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| Appendix A: Initial Client Interview Form | 139 | (2) | |||
| Appendix B: Notification to Physician | 141 | (2) | |||
| Appendix C: Resource List for Healing Modalities | 143 | (2) | |||
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| Bibliography | 149 | (4) | |||
| Glossary | 153 | (12) | |||
| Index | 165 |
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Chapter One
Energy-Based
Healing Concepts
The human energy field responds to stimuli even before the brain does. I think we have way overrated the brain as the active ingredient in the relationship of a human to the world. The mind's not in the brain. It's in that darn field.
--Valerie Hunt, quoted by Michael Talbot
in The Holographic Universe
Since the beginning of time, humans have looked up at the nighttime sky and wondered how many stars exist, and how far away they are. Intricate designs of animals, warriors, and other symbols were seen in the heavens, and these patterns and constellations were used to interpret the cycles of life on this great planet. Then, as telescopes and other instruments were used and these stars were closely observed, the then-prevalent geocentric concept of the universe began to crumble, and a new awareness emerged of our place in the universe--the earth was no longer the center of the universe. It was now but merely one of several planets which circle our sun, which is in turn just one of the infinite number of stars in the heavens.
As instruments improved and several scientific branches of investigation examined the heavens, we began to estimate the size, shape, and mass of the universe. However, as astronomers gaze deeper into the heavens, they continue to come across processes in other galaxies and other worlds for which they have no explanation. Clearly, our present understanding of the composition of the universe is less than perfect.
In an attempt to correct this situation, astronomers and astrophysicists have begun to reexamine some of their basic theories and concepts of nature. The Newtonian concept of our physical world worked very well when we were not aware of the vast fields of energy that permeate all levels of the universe, from the largest galaxies to the smallest atom. Not only is Newtonian physics being reevaluated, but also the limitations of Einstein's Theory of Relativity are now apparent. However, Einstein's famous equation E=mc² stated a fundamental truth that energy and matter are interchangeable. We have learned how to transform matter into energy through the atomic fission process. In addition, we have now demonstrated in the laboratory a limited capability to create matter using only focused beams of light from high-energy lasers.
The Universal Energy Field
There appears to be a source of energy within our universe that is, as yet, unexplained. However, more than one physicist has speculated that our universe began its existence as a subtle energy field of very high vibrational frequencies, and in some places this field gradually became denser and denser over time, with subsequently lower vibrational patterns. Eventually, these areas of denser vibrational patterns coalesced into what we now perceive as our physical universe of galaxies, stars, and planets. It is also speculated that, in the immensity of space within our universe, the energy field from which all matter coalesced is still there. This original energy field is of a higher vibratory rate and is theorized to contain the holographic pattern for all physical creation. This vast sea of vibrational energy is beyond the reach of today's instruments, and is termed the Universal Energy Field, or UEF.
In her groundbreaking book on energy-based healing, Hands of Light , Barbara Brennan lists several potential characteristics of the UEF. According to Brennan, the UEF is probably composed of a type of energy previously undefined by Western science, and which may exist in a state between what we consider matter and energy. Furthermore she speculates that this energy permeates all animate and inanimate objects in the universe, and connects all objects with each other. It can also be perceived or sensed by our inner senses of touch, taste, smell, sound, and luminosity (not the five normal physical senses). Lastly, she suggests that this energy consistently is creative in that it is consistently building form, as opposed to degenerating form; that is, it is synergistic instead of entropic.
If Brennan's observations are accurate, we are indeed becoming aware of our universe as much, much more than we can see and measure with today's instruments.
The Human Energy Field
The Human Energy Field (HEF) is "that part of the UEF associated with the human body." The HEF can be described in three different ways: in terms of (1) the major and minor chakras throughout the body, (2) the subtle energy fields or energy bodies that surround the physical body, and (3) the energy meridians within the physical body that provide the means of circulating and distributing energy (also called prana, chi, or ki) to the tissues and organs of the body. Each of these perspectives is discussed below.
