by Dr. Don Glassey
(11 January, 2010
)
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 more subtle 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 also been suggested
that CSF also flows in the peripheral nervous system, from the subarachroid
space within the meninges, to a space beneath the lining (epineurium) of
peripheral nerves. 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 nervous system.
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 been suggested that CSF
may flow through this microcirculatory system in the connective tissue via the
tubular passages (lumina) of collagen fibrils.
Although current scientific research has not determined that the
chakras
energy centers are physical phenomenon, their "material space" is anatomically
in close physical proximity to the spinal nerve ganglia (mass of nerve cells)
and plexuses (network of spinal nerves).
It is theorized that the spinal nerve ganglia and plexuses are
the
physical or "material" representation of the seven major chakras at the
following spinal anatomical locations: coccyx, sacrum, lumbar, upper
thoracic, cervical, mid and upper brain.
The aforementioned reference of CSF
flowing around the peripheral spinal nerves would suggest an increased volume
at the sites of the nerve ganglia and plexus due to the profusion of nerves at
these locations. Therefore, it is hypothesized that CSF is the physical
manifestation of the chakra energy called "prana".
The "prana"
(life force)
is also distributed in the cerebrospinal pathway at the chakra centers in much
the same way as the CSF flowing around the peripheral spinal nerves, which
comprise the major nerve plexuses and ganglia. Our hypothesis then concludes
that CSF is the physical manifestation of "prana", as both forms of life
energy are found in the same anatomical locations and flow in a similar
fashion.
The following analogy depicts the relationship among the three
intertwined and interconnected energy systems. The distinct pathways of the
nervous system are like the rivers and streams on the surface of the earth.
The acupuncture points of the meridians fall along generalized paths and are
like "springs" beneath the earth's surface. The chakra energy centers and
connecting nadis are on a "deeper" level and can be likened to the earth's
aquifer. Similar to the interchange of rivers and streams, underground
springs and aquifer, we theorize that the energy systems of the body
interrelate and interface with each other through the connection of the liquid
medium of cerebrospinal fluid.
The nervous system, is on a gross, physical level of the body,
and is
comprised of thousands of miles of distinct nerve pathways. It is composed of
the brain, spinal cord (central nervous system), and spinal nerves (peripheral
nervous system) which emanate from the spinal cord like branches from the
trunk of a tree. The brain, the master control center, creates mental (nerve)
impulses which proceed down the spinal cord and out the spinal nerves. It is
the function of the nervous system to control and coordinate every other
system in the human body, and all the billions of body cells which are akin to
the leaves at the end of the tree branches in the aforementioned example.
These billions of cells are like little batteries which are inter-dependent
upon energy from the principle battery, the brain.
The various organs and glands which comprise all the body systems
(respiratory, digestive, etc.), are composed of cells which, on the
microscopic level, consist of molecules. (A molecule is the smallest entity
that retains the characteristics of the substance.) Molecules are always in
motion (unless at -273 C or -452 F). This movement of molecules creates
an
electromagnetic energy field of various frequencies emanating from within the
body. This electromagnetic field of energy can be seen through Kirlian
photography, a cameraless electrical technique which captures on film a
colorful aura or corona surrounding the body, which changes with a person's
emotional, mental and/or physical state. Life energy, on a gross physical
level, can be likened to the flow of electricity conducted to and from the
cells of the body over the nervous system. In order for the body to
physically heal and regenerate itself, the cells must be "charged" with life
energy.
The flow of life energy within the nervous system can be
forestalled by
any external force which overcomes the body's internal ability to adapt to it.
The body's inherent capacity to adapt to physical, mental/emotional, and
chemical external forces is determined by the individual's ability to
accurately perceive, adapt to and renew from day-to-day, and cumulative life
experiences. All this, in turn, relies upon the free flow of mental impulses
(life energy) over the nervous system. And since the flow of the CSF
controls the electrolyte balance in the nervous system, it is intimately
related to the mental impulse flow. (Electrolytes determine the conduction of
electricity over the nerves, and the nervous system works by the principle of
electricity.)
The most serious encumbrance to the movement of life energy over
the
nervous system is what science call a "vertebral subluxation". A vertebral
subluxation occurs when one of the spinal bones which surrounds, houses and
protects the spinal cord is in need of realignment. Vertebral subluxations
are caused when the body's ability to renew itself in every capacity is
greatly challenged from physical, mental/emotional and chemical external
forces. Vertebral subluxations can impede the vital flow of life energy in
the form of CSF or mental impulses within the body. In order for the body to
heal itself and/or adapt to external environmental forces the free flow of
life energy is imperative.
