Chinese kung fu fans

The definition of health is not the absence of disease but a balance in all functions of our bodies and a feeling of well being. The ancient Doctors were paid only when they helped to prevent disease in their patient. Every thought, word and deed is recorded in our cells. Every time we think there is a chemical reaction in our physical being.

“When the forces of the body work in mutual harmony there will be life (or vitality); when they associate with each other but do not blend illness will result.” When we speak of health we speak of a balance of our energy body – the life force body.

This life force body is fed by the universal energy called chi, ki, and prana. This vital energy is more subtle than electromagnetic energy. We receive chi in several ways. There is pre-natal chi which we receive from our mother and father before birth. There is post-natal chi that we receive mainly through our food, water, and breath after we are born. This life force energy is in every atom of space. It comes up from the earth and into our bodies through our feet. It comes down from the heavens and enters through our “crown” on the top of our head. The Tao, or the Way is the path to sustain the chi.

Life is energy. Every living thing has atoms and molecules in constant motion. When the atoms spin clockwise there is health. When they spin counterclockwise there is disease. (Jin Shin Jyutsu)

The “life force body” is the flow of the Creator in us. It gives life to the physical body. Without it we would die. The life force body or etheric body is an exact replica of the physical body. It flows along definite invisible “wires” or pathways called meridians.

There are twelve pairs of meridians, bi-lateral (12 organ flows and the Triple Warmer, and Pericardium). There are two other meridians, the “source,” that bisect the body. The Conception vessel runs down the front, and the Governing vessel goes up the back in a complete circle. This “Main Central” (named from an ancient form of harmonizing the body -  Jin Shin Jyutsu) is known as “The Divine Presence (Creator) in the honorific center of the Cosmos.”

Where there is pain or disease there is a blockage of energy. Sometimes there is a surplus that weakens the system. When the meridians are opened up our bodies have an innate ability to heal themselves. We are always going toward homeostasis – back to balance.

The points along the meridians are the places where the energy tends to stagnate or come to the surface. By using our hands and fingers (Shiatzu, acupressure, Jin Shin Jyutsu), or needles (Acupuncture), or heat moxabustion along these points the energy is able to open up and go along its perfect path to bring the body back into balance.

Yin and Yang came into existence in the material world of duality. In Spirit all is One – androgyny…male and female united in one. In our physical world there seems to be a separation. Chi arises from the interaction of Yin and Yang, and is the primary substance of the Universe. It is said that all things are formed from chi and that every life form is characterized by its chi. Chi encompasses the material and the non material. In its power form it is both subtle and rarified – it is “substance with no form.” – this is more Yang.  Matter is a condensed slowed down form of chi – this is more Yin.

“Human beings result from the ki of heaven and earth. The union of the ki of heaven and earth is called human being.” The Yellow Emperor’s classic of Internal Medicine (c.100BC)

The ancient Chinese system of health and healing brings all things of heaven and earth into our physical bodies. Every function of the Universe is reflected in us. There is a true understanding of body, mind and spirit – a connection between our emotions and our health.

“When ki condenses it can form beings.” Zhu XI (12th Century AD)

When I read this statement it really amazed me. The life force of the Universe is within and all around us. Every moment we are bathed in this ocean of ki. The Great Spirit has given us an eternal gift of healing right within our bones.

copyright2009Merry C. Battles