The Chakra System
The Sanskrit word "chakra" means literally "spinning wheel." To those who can see energy fields, a major chakra resembles a spinning wheel when looking directly into the chakra. However, viewed from the side, it looks more like an energy vortex somewhat resembling the shape of a tornado. This energy funnel is tight and compact near the surface of the skin, and gradually widens as it extends outside the physical body to the edge of the aura.
The chakra system within the human body consists of seven major chakras and many minor chakras. The location of the seven major chakras is shown in Figure 1 (see page 4). Each major chakra from the Root through the Brow has four energy vortices associated with it: one spiraling upward, one downward toward the earth, one out the front of the body, and one out through the back of the body. The upward projecting vortex from one chakra and the downward projecting vortex of the chakra just above it, join to form an energy column that runs vertically through the physical body from the bottom of the spine (Root Chakra) up in front of the spine and out through the top of the head (Crown Chakra). The Crown Chakra has two vortices, one opening upward toward the heavens, and one projecting downward into the energy column running through the body.
When a chakra is "healthy and balanced" its front and rear vortices spin in a circular motion. However, if there is a disturbance or blockage in the flow of energy within a chakra, the circular motion may become elliptical or, in extreme cases, severely flattened on its sides. This distortion may be sensed by those able to see or feel energy fields, or indirectly sensed by a pendulum (to be discussed later). Furthermore, each chakra has its own specific "frequency," or rate of spin, with the lowest rate of spin in the Root Chakra, and steadily increasing up to the highest rate of spin in the Crown Chakra.
The purpose or function of the human chakra system is to take in higher-dimensional energy from the Universal Energy Field all around us and translate or "step down" its frequency of vibration to that which can be used within the physical body. Each major chakra vibrates or spins at a different rate, and each chakra will absorb energy from the UEF that is harmonically related to its own frequency. Thus, energy from several frequency bands within the UEF is absorbed by the different chakras and is directed to those organs with which that chakra is associated (see Table A, page 6). A good analogy of how this occurs is to visualize all the many TV signals existing around us all the time; by tuning to a specific channel (frequency), we get the specific information or programming being sent on that frequency. The human chakra system can then be said to act as a sort of "multichannel receiver" of vibrations from different portions of the energy spectrum all around us.
Through the internal human energy distribution system (see "Energy Meridians" on page 13), each chakra is connected to specific organs and endocrine glands, as shown in the previous table. For instance, the particular energy vibrations or frequencies absorbed by the Solar Plexus Chakra are linked energetically to the stomach, pancreas, gall bladder, and liver. Likewise, the reproductive organs receive their components of energy from the UEF through the Sacral Chakra (sometimes called the Spleen or Splenic Chakra).
Many minor chakras are also located throughout the body, and are usually associated with joints such as the knee, shoulder, elbow, etc. Additional minor chakras are found in the palms of both hands, the soles of the feet, and the ends of the fingers and toes. These minor chakras appear as spikes of energy emanating from the body rather than the spinning vortices of the major chakras. As will be discussed later, at least one major healing modality (Healing Touch) takes advantage of these rays of energy coming out of the fingertips to stimulate and accelerate the body's own healing processes.
Energy Bodies
The Human Energy Field, or aura, is made up of a number of individual but harmonically related energetic bodies, each vibrating at its own frequency. All these subtle energy bodies are actually spatially superimposed over the physical form. Above the vibrational energy of the physical body are the Etheric Body, the Emotional Body, the Mental Body, and the Spiritual Body. This is not to say that finer gradations do not exist; however, the groupings chosen are adequate to discuss the healing modalities presented here. Each energy body surrounds and interpenetrates all lower energy bodies, including the physical body. For example, the Emotional Body surrounds and penetrates the Etheric and Physical Bodies. The human energy bodies are depicted in Figure 2 (see page 9) and are described in Table B (see above).
If it is difficult to visualize the superimposed and interpenetrating energy bodies of our Human Energy Field, then think of the many radio and TV signals that are penetrating your body and existing simultaneously within the same space as your body. Moving through all "solid" matter is a constant barrage of vibrations that is far above our ability to detect with our physical senses. Tune into the right frequency with the proper receiver, and you can listen to your favorite radio station; tune in to even higher frequencies and you get the evening news on Channel 12. Above these frequencies are heat, light, ultraviolet radiation, x-rays, and highly energetic particles of cosmic radiation. All these vibrations exist simultaneously within the same three-dimensional space that our body occupies, and the only characteristic that differentiates one from another is frequency, the rate at which that particular "kind" of energy vibrates.
