In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the life force healing energy is called Chi or Qi (both pronounced chee). In Japan, this energy is termed Ki (pronounced as key), while Yoga practices refer to the body’s life force as prana. These terms all relate to the same universal healing energy, which exists in our bodies, our food, and within our environment, and links us to all forms of life.
Healing Energy Terms: Chi, Qi, Ki, and the Life Force all have the same meaning and are used interchangeably. To be clear, all of these terms refer to exactly the same essential universal energy that is found within the body and in nature.
The life force within our body is connected to the life energies within nature, which move in invisible currents and healing pathways through all matter. This Chi energy flow connects with everything, and it’s the source of all life.
The primordial force of nature creates mountains and governs the ocean currents, the flow of rivers, and weather patterns. The movement of the life force can be seen in molecules, elements, the landscape, and all plants and animals.
The life force in plants gives them their vital life energy and structure – for the trees, their uprightness and their diversity in branching toward the sky. Scientific studies have shown that plants exhibit functional characteristics similar to the meridian system in humans and animals.
Within the bodies of all living animals, this life force energy circulates. In humans and other animals, these energy channels are called meridians, which flow throughout the body and govern the functions of all organs, glands, and other body systems.
Energy Blockage & Energy Flow
The most powerful energy healing work uses Acupressure points to enable the life force energy – known as the Chi or Qi – to flow easily. These health building points have a high electrical conductivity at the surface of the skin. Therefore, they conduct the body’s energy most effectively.
Energy blockages are the root of most problems, imbalances, and diseases. When the Chi is blocked, the body cannot function optimally. When the Chi flows fully, health can be restored. The flow of human energy nourishes every system of our body and gives us the ability to concentrate. It’s the basis of creativity and healing.
Acupressure is an ancient healing art developed in Asia over 4,000 years ago. It is effective in the relief of stress-related ailments, in self-care, and in preventive health care. Acupressure points release tension, increase circulation, reduce pain, and promote vibrant health.
By learning Acupressure, you can discover how to apply the same points and principles as Acupuncture – but by using the power and sensitivity of the human hand, instead of needles. You can also become more aware of the energy flows in your body. Obtaining greater awareness can increase your healing potential.
Acupressure.com makes it easy to get started. You can explore techniques that promote health and well-being, that relieve a range of emotional complaints, and that address common ailments such as depression, anxiety, headaches, backache, insomnia, nausea, carpal tunnel, and many more.
Acupressure Meridians
The meridian energy pathways connect the Acupressure points to each other as well as to the internal organs. Just as blood vessels carry the blood that nourishes the body physically, the meridians are distinct channels that circulate essential life energy throughout the body.
The meridians are thought to be part of a master communications system of universal energy. They connect the organs with all sensory, physiological, and emotional aspects of the body.
The way human energy flows through the meridians presides over wellness or the imbalances of dis-ease. For instance, a Chi blockage in the meridians can cause numbness, pressure, spasm, and many kinds of aches and pains. However, when the life force flows through the meridians in a balanced way, it contributes to health and happiness.
How Chi Affects the Human Body
Our energy flow reflects our state of mind, how we feel, and how we think. Negative thoughts can block the meridians from flowing, just as positive thoughts can build healing Chi energy.
Energy blockages affect our stress, the way we eat food, and how it gets digested. Sleep patterns and disorders are also a result of how the Chi flows in the meridians. Energy blockage can result from stress, trauma, and injuries. In extreme energy imbalances, mental, emotional, or physical problems may occur.
Acupressure is a powerful method that unblocks the Chi flow and can restore health and promote optimal well-being. Its holistic effects can enhance physical, emotional, and mental health, and also deepen our spiritual awareness.
The Flow of Yin & Yang
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is based upon the interplay of two polar opposites that are found in all aspects of life, known as yin and yang. This dynamic process creates an ongoing movement and energy flow in all of nature. The life energy is always shifting from expansion to contraction and back again.
The forces of yin and yang follow natural laws fundamental for all healing arts and for balance and wellness. They teach us that change and movement are constant aspects of nature. We can learn to be flexible and flow with these changes, increasing our overall harmony with life.
The Life Force in the Healing Arts & Martial Arts
The flow of Chi is the foundation of both the Asian healing arts and Asian martial arts. Each of these practices channel and build healing energy for strengthening and enhancing their effectiveness.
The healing arts channel the life force for internal healing purposes. Acupressure can unblock the flow of Chi, helping to balance physical problems and promote well-being.
Martial artists use the life force for self-defense, physical power, and other ways of moving the Chi externally. Examples of Chinese martial arts are Karate, Kung fu, and Tai Chi. The word Ki, meaning universal energy, is the basis of the Japanese martial art known as Aikido.
Both practices benefit from the cultivation of this healing energy through exercise, diet, and creative, positive visualizations. Once a martial artist learns how to use the life force for self-defense, if they’re a skilled warrior they will also know how to use this human energy to heal an opponent.
Cultivating Chi Energy
Building human energy, developing its healing potential, and strengthening the flow of the life force have been high priorities in the Chinese culture since ancient times.
Qi Gong is an ancient practice for developing and building the Chi, also known as Qi. It uses special internal healing exercises and meditations for promoting healing energy, cultivating the life force, and channeling it throughout the body.
When you strengthen the life force within your own body through Qi Gong or martial art exercises, you can then use that increased energy for heightening your healing power when you work on yourself and others.
For Acupressure Practitioners
Traditional Pulse Reading
Actually Detects the Chi Flow
Improving the health of friends, family, and clients can be very rewarding. Serving others by helping them increase their well-being is a meaningful practice that enhances your life as well. You can also show them Acupressure points and techniques that they can use for themselves to be more empowered and active in maintaining their health on a daily basis.
undertakes enables them to develop greater Chi awareness.
The same principles and practices used to develop this healing energy can also heighten Massage Therapy techniques and Asian bodywork therapies based on TCM, such as Shiatsu, Tuina Chinese Massage, and Thai Massage.