The Ayurvedic perspective on physiology differs from modern Western thought: Humans are spiritual beings who live in the temple of the physical body; thus, they require health care to focus on spiritual healing to affect the physical body. Another unique idea within Eastern philosophy and yogic doctrine is the concept of chakras.
Chakras are seven wheel-like vortices of energy over nerve plexuses and endocrine centers of the body, as well as the third eye, and the crown of the head, with small vortices at each joint. Functional - rather than anatomical - structures are connected to the meridians and acupuncture points. Numerous researchers have shown elevated electronic recordings from these locations, particularly in people who are in higher states of consciousness or in those with extrasensory abilities.3 One cannot help but notice the popularity of this healing approach, as Ayurvedic schools and practitioners are found not only in Asia, but all over the Western world today.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) was first recorded around 2,700 BC, and originated in ancient China. It is still primarily used in China, but also to some degree in North America and Europe. While you may think TCM is accepted and widely used throughout Asia, the reality is different; China offers two sorts of healthcare systems and hospitals to their people: Western Medicine and TCM clinics. Both are both financially covered for the people. TCM encompasses the use of herbs and is mostly known for acupuncture. Acupuncture needles are placed on acupuncture points along meridians to balance the energy in the body, helping to improve the flow of energy and fluids. An incredibly fascinating skill a TCM practitioner learns over time is the ability to read the patient’s face, tongue, complexion, posture, and the various levels of the pulse felt along the radial artery. The ancient beliefs upon which TCM is based include the following:
•
•
•
•
maintaining health.4,5
Historic records leading us back to 1,600 BC, indicate the brilliance of the ancient Egyptian priests or physicians who knew how to set bones, how to treat a fever, and how to recognize symptoms of curable and fatal diseases. The Egyptians held the belief that illness was often caused by an angry god or an evil spirit. For this reason, the Egyptian doctor was also part shaman, who performed rituals and recited prayers on the sick. However, the Egyptian physician was not limited to faith healing as part of his or her practice; Egyptian medicine became a far-reaching discipline, encompassing a great many fields. Doctors in Egypt, like today, were specialists in their individual fields. These fields included pharmacology, dentistry, gynecology, crude surgical procedures, general healing, autopsy, and embalming.6 The goddess Ma-at wore a feather as her symbol, which was used to access the vibrational qualities of justice, truth, balance, and order. The energy is accessed by utilizing intention as well as symbols - usually hieroglyphs.
Energy Healing in the Sufi way predates religion. The elect divine messengers and prophets who were endowed with the precious gift of pure self-surrender to the Absolute, were also bestowed with the healing energy that gushed forth from the energy of pure love and unconditional compassion (mercy to all creation).