Life Energy and Healing

“The Nerve, Meridian and Chakra Systems and the CSF Connection”
by
Dr. Don Glassey

  Life energy, in the form of cerebrospinal fluid, flows within, through and around the body over three inter-related and interconnected energy systems that interface with each other. The three energy systems are, from a gross to a subtler and more refined level, the nervous, the meridian, and the chakra systems.In the nervous system, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flows within and around the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) within a three layered “saran wrap” like covering called the meninges. It has been suggested that CSF also flows in the periphery of the body within the neuroglial connective tissue transportation system and communication network. Therefore, rather than ending at a cavity-like cul-de-sac at the place where the peripheral nerves exit the spinal cord (intervertebral foramen), the CSF would then circulate throughout the entire body.In the meridian system, acupuncturists physically trace the life energy (chi/ki) by palpation as it flows within the connective tissue of the body. Radioisotope studies in Russia and China have confirmed the pathways in which (chi/ki) circulates. The framework of the connective tissue is composed of microscopic tubules called collagen fibrils. It has also been suggested that CSF may flow through this microcirculatory system in the connective tissue via the tubular passages (lumina) of collagen fibrils, and that theoretically “chi” and CSF are one and the same.The acupuncture/acupressure points are the surface points of meridian energy channels that act like transformers that receive the impulse and sends it on. The “Chi” or “Ki” energy flows throughout the body, and is transported by the meridian system where there is more total energy available at certain places at certain times. These changes in proportion of energy is in the form of “Chi”, and healing arts which address the meridian system effect the balance of “Chi” energy. This balance is referred to as the “Yin-Yang” principle of expansion (Yin) and contraction (Yang) of body parts, glands and organs. As was stated earlier, the pathways of “Chi” energy between the surface points of the body and the organs, muscles and all other parts of the body have been charted and verified by radioisotope studies in Russia and China. Every body part is also represented by points in the ears, eyes, and on the hands and soles of the feet. Although on a more subtle level than the nervous system, the total meridian system is very similar in structure, with its major and minor meridians and circuits, points, extended meridians to internal organs, divergent and connecting meridians.

Again consistent with Quantum Physics, the “Chi” is matter on the verge of becoming energy or energy at the point of materializing, as there is only connectedness between matter and energy. “Chi” energy is in constant motion and has four primary directions; ascending, descending, entering and leaving, which is similar to the afferent (going towards the brain) and efferent (going away from the brain) branches of the central nervous system. The normal physiological activity is “Chi” moving harmoniously in these various directions, and can be likened to the free flow of nerve impulses over the nervous system.

The meridians, then, are generalized channels or pathways through which “Chi”, flows among the organs and various body parts adjusting and harmonizing their activity. In addition to “Chi”, blood also is carried by the meridians through the body, therefore, the meridians are a subtle energy network that links together the entire fundamental body substances and organs. Again, similar to the nervous system, which controls and coordinates all body parts, the meridians unify all the parts of the body to maintain a harmonious balance.”

To read more: http://healtouch.com/csft/life_energy.html

This is a fantastic article which really gets to the bottom of ki and meridians and explains how Shiatsu works in relation to quantum physics, the central nervous system and draws on research conducted by the Russians and Chinese. 

I’m off to my course residential in Herefordshire tomorrow, one more stop before my course finals later this month. I’m feeling a mixture of excitement and apprehension. I’m sure there will be large helpings of fun involved :-).