June 18th, 2008What is Chi?

In Asian tradition, is the which permeates the world. In addition to being in all living beings, is also found in spaces such as homes and gardens. Although is a metaphysical construct, rather than something which can be physically quantified and measured, belief in is widespread in many Asian nations and disciplines including Traditional Chinese Medicine (), martial arts, and feng shui, a Chinese art which involves balancing objects within their environment.

Like other Chinese words, is seen spelled in English in various ways including and xi. The pronunciation of the word is difficult to render in the Roman alphabet, but the word sounds like “chee” when spoken. The meaning of the word is linked to “air” and “breath,” which are believed to vital parts of life. Like air, is a form of energy which waxes and wanes in the body depending on health, and in a space depending on arrangement.

Many cultures have a concept of some sort of vital energy which runs through all things, such as prana in the yogic tradition. When it is in a proper state of balance, the energy moves smoothly through the space which it inhabits, and supports rather than fights against the space. Balancing this energy is a crucial part of living a healthy and calm life for many people in Asian countries, and the concept of energetic balance has been adopted by some Western nations as well.

An imbalance of can lead to ill health or discomfort in an environment. In the case of living beings, practices like acupuncture, acupressure, and other types of are used to right the imbalance, by unblocking the flow of through the meridians of the body. A practitioner of checks in with the patient’s whole body in order to assess overall health, and takes corrective measures as necessary.

In the case of spaces, many Asian traditions surround organizing objects within an environment to make the space harmonious. An imbalance of in a space is believed to lead to bad luck and ill health, and many rules surround how things should be arranged from bedrooms to graveyards. As the rules which govern arrangements can be quite complex, some wealthy households hire professionals to arrange their spaces, who are analogous to interior designers in the West, although their function goes beyond pure aesthetic consultation.

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June 18th, 2008What is Qigong?

Qigong is a Chinese movement and breathing discipline which is practiced all over the world, by Chinese and non-Chinese alike. There are many different styles of qigong, including the famous tai chi, all of which focus on slightly different end goals, ranging from fitness for martial arts to maintaining healthy bodies in the elderly. This movement discipline is a topic of controversy in some areas, with people arguing about its benefits and potential applications, although many people agree that regular qigong practice is probably healthy.

The practice of qigong goes back to at least 500 CE, and it is probably much older, judging from depictions of qigong-like activities in Chinese art. Qigong has long been practiced as part of traditional Chinese medicine (), a holistic healing art which integrates a number of different approaches to medical treatment. In China, qigong classes are offered at many hospitals for the benefit of patients, and regular qigong practice takes place in many public squares. Outside of China, qigong classes can be found in a variety of locations, from schools to city parks.

There are two important aspects to qigong. One involves movement of the body, taking the body through a series of flowing poses. The other involves the regulation of breathing. Together, the breathing and movement is meant to focus and calm the body, generating a sense of well being in the practitioner while also improving strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Together, the movement and breathing of qigong exercises is meant to cultivate internal energy, or .

The controversy over qigong comes from the debate over its precise benefits. Most people in both East and West can agree that gigong is good for the body, especially for the elderly, because it is one way to get active, and it is very gentle, making it suitable for elderly and disabled people. Some people also say that qigong has spiritual benefits, equating it with metaphysical concepts, while others simply say that it encourages a calm state of being. Claims about qigong’s ability to harness energy or the forces of nature are viewed skeptically in many communities.

You may also see qigong spelled as gung or kung. However you spell it, chances are that there is a practitioner near you, if you are interested in learning more. Many casual qigong societies meet in the mornings on weekends in public areas, and welcome drop-ins, and you can also take a more structured qigong class. You can use your favorite search engine to search for “qigong” and your area to find a local group. If you can’t find local qigong sessions, you can take advantage of books and tapes to learn the basics, if you wish to practice on your own.

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June 18th, 2008How Does Reiki Work?

Reiki is a form of spiritual healing dating back to 20th century Japan. Created by Buddhist Sensei Mikao Usui, Reiki is said to heal a person through the energy flowing from the palms of the practitioner. Reiki made its way to the US thanks to the work of Hawayo Takata, who was born in Hawaii from Japanese parents. Hawayo Takata tried Reiki in one of her visits to Japan, and eventually avoided three surgeries thanks to Reiki treatment. In 1937, she became the first outsider ever to receive a First Degree Reiki certification.

The name Reiki literally means “spiritual/soul energy.” Practitioners believe that Reiki can help unblock the emotional or spiritual blocks that cause illness. Rather than focusing on treating the symptoms of a disease, Reiki works on the causes. Through the use of universal life-energy, Reiki can heal a person, even if the practitioner himself does not know what’s wrong.

During a Reiki session, a practitioner will ask you to lie down on a table after removing your shoes and jewelry. He will then move her hands around your body, without actually touching you. During the process, the practitioner’s hand usually become really hot, a sign that energy is flowing through him. It’s important to note that the energy received does not come from the practitioner himself; he is merely channeling the Universe’s energy. Some people who experience Reiki for the first time have an intense emotional reaction to it. This is considered normal.

Because Reiki works on energy, sometimes it takes several visits before a difference can be seen or felt. Also, the results tend to be subtle, and vary from person to person. However, practitioners believe that Reiki works for everyone and any condition.

Some Reiki critics allude to the lack of scientific evidence to back up Reiki. While it’s true that there are no studies showing the efficacy of Reiki in treating certain medical conditions, practitioners point out that Reiki should be considered as a complementary form of treatment, not as a replacement for a doctor’s care.

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