Chapter 4 – Channel Release: Let It Flow!
4.1 Channel release
Under the name channel release are grouped a number of
techniques aiming at awakening and cleansing the body of energy,
or etheric body. The etheric energy, or life force, is identical to
the prāṇa of the Indian tradition and the qi of traditional Chinese
medicine. Our first purpose will be to reach a tangible perception
of this energy.
Whilst circulating all over the etheric body, the life force follows
certain lines of energy, called ‘meridians’ in Chinese medicine and
nāḍī in Sanskrit. We will work on some of these, endeavouring to
feel the flow of energy along them.
A more advanced, but essential stage will be to learn to move the
energy consciously in these channels.
As this capacity develops, the student will be able to correct
several health problems. It will become obvious that the proper
functioning of the physical body depends to a great extent on the
right flow and balance of the circulations of the etheric body.
As the etheric body gains in strength through these practices, it
acquires a greater resistance to negative energies. And when an
undesirable energy is perceived in one of the channels, it becomes
possible to expel it consciously, the same way as a pebble can be
moved out of a hose by acting on the flow of water. Such a skill
secures a high level of energetic protection and will prove to be a
great help to all those involved in self-transformation or healing.
At a later stage, inner alchemy deals with the opening of the most
essential of all energy channels, located in the centre of the body.
This central channel ascends from the root of the trunk (the
perineum, between the anus and the external genital organs) to the
top of the head and above. It is the thunderwand, the path of the
serpent-fire of the western esoteric tradition, identical to the
suṣumnā of Kundalini-yoga. One of the purposes of channel release
is to prepare you for the work on this master channel. Channel
release trains you to move the etheric energy consciously.
Therefore, instead of having to ‘imagine’ a flow in the
thunderwand, you will be able to implement a proper circulation