Energy Systems in the Body
ImmuneLine specialists use energy works for healing chronic conditions and acute energy trauma. So, let’s review what ancient knowledge we have about the energy systems of the body. Interestingly, each old medical school has a slightly different vision and description of energy flow. It does not mean that all the elements described, let’s say by Chinese medicine, co-exist in the body with the pathways believed in by Ayurveda. It is just a variation of descriptive beliefs coming from the past.
As I was trained in Tibetan medicine, I had a combination of descriptions, and constructed my own vision supported by the theory from the textbooks. As far as I know, all holistic practitioners who use energy work eventually come to their own understanding as well.
Ayurveda
Ayurveda medicine sees all the Universe (and humans being a part of it, together with rocks and trees) being connected and influencing each other in some way. As your mind, body, and spirit are interconnected as well, the balance between them supports health and disruption of balance leads to a disease. Naturally, if there is a imbalance around you (natural disasters, war, lockdown or panic), you are much more likely to get sick.
Ayurveda practitioners study astrology and horoscopes, and use certain predictions in their guidance and healing. In general, most energy works are based on balancing of the spirit and body through meditation, mantras and acupuncture.
DOSHA - the life power
Human body is birthed from three life energies, called doshas:
Vata dosha (space and air)
Pitta dosha (fire and water)
Kapha dosha (water and earth).
In each person one dosha predominates and forms character and guides behavior. But the balance between doshas is crucial throughout life.
Chakras
The concept of the chakra arose in the early traditions of Hinduism. Beliefs differ between the Indian religions, with many Buddhist texts consistently mentioning five chakras, while Hindu sources reference six or seven. Early Sanskrit texts speak of them both as meditative visualizations combining flowers and mantras and as physical entities in the body (Grimes, John A. (1996). A Concise Dictionary of Indian Philosophy: Sanskrit Terms Defined in English. State University of New York Press. pp. 26, 30, 100–101, 265. ISBN 978-0-7914-3067-5.)
Energy Field or Aura
Aura is the energy field (most likely electromagnetic) surrounding our body. It reflects the physical, emotional, and spiritual state of the person and a state of health. Aura has seven colors and directly connects with chakras. It can be viewed as a protective barrier against external influences, and also how we interact with each other. For example, the way you feel about another person is your way of feeling the aura – “what an attractive girl”, “why is this person so angry?”, “this man is so tired and depressed”. Of course, we react to body signs as well (posture, smile or grin etc.), but we also trust our “feelings”.
The energy works is very dependent on the practitioner’s ability to see or feel the aura. There are many rules and theoretical guidelines for working with aura. Reiki is one of the examples of adjusting Aura fields for treatment of diseases.
Chinese Medicine Body Energy Understanding
Traditional Chinese Medicine views the energy of the body (Qi) flowing through meridians – certain pathways connecting organs. It is balanced through acupuncture or acupressure as simple tools opening “plugs” and ensuring heat and cold are evenly distributed. Active points that can be used for diagnosis and treatment. These are listed in the ancient books (with certain names and functionality) and must be studied by every Naturopathic practitioner who wants to use energy works.
There are 12 meridians connected to organs these are commonly used for traditional acupuncture.
The eight extraordinary meridians are of pivotal importance to the study of Traditional Chinese medicine that incorporates the modalities and practices of Qigong, Taijiquan and Chinese alchemy. These eight extra meridians differ from the standard twelve organ meridians in that they are considered to be storage vessels likened to oceans, fields, or reservoirs of energy that are not associated directly with the Zang Fu, i.e. internal organs but have a general influence upon them.
Tibet Traditional Medicine
Stay tuned for my next post about Tibet Medicine and Qigong!
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