It's All About The Flow Of Energy

As I was researching the holistic healing methods to include on my website, the subject of chi pops up again and again. I guess it never really dawned on me that these healing methods work by manipulating or stimulating the flow of energy, or chi, in the human body.

For example, Acupuncture removes blockages to the flow of chi by inserting fine needles into points along the energy channels, or meridians, in the body. The body's vital life force can then heal any damaged parts of the body.

Sometimes a non-invasive procedure is used called Acupressure where the points along the meridians are massaged or pressed instead of having needles inserted into them to release the chi.

Reflexology or Zone Therapy is a holistic treatment where the soles of the feet are stimulated to manipulate the chi.

According to Chinese Herbal Medicine, the herb has yin or yang properties that affect the energy fields of the body. For example, bitter herbs will lower the chi while spicy herbs will circulate chi and vitalize the blood.

Qigong is an exercise that regulates the flow of chi in the body by controlling the mind and the breath. Like Acupuncture, qigong moves the chi along the meridians in the body. In this practice you call on Universal Energy to help the mind remove any blockages found so the chi moves freely.

Feng Shui works with the Five Elements to balance chi in your environment and help keep the chi flowing in all areas of your life, not just the body.

Aromatherapy uses the scent of essential oils to awaken or subdue the chi and bring balance to the body.

In some forms of Meditation, you ground yourself to the Earth's energy and draw from it. Or you may call upon the Universal energy from above and draw strength from it. Guided Imagery and Visualization work this way in some form, also.

Yoga has some component of energy manipulation. The Tree Pose where you think of grounding the foot to the Earth, for example, and always keeping the spine straight so you do not impede the flow of chi running along those channels.

Even Homeopathy works based on the principle of awakening the body's innate healing energy, or chi, to heal itself.

In fact, isn't that what Holistic Medicine is really all about? Allowing the body's own energy to heal itself and helping it along if the need arises?

Before I started this website I would never have thought of Acupuncture, Feng Shui, and Meditation as healing techniques based on the same principle: manipulating the flow of energy in order to bring things back into balance.

Now I know these holistic techniques not only balance the flow of energy, they balance the flow of our lives.

May you manifest better health with holistic intent,
Liz