These ancient people believed the same natural laws of Yin and Yang governing the universe had to influence human beings. We were not considered a separate entity; we were viewed as a miniature universe subjected to the very same universal laws. If Chi was the creating force of all visible components then they believed it had to be a factor behind our existence as well. Therefore, from Yin and Yang came the Five Elements of the universe.
These Five Elements – Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal give birth to all things in creation, including human beings.
The human body as a miniature universe houses 12 energetic channels or pathways wherein Chi flows. These channels are known as “meridians” which control both our gross and subtle anatomy. Our gross anatomy is the physical form we can see. Our subtle anatomy is the energy body most cannot see. This subtle energetic body represents the whole of which we are – our body, mind, emotions, and spirit. Unlike the veins that our blood flows through, meridian pathways also travel throughout body, but rather than fluid they deal more with energy and states of consciousness. Each meridian is associated with one of the Five Elements and is linked to either a Yin or Yang organ of the physical body. Each organ of the physical body is linked to our thoughts and emotions and reflect our state of consciousness.
It is said Chi applies to the human body in 2 ways; inherit Chi and acquired Chi. Inherit Chi is the energy we receive from our parents at the time of conception. Acquired Chi is the energy accumulated by the quality of life we choose to lead, the food we ingest, and the quality of air that we breathe. It is believed the major cause of all disease stems from a blockage of Chi circulation. People become ill when either they cannot absorb enough Chi or the circulation in their body becomes blocked. Human beings cannot sustain a high quality of life by food and breathing alone. It is important to have a strong flow of Chi energy, as the most nutritious food would be of no use if our inner constitution were weak. In order to absorb and integrate the external universal energy we must learn to integrate and strengthen the fundamental life force within. Chi healing is an ongoing process of cultivating, strengthening, and balancing the Yin (female) and Yang (male) of our being. Good health is learning to live in balance with the all aspects of our internal world – the body, mind, emotions, and spirit so that we may be in balance and good relationship with all aspects of our external world.
