Tan Tien Chi Kung is the art of cultivating and condensing chi in the lower abdomen - the tan tien - the fundamental powerhouse of the body. Known as the Ocean of Chi to the ancient Taoists, this lower abdominal area holds the key to opening the body and the mind for the free and continuous movement of the chi. Tan Tien Chi Kung contains specific breathing and movement exercises that develop the power of the chi stored in the body to increase vitality, strengthen organs, and promote self-healing. Mantak Chia explains how these exercises also provide a safe and effective method for receiving earth energy which allows the practitioner to achieve balance physically, mentally and spiritually - all of which are essential for the more advanced practices of Iron Shirt Chi Kung and cosmic healing. It is our mind that directs and guides our chi, but if the mind and body are out of balance or under stress, the mind cannot perform this function. The tan tien actually contains a large quantity of neurotransmitters, making it a key source of body intelligence. It is for this reason the Taoists also referred to Tan Tien Chi Kung as Second Brain Chi Kung and created exercises that would allow practitioners to gain awareness of the tan tien's function to restore the mind-body balance that is essential for spiritual growth and optimal well-being.