The Physical Energy Body At first, it may seem unusual to consider that the physical body is an energy body, but that is exactly what it appears to be. And as we explore and become more accustomed to this new paradigm, we are able not only to see the physical body in a greater, more meaningful context, but also we begin to understand the role of disease and the nature of healing. The physical body is the densest form of energy that our consciousness uses to explore its environment and interact with others. By the densest form, I mean that the vibrational patterns of the physical body are of a frequency low enough to be seen by our eyes (they are within the spectrum of visible light), heard by our ears (about 30 to 15,000 Hertz), and experienced with the senses of touch, taste, and smell within the "frequency capability" of our physical body.
But there are many octaves, frequencies, and vibrations beyond the capability of our physical senses. Beyond what we can see as visible light are the higher frequencies of ultraviolet, x-ray, and cosmic radiation. We are beginning to understand that what we can physically sense is only a small portion of the vibrational energies around us. If we look within our physical bodies at our atoms, molecules, and cells, again we find patterns of vibrating energy that we have traditionally called "matter."
We need to become aware that our physical body is really a field of vibrating energy that has coalesced from higher, less dense octaves. But we also need to remember that as vibrating fields interact with each other, one field can affect another field through the phenomenon of sympathetic vibration. If a violin player produces a note an octave above Middle C, and a second violin lying nearby on a table has a string which is tuned to Middle C, the second violin string tuned to Middle C will sympathetically begin to vibrate as well. So as we also begin to understand that there are several vibrational fields of energy around our physical body, it becomes easier to understand how one field affects another through this principle. And this is the key to understanding how energy-based healing techniques can achieve such visible and profound results in the physical body.
The Etheric Energy Body The etheric body is the first energy body in frequency above the physical body. It exists within the physical body, and extends outward about an inch outside the skin of the physical body. Its purpose is to form an energy template, or matrix, for the development, maintenance, and repair of the physical body. The etheric body contains a vibrational energy counterpart for each organ, blood vessel, and bone found in the physical body. Indeed, the etheric body contains the energetic blueprint for the pathways that guide the location and development of every cell of the physical body. "The bony structure, muscular, and vascular tissues, the nerves, the brain, and other substances are all represented in the etheric mold by currents of energy on specific frequencies." "The physical tissues exist as such only because of the vital (etheric) field behind them; that is, the (etheric) field is prior to, not a result of, the physical body."
Since the etheric body is the physical body's blueprint, the two are very closely related. As will be discussed later, the energetic vibrations of the etheric body determine the pattern for not only the physical tissues and organs, but also the state of health of those tissues and organs. If the vibrations are not clear and pure, this disharmony will be reflected in the physical body as disharmonious function--what we call "disease." Conversely, traumas to the physical body (such as broken bones, burns, incisions, and scars) will in time be reflected into the etheric body unless there is some interceding process that either prevents this reflection into the etheric body or which restores the original vibrational pattern that existed prior to the trauma. The ability to work with a client's vibrating energy fields is precisely what forms the basis for rapid and effective energy-based physical healings.
As explained by Talbot, an illness can appear in the energy field weeks and even months before it appears in the physical body. He considers that the physical body "is just one more level of density in the human energy field and is itself a kind of hologram that has coalesced out of the interference patterns of the aura ..." Richard Gerber, a Detroit physician, agrees, noting that "the etheric body is a holographic energy template that guides the growth and development of the physical body."
The following description of the etheric and higher subtle energy bodies surrounding the physical body are taken from Brennan's book, Hands of Light . To those who can directly observe energy fields, the etheric body appears as a grid of tiny energy lines with the overall structure and shape of the physical body. This matrix extends from a quarter-inch to two inches beyond the physical body. It is upon this etheric grid or matrix that the cells and tissues of the body develop and are anchored. The etheric body appears as a light blue or gray matrix of lines of light that constantly pulsate or scintillate at a rate of from 15-20 cycles per minute.
