that integrates the body, mind, and spirit; it is that which connects everything. The
Chinese call this life force qi(also spelled chi), the Ancient Greeks called it pneuma,
and the Hindus give it the nameprana. Whatever the culture, it is believed that the
life force is both self-nurturing and self-sustaining. In other words, physical activities
such as eating, work, and rest, as well as nonphysical aspects of life such as will,
motivation, feelings, desires, and a sense of purpose in life, are both made possible
by qi and responsible for creating more qi. Most schools of thought basically agree
on the following points regarding energy:
■ Energy comes from one universal source.
■ Movement of energy is the basis of all life.
■ Matter is an expression of energy, and vice
versa.
■ All things are manifestations of energy.
■ The entire earth has energetic and meta-
bolic qualities.
■ People are composed of multiple, interacting
energy fields that extend out into the envi-
ronment.
■ People’s relationships with one another are
shaped by the interactions of their energies.Chakras
The Hindu concept of chakras(a Sanskrit word for “spinning wheel”) describes seven
major energy centers within the physical body. Chakras have been described by
most eastern cultures and several South American cultures (such as the Mayan cul-
ture) for thousands of years. Chakras are major centers of both electromagnetic
activity and circulation of vital energy. They are usually thought of as funnels of
perpetually rotating energy and are considered the gateways through which energy
enters and leaves the body. Each chakra in the body is recognized as a focal point of
life force relating to physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of people and
they are the network through which the body, mind, and spirit interact as one holis-
tic system. Figure 2.1 illustrates the sites of the chakras in the body.22 ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TOALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
note
The life force,
whether called chi,
pneuma, or prana, has
no exact counterpart in
conventional medi-
cine, although the
concept of “bioen-
ergy” is beginning to emerge in
Western vocabulary.