Chiropractic is the specialized healing art whose sole objective
is to
locate, analyze and correct vertebral subluxations. The chiropractic
adjustment clears the encumbrance to the flow of vital energy from the major
pathway of the nervous system, allowing the self-healing abilities of the body
to be at a maximum through the harmonious flow of life energy.
On a more subtle level, the meridian system is comprised of
generalized
pathways of energy which flow within the body called meridians. The life
energy which flows over the meridians is called "Chi" in China and
"Ki" in
Japan. There is both an anatomical and physiological relationship between the
meridian and nervous systems.
In the meridian system, the acupuncture/acupressure points on the
surface
of the body correspond in structure and function to the autonomic
(automatic/involuntary) part of the nervous system's sympathetic (speeds up
body functions) and parasympathetic (slows down body functions) nerve
plexuses. As was stated earlier, this can be likened to the movement of
water on and within the earth where the nervous system would be the rivers and
streams, and the meridian system acupuncture points would comprise the springs
underneath.
Thus, as was mentioned previously, there is an inter-relationship
and
interconnectedness of these two energy systems, as well as the chakra system,
which will be discussed in greater detail later on in this article. This is
consistent with what the Quantum Physicists, who define scientific reality,
call the "Implicate Order" of matter and energy where everything is connected.
The acupuncture/acupressure points are the surface points of
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 radio-isotope 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 efferent (going towards the brain) and afferent (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 all the 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.
The main functions of the meridian energy system are to move
"Chi" and
blood, regulate "Yin and Yang", moisten tendons and bones and benefit joints.
It connects the interior of the body with the exterior, more in terms of
significance rather than with place, for the internal is as equally important
as the external.
The goal of healing arts which directly address the meridian
system is to
keep in balance those aspects of the body's "Yin and Yang" whose
harmonious
proportion and movement of "Chi" energy is essential. This enables the
movement of life force (Chi) so that the body can heal itself. The healing
arts which direct themselves specifically to the meridian system are Shiatsu
Massages, Acupuncture, and Acupressure and Reflexology. These methods of
healing are beneficial insofar as they facilitate the free flow of life force
or "Chi". Therefore, like chiropractic, these methods of healing are also
ways of awakening the life energy.
Life energy, in it's many forms, is the power by which any and
all
methods of healing are accomplished. Therefore, life energy is the force
which is the true and direct healer of the body. Thus, a healing art is
superior or inferior to the degree that it can "awaken" the flow of life
energy in the body.
In the chakra energy system, swirling intersections of vital life
forces
gather on a much more refined level than in the nervous and meridian systems.
The word "chakra" is a Sanskrit word from ancient India meaning wheel or disk.
At the inner core of each one of us spin seven wheel-like energy centers or
chakras which together form a system. Similar to the relationship between the
nervous and meridian systems, there is an anatomical and physiological
relationship among all three energy systems of the body. As was stated
previously, on a physical level, the chakras correspond with the spinal nerve
ganglia and plexuses which are centers of nerve activity, and to glands in
the endocrine system. Traveling beside, around and through the chakras are
the meridians which are like a network passing through a central vortex of
energy. While the chakras are interdependent with the nervous and meridian
systems, they are more superimposed onto these other energy systems, rather
than occupying the same physical space.
Chakras are energy centers which current scientific
technology has not
"physically" detected, as they operate on a very refined level. Although
they
are metaphysical or non-physical, the chakras emit an electromagnetic force
field found within and around the body which can be viewed in Kirlian
photography. Thus, chakras, are sites within the body which project as
patterns of electromagnetic activity focused around the major spinal nerve
ganglia and plexuses. This electromagnetic field could be generated by the
movement of CSF molecules flowing around the spinal nerve plexuses and ganglia
which correspond with the sites of the major chakras.
The chakras are centers of activity which receive, assimilate and
transmit life energies. As such, they are a kind of vortex or gathering point
of organized life energy. And just as the physical body is a vehicle for our
consciousness, each chakra reflects an aspect of consciousness essential to
our lives. Thus, the chakras are the "wheels of life" that act as
gateways
between various dimensions of our consciousness. Each chakra represents a
dimension of our consciousness on seven basic levels corresponding to the
major chakras. Together, they form a meta-physical vertical column called the
"sushumna", which is the central integrating channel for connecting the
chakras, and their various dimensions of consciousness.
The movement of "prana" or vital life energy over the
chakra energy
system is very similar to the flow of CSF within the central nervous system.
