Kum Nye

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Kum Nye (Tibetan: sKu-mNyé) is a Tibetan Buddhist movement practice, somewhat in the tradition of Yoga or Tai Chi. Kum Nye literally means "subtle body massage" in Tibetan. There are many forms of Kum Nye which have been practiced in Tibet.

One form belongs to the "Medical Tantras": the body of knowledge which describes Tibetan medical practices and medicines, where it is used to promote health and healing, much like Qi Gong.

Other forms are more esoteric, such as those belonging to the Dzogchen teachings. Kum Nye is used in the Dzogchen teachings belonging to the Longde (Tib. klong sde), the series of Space and Men-ngak (Tib. man ngag sde, Sanskrit upadesha), the series of secret Oral Instructions.

These forms of Kum Nye can also vary greatly between teachers/transmissions, and are used to develop energy channels and increase sensitivities.

Some forms of Kum Nye are very slow moving, similar to Tai Chi. Others seem to resemble various forms of Yoga. Still others are intensely aerobic and resemble "fire traditions" of Yoga or Qi Gong.

The Kum Nye which is described in the books by Tarthang Tulku appear to be largely from the Medical Tantra, but include exercises similar to those found in the Dzogchen series. It is very hardworking and based on very slow movements, stillness practices, and massage. This Kum Nye has been described as Inner Massage.

An Exercise Example: In the exercise "Flying": one extends one's arms slowly out from the side up to stretching above the head and then slowly back down again. One cycle can take anywhere between 2 and 10 minutes. The practice of breathing in and out of both nose and mouth at the same time is recommended while doing the exercises. The key is to pay close attention to the subtleties of sensations and the quality of experience while doing the exercises, thus linking body and mind in the presence of awareness given to the sensations.

Kum Nye has been popularized in the West through publications by Tarthang Tulku. Kum Nye is related to the Nyingma and Bön traditions.