Penetrating Vessel (Chong Mai): Core Sea of Blood & Breath

November 04, 2025•6 min read

The Chong Mai is your deep midline regulator. In TCM it’s called the “Sea of Blood,” pointing to circulation, vitality and menstrual rhythm. It also marries breath with movement, so the chest and belly work as one. That’s why this guide is titled Core Sea of Blood & Breath—it explains how the Chong steadies your centre, eases reactivity and restores a calm rhythm. For the wider map, see Meridians & Organ Clock — Complete Guide.

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More reading on meridians:
Meridians & Organ Clock — Complete Guide • Belt Vessel (Dai Mai)

What this means (Penetrating Vessel: Core Sea of Blood & Breath)

Let’s unpack the title in plain English.
Penetrating Vessel (Chong Mai) is one of the eight Extraordinary Vessels. It rises along the body’s centre, from the pelvic floor through the belly into the chest. It is called the Sea of Blood because it’s linked with the body’s circulatory and reproductive tides. It influences how energy and blood surge or settle.

The Chong is also a breath organiser. When this line is toned, the diaphragm loosens, the belly softens, and the exhale lengthens. The core then stops gripping. You feel steadier. Movements become smoother. Emotions have more space to pass through. That is the promise contained in the heading: a stable core, a kind rhythm for blood and breath, and a practical way to cultivate both through simple Qi Gong.

What it is (the short answer)

The Chong Mai is the body’s inner stabiliser. It links pelvis, belly and chest into one unit so you don’t fight yourself with every breath or step. It helps you move from the lower Dahn Jon (lower abdomen), where breath meets balance. When the Chong is nourished, recovery improves, sleep deepens, and “tired-but-wired” softens.

Pathways & functions (plain English)

Pathway: Pelvic floor → lower abdomen → navel → solar plexus → chest.
Breath role: Encourages low, wide diaphragm movement and an easy, longer exhale.
Circulation role: Smooths inner rhythm; supports menstrual balance and general vitality.
Emotional tone: Reduces edginess and startle. Builds a sense of inner safety.
Posture & movement: Gives the spine a springy, alive feeling rather than stiffness.
Dahn Jon link: Anchors attention in the belly. This lowers stress chemistry and supports presence.

When it’s out of balance (gentle signs)

Upper-chest breathing, held ribs, or a “band” of tension around the midriff.
Feeling flooded after stress; hard to “come down.”
Bloating or digestive unease under pressure.
Menstrual symptoms feel stronger around stress cycles.
Fatigue with restlessness (wired but tired).
Posture collapses or locks tight through the day.
If you recognise yourself here, go gently. Smaller is better than bigger. Slower is better than faster.

3–10 minute Chong routines (seated or standing)

1) Core Balloon Breath (2–4 mins)

Hands below the navel.
Inhale softly into the lower belly.
Exhale a little longer than the inhale.
Keep shoulders easy; jaw soft.
Imagine a small balloon filling and emptying under your hands.
Why it works: It recruits the diaphragm and teaches the core to release on the exhale.

2) Front–Back Meeting (1–3 mins)

One palm on the sternum, the other at the lower back.
Breathe slowly as if both hands could touch through your centre.
Swap hands halfway.
If standing, keep a micro-bend in the knees.
Why it works: It reconnects the front and back body so the midline feels whole.

3) Belly–Chest Wave (1–3 mins)

Inhale: belly widens slightly; chest follows a little.
Exhale: chest softens first; belly follows and melts inward.
Keep it tiny. Almost invisible.
Why it works: It restores a natural breath wave that calms the nervous system.

4) Centre Line Tap & Hum (1–2 mins)

With loose fingers, tap from pubic bone → navel → sternum → clavicles.
On the exhale, hum a soft “mmm.”
Pause if dizzy. Sip water.
Why it works: Tapping wakes receptors; humming prolongs the exhale and vibrates tension loose.

Optional prelude (30–60s): Dai waist priming

Before any Chong work, draw three tiny hip circles each way.
Add two side glides (left–right).
Why it helps: A tight waist strangles the Chong. Free the Dai Mai first, then breathe low. Read the pair guide: Belt Vessel (Dai Mai).

Close (30s): Sit or stand still for three quiet breaths. Notice warmth in the belly, ease in the chest, and a kinder pace inside.

Paired vessel synergy: Chong ↔ Dai

The Chong rises. The Dai wraps. Together they make a stable cylinder for breath and movement. If the waist is bound, the midline can’t expand; if the midline is collapsed, the waist overworks.
Practical combo (2–5 mins):

Dai priming (hip circles + side glides, 45–60s).
Core Balloon Breath (90–120s).
Front–Back Meeting (60–90s).
That’s enough to reset your day. For the full waist guide, see Belt Vessel (Dai Mai). For context across all vessels, revisit Meridians & Organ Clock — Complete Guide.

Everyday tips for a calmer core

Two-breath rule: Before emails or calls, take two belly breaths.
Meal rhythm: Pause to breathe before the first bite. Eat slowly.
Micro-movement: Every hour, stand and sway your hips for 20 seconds.
Posture cue: Sit on your sit bones; let the ribs float rather than flare.
Warmth: Choose warm water and warming foods when stressed.
Evening wind-down: Five minutes of Belly–Chest Wave in bed can ease you into sleep.
Gentle boundaries: Say “I’ll come back to this” when your body feels flooded. Then take three low breaths.

Who benefits most?

Anyone who lives in their head and forgets to breathe low.
People who feel reactive, especially under time pressure.
Those with midriff tightness from sitting, bracing or over-training.
People seeking menstrual rhythm support within a gentle, educational approach.
Beginners who want a safe, simple entry into Qi Gong.

Safety first (how to pace)

Keep movements tiny. Smaller is often more effective.
If light-headed, stop, sit, sip water, and return to a longer exhale later.
Seated practice is as valid as standing.
If you’re unsure or navigating a condition, consult a qualified professional.

FAQs

Is this medical treatment? No. This is educational guidance for personal practice. Consult a professional when needed.
How often should I practise the Chong routines? 5–10 minutes, most days. Consistency matters more than intensity.
Can I do everything seated? Yes. All drills here can be seated or standing.
What if I feel edgy or dizzy? Pause. Lengthen the exhale, lower the effort, sip water, and resume later.
Where should I start if I’m new? Do Dai priming for 45–60 seconds, then Core Balloon Breath. Or start with the 21-day course below and add live classes when ready.

This guide is educational and not medical advice. If you’re unsure or have a condition, go gently and consult a qualified professional.

Practise with support

Learn live: Join our weekly Online Qigong Live Classes.
Ease in first: Try the Qi Gong for Beginners 21-day course and build steady habits.

I look forward to connecting with you in my next post.
Until then, be well and keep shining.
Peter. :)

Chong Mai, Penetrating Vessel, sea of blood, core, breath, circulation, regulation, chest-belly, Qi Gong

Peter Paul Parker

Peter Paul Parker is a Meraki Guide and Qi Gong Instructor who helps empaths, intuitives, and the spiritually aware heal emotional wounds, embrace shadow work, and reconnect with their authentic selves. Through a unique blend of ancient practices, modern insights, and his signature Dream Method, he guides people towards self-love, balance, and spiritual empowerment.

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