterns. Discerning our autonomic and somatic nervous systems can lead to greater sensitivity, subtlety, and deeper intention.

Class 5: Blood Vessel Formation

Blood islands, small vessels, and early red blood cells first form in mesoderm outside of the embryo itself. Rhythmic movement and flow begin in these peripheral vessels even before we have a heart. The periphery supports the center, where all the formative forces coalesce to manifest the heart. The center and periphery support each other in a unified whole.

Class 6: Heart and Diaphragm Formation

The heart begins as a tube above the forming brain. The heart tube folds, rotates, and descends into the chest cavity where it completes development. The fully formed heart coheres the blood it receives and sends it out for another circuit. It is an organizing force for the hands and provides a center to our horizontal axis. The central tissue of the diaphragm descends along with the heart to help define the thoracic cavity. Practicing and being with a restful heart centered in the thoracic cavity engenders a serene and courageous presence.