The Emotional Energy Body The emotional body contains the emotional patterns, feelings, and vibrations that determine our personality, and also how we feel about ourselves and interact with others. If we are constantly angry, always feel helpless, or are consistently fearful, these patterns or vibrations get locked in our emotional energy field and become a part of our personality. This determines to a very large degree how we interact with others on personal, social, and cultural levels.
The emotional body generally follows the shape of the physical and etheric bodies, but is somewhat more amorphous and fluid, and extends from one to about three inches outside the physical body. It contains energy "blobs" of all colors of the rainbow, depending on the specific feeling or emotion. Highly charged feelings such as love, hate, joy, and anger are associated with energy blobs that are bright and clear, while confused feelings are darker and muddier.
The Mental Energy Body The mental body contains the structure and patterns of all the thoughts and belief systems that we consider as true. There is a very strong connection between the mental and emotional bodies. Although a thought or idea can in itself be very powerful, our reactions to those thoughts carry even more energy, and different people will react differently to the same thought. For example, consider the thought form "If you are not a Catholic (or Protestant, or Muslim, or Jew, or whatever), you cannot go to Heaven." One person might hear that thought or idea, think it was silly, and give it absolutely no energy. But another person might become very passionate, depending on his greater belief systems, and argue strongly either for or against the truth of that statement. His emotional body would then record the intensity of the reaction to the thought stored in the mental body. However, the person who thought the statement was silly in the first place would not have any resonance with it, and no energetic pattern would be stored in either the mental or emotional bodies.
The mental body usually appears as yellow light radiating around the entire body from head to toe, and extends from three to eight inches beyond the physical body. Within this area, individual thought forms appear as small blobs of light of varying form and intensity.
The Spiritual Energy Body The spiritual body (that is, all vibrational patterns in octaves higher than the mental body) contains all the information related to our experiences, and reflects our gestalt consciousness of all that has been learned and experienced. It contains our higher intentions, our sense of what is right and wrong ("conscience"), and our desires to increase our awareness of our purpose, place, and mission for this lifetime.
These five energy bodies make up a person's Human Energy Field, or aura. Its outer shape appears roughly egg-shaped and extends out to approximately one and one-half to two feet beyond the physical body; however, this shape can be extended even further out or contracted closer to the physical body depending on the situation the person is experiencing. For example, when a person feels emotions of unconditional love, the aura may expand to several feet and radiate bright hues of gold or white; but if the same person is feeling threatened physically or emotionally, the entire aura may collapse to a much denser pattern within only a few inches of the body.
Chapters 2 through 5 provide examples of different energy-based techniques that provide healing on these physical, etheric, emotional/mental and spiritual levels, respectively.
Energy Meridians
Within the body many energetic pathways connect each organ and chakra, both major and minor. It is this internal energy distribution system which permits the flow of life-sustaining energy to the internal organs and tissues. This system of pathways has been known and used for several thousand years by Oriental practitioners of acupuncture. In acupuncture, or acupressure, the thought is that many diseases are caused or exacerbated by inadequate energy flow to certain areas of the body or organs. The fine needles used in acupuncture stimulate specific points on these energy meridians to release the blocked flow of life-force energy, and thus restore health. More recently, acupressure, a variation of this practice, has become quite popular. With acupressure, stimulation of the energy meridians to release the blocked flow of energy is accomplished through pressure from the fingers or hands instead of acupuncture needles. Western medicine is just now beginning to recognize the effectiveness of acupuncture and acupressure and, encouragingly, some insurance companies are now allowing payments for acupuncture and acupressure simply because patients recover quicker, and with fewer complications.
The chapters that follow describe several healing modalities for modulating the energy components of the physical and subtle energy bodies of the client. However, for the modalities discussed, it is not necessary to have a detailed understanding of the energy meridian system within the physical body. It is enough to recognize that when healing energy is transferred to the client's body through whatever means (such as the healer placing his hands on the client in a Reiki session), the energy meridians within the body provide a means of distributing the energy from the healer to wherever it is needed within the body.
Copyright © 2000 Howard F. Batie. All rights reserved.
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