Eastern philosophies can appear mysterious or unfathomable to the western mind, and beneath many of those philosophies lies an energy that is sorely misunderstood.
The power of Chi (or Qi ~ pron. Chee).
Chi is not confined to the Chinese mindset as it also occurs as Ki (Reiki) in Japan, Prana (Pranayama) in India, Odic force in Germany, and dare I even say it, as the Holy Ghost within Christianity, or the Holy Spirit within Judaism and Islam. Recently the Higgs Boson (the God Particle) was referred to as "the possible culprit underlying the idea of Qi"
So it is deeply entrenched within the philosophies that humanity has created for itself over time, and yet, it is not regarded as one of the 'intelligences' but rather as the primal force of universal order. Like magnetism, gravity, electricity or sound, Chi is an energy that can be used to create an effect, and that effect can be internal or external, active or passive. The name you give it is unimportant, what it does can save your life.
The premise is that Chi is both the glue that binds the physical world together and the oil that keeps it running. As a life force it exists within the air we breath, the water we drink and the food we eat, as a result, both herbalism and dietary advice were based upon understanding the difference between where your Chi 'is' and where it 'should be'. The differential is commonly understood as dis-ease.
It is important, therefore, to promote strong Chi within the mind and body, with the simplest of these being correct breathing and correct diet. Chi moves around the body along a series of pathways akin to the nervous system, some of the pathways are close to the surface whilst others lie deep within the body regulating the internal organs. The movement of Chi is regulated by the Yin and Yang aspects whose sole function is to permit a free flowing cycle of energy.
Meditation, prayer, mindfulness, can all promote well being of the mind. Tai Chi, Qigong, Reiki, Yoga or Pranayama can all promote wellness in the form through strengthening the muscles, tendons and skeletal structure. Acupuncture can assist Chi to be where it needs to be, overcoming blockages and strengthening vital organs as well as acting directly upon the mental process of a spirit-being-human.
Your body is a vehicle and like any other vehicle it needs to be serviced, maintained, and generally looked after in order to function. The above systems help you to do that, but they are not the only way. I know many Christians who perceive such eastern philosophies as the devil's own work yet they have their own forms, be it the laying on of hands or silent retreats, there is no difference.
Obviously, I speak from a more eastern aspect as that is my culture. Here are some links that further explain the basis for cultivating your Chi.
Infrared Evidence for External Qi
An Evidence-based Review of Qi Gong by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration | Natural Medicine Journal
Spring Forest Qigong | Qi~full Eating | The Energy of Food
As an aspie I am more than aware that I can become out of balance with my body due to functioning within the modern world. I don't believe that aspies are designed for cities, for intense social structures, and I personally believe that we are depleted by them. To this end I spent most of my life developing systems to keep my Chi as high as possible, and this was way before I knew I had Aspergers. The result of this is that I don't suffer from any co-morbidity that I am aware of, my meltdowns are rare, but I value the periods of shutdown as a 'recharging phase'.
Some might argue that I am just lucky in not having any co-morbidity and it has nothing to do with any of the above. All I know is that I can sense when my mind or body is going out of balance, and it stops doing so as soon as I get treatment.
Enjoy
The power of Chi (or Qi ~ pron. Chee).
Chi is not confined to the Chinese mindset as it also occurs as Ki (Reiki) in Japan, Prana (Pranayama) in India, Odic force in Germany, and dare I even say it, as the Holy Ghost within Christianity, or the Holy Spirit within Judaism and Islam. Recently the Higgs Boson (the God Particle) was referred to as "the possible culprit underlying the idea of Qi"
So it is deeply entrenched within the philosophies that humanity has created for itself over time, and yet, it is not regarded as one of the 'intelligences' but rather as the primal force of universal order. Like magnetism, gravity, electricity or sound, Chi is an energy that can be used to create an effect, and that effect can be internal or external, active or passive. The name you give it is unimportant, what it does can save your life.
The premise is that Chi is both the glue that binds the physical world together and the oil that keeps it running. As a life force it exists within the air we breath, the water we drink and the food we eat, as a result, both herbalism and dietary advice were based upon understanding the difference between where your Chi 'is' and where it 'should be'. The differential is commonly understood as dis-ease.
It is important, therefore, to promote strong Chi within the mind and body, with the simplest of these being correct breathing and correct diet. Chi moves around the body along a series of pathways akin to the nervous system, some of the pathways are close to the surface whilst others lie deep within the body regulating the internal organs. The movement of Chi is regulated by the Yin and Yang aspects whose sole function is to permit a free flowing cycle of energy.
Meditation, prayer, mindfulness, can all promote well being of the mind. Tai Chi, Qigong, Reiki, Yoga or Pranayama can all promote wellness in the form through strengthening the muscles, tendons and skeletal structure. Acupuncture can assist Chi to be where it needs to be, overcoming blockages and strengthening vital organs as well as acting directly upon the mental process of a spirit-being-human.
Your body is a vehicle and like any other vehicle it needs to be serviced, maintained, and generally looked after in order to function. The above systems help you to do that, but they are not the only way. I know many Christians who perceive such eastern philosophies as the devil's own work yet they have their own forms, be it the laying on of hands or silent retreats, there is no difference.
Obviously, I speak from a more eastern aspect as that is my culture. Here are some links that further explain the basis for cultivating your Chi.
Infrared Evidence for External Qi
An Evidence-based Review of Qi Gong by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration | Natural Medicine Journal
Spring Forest Qigong | Qi~full Eating | The Energy of Food
As an aspie I am more than aware that I can become out of balance with my body due to functioning within the modern world. I don't believe that aspies are designed for cities, for intense social structures, and I personally believe that we are depleted by them. To this end I spent most of my life developing systems to keep my Chi as high as possible, and this was way before I knew I had Aspergers. The result of this is that I don't suffer from any co-morbidity that I am aware of, my meltdowns are rare, but I value the periods of shutdown as a 'recharging phase'.
Some might argue that I am just lucky in not having any co-morbidity and it has nothing to do with any of the above. All I know is that I can sense when my mind or body is going out of balance, and it stops doing so as soon as I get treatment.
Enjoy