"Prana" moves up the cerebrospinal pathway within two channels called
"Ida"
and "Pingala" which criss-cross in a double helix pattern intersecting at the
major chakras. This is akin to the circular vortex flow of CSF up around the
spinal cord into the brain. "Prana" goes down the same pathway within the
sushumna column in a manner very similar to the movement of CSF down the
central canal of the spinal cord.
On a physical energetic level, according to yoga theory,
"prana" is
absorbed into the body through respiration or directly through the function of
the chakras. The chakras are the energy centers along the sushumna which
control the flow of "prana", and a system of energy channels called nadis.
In
the physical body these channels are represented by the meridian system, the
centers of the brain and nerve plexuses, and the acupuncture points.
"Prana" is distributed to the peripheral areas of the
body through an
elaborate matrix of channels or nadis. The nadis are then analogous to the
spinal nerves which comprise the peripheral nervous system, and serve a
similar function. Just as the spinal nerves conduct the life energy of the
nervous system to glands and organs, the nadis distribute "prana" to all parts
of the body, converting into different forms of vital energy appropriate for
various organs and tissues. Thus, the chakras are and intermediary for energy
transfer, and act as centers for facilitating the energy conversion between
the body and mind.
The states of consciousness, physiological systems and elements
associated with each of the seven chakra levels are as follows: Chakra One,
(earth element), physically located at the base of the spine or coccygeal
plexus, is associated with survival and the genito-urinary system. Chakra
Two, (water element), situated in the lower abdomen or sacral plexus, is
related with sexuality and emotions, and also the genito-urinary system and
adrenal glands. Chakra Three, (fire element), centered in the solar plexus,
concerns personal power, metabolic energy and the pancreas. Chakra Four, (air
element), located over the sternum or cardiac plexus, is associated with love
and the thymus gland. Chakra Five, (sound element), in the throat area or
pharyngeal plexus, affects creativity, communication, and controls the thyroid
gland. Chakra Six, (light element), situated in the center of the forehead,
bears upon intuition, imagination and clairvoyance, and regulates the
secretory functions of the pituitary gland. Chakra Seven, (thought element),
at the crown of the head or carotid plexus, concerns enlightenment,
knowledge, understanding, and overall controls every aspect of body and mind.
Each chakra also has a characteristic color and sound associated
with
that chakra. Chakra One is perceived as a disc of yellow light and a buzzing
sound like bees. Chakra Two is seen as a disc of white light and has sound of
a flute. Chakra Three is perceived as red disc and sounds like a harp. Chakra
Four appears as a blue disc and sounds like the peal of a gong. Chakra Five
is perceived as a violet disc and sounds like thunder or the ocean's roar.
Chakra Six can be seen as silver-white disc of light, surrounded by a dark
blue orb with a golden halo, and the sound of "Om". Chakra Seven is
seen as
a red-gold disc, like the sun, and has the "sound" of silence or stillness.
These seven chakras form the major component of our consciousness
and
effect all major body systems. They are the core centers which form the
coordinating network of our complex body-mind energy system. The chakras
also govern the quality and quantity of energy related to the dimensions of
our consciousness and body functions, as to how open they are respectively, or
how they are able to control this opening at appropriate times. This
regulates both the amount and complexity of mind-body activity one can
effectively integrate at any given chakra level. Since the body and mind are
so intimately interrelated, the chakras play an essential part in this
relationship. As the body and mind effect and regulate each other, the
chakras are the vortex of integration where the body and mind meet. Thus, the
chakras define our consciousness and behavior , as well as direct and change
it through mind-body integration.
There are a number of healing arts and techniques which can be
utilized
to effect the functioning of the chakras, as well as ways to access and
facilitate the flow of vital "pranic" energy within. The functioning of
the
chakras can also be enhanced by working with it's element, or associated
colors and sounds. Also physical exercises can be performed that pertain to
relaxing, opening or stimulating that chakra area of the body. The following
healing arts, techniques and procedures can have a beneficial effect on the
chakras; Reiki, meditation, crystals and other gems, spiritual healing,
polarity therapy, therapeutic touch, tai chi, tai kwon do, yoga postures,
sunlight, color therapy, aroma therapy, flower essences and herbs.
Bensky, Daniel and O'Conner, John, Acupuncture: A Comprehensive Text, Eastland Press, Seattle, WA 98111, 1981 Judith, Anodea, Wheels of Life, Llewllyn Publications, P.O. Box 64383, St. Paul, MN 55164, 1987
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