
The Meridians: Connecting the Visible and Invisible
An Interview with Qigong Grand Master Xi-Hua Xu
Can you speak about the importance of meridians in
traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)?
Grand Master Xu: Meridians form invisible energy pathways that
provide coherence to the human body and allow its structures to communicate
among themselves and with the external universe. The meridian system is one of
the major foundations of TCM. Qigong, acupuncture, acupressure, even the
Chinese martial arts, derive their benefits from the power of meridians.
How were meridians discovered?
Xu: Medicine and martial arts practitioners did not discover the
meridian system; they merely used this knowledge to derive benefits from it. In
ancient times, masters were able to develop their spiritual and psychic
capabilities.
Meridians were
discovered through spiritual practices like Qigong and meditation. By allowing
themselves to become immersed deeply in another state of consciousness, ancient
masters could literally “see” inside the body. Because of heightened
sensitivities, these healing masters could withdraw their egos from the world
of five senses and open a deeper part of themselves to the equally real world
of the invisible. Their observations have helped us understand that this
invisible energy network can enhance spiritual development, as well as create
many health benefits.
Is that why acupuncturists study meridian theory?
Xu: It is essential for acupuncturists to understand the
location of these energy pathways and the organ systems and structures they
influence. This knowledge helps them diagnose physical conditions more
effectively.
Each of the
twelve major meridians has its own function that relates to a specific organ
system; however, the meridians have far more power and flexibility than organ
systems. To use an analogy: if the Liver is represented by one house in a
community, the meridian represents the entire state. TCM believes the meridian
system stands above all others, including the nervous, immune, and endocrine
systems, and so forth. Meridians are the ultimate connection between the
visible and the invisible.
How do meridians act as the go-between for the
visible and invisible?
Xu: Besides helping connect the body and mind, meridians link an
individual’s consciousness and subconsciousness. While connections occur at the
physiological level, other critical linkages take place at an invisible or
quantum level that today’s technology cannot yet measure.
How can certain
masters alter their physical bodies through meditation? It’s not simply mind
over matter. The master has learned to use the power of meridians to
dramatically alter physical functions. Some masters can sit on an ice block and
melt it by raising their body temperature. Some can stop their brain waves and
appear as if dead. If the mind is totally gone, then what controls this
situation? What allows the master to revive himself? The master has raised the
art of using the power of meridians to a very high degree.
Because
meridians are so powerful, they offer the smoothest channel for unconscious and
subconscious communications within the body. Using acupuncture to readjust and
unblock meridians is one of the best therapies available to help patients
connect body, mind, and spirit, and recover their healing power. This modality
allows the unconscious mind to participate in the healing process. This way—and
only this way—can the root cause of problems be fixed. Otherwise, the patient
must practice Qigong to help unblock or “refunction” the meridians. Qigong
practice is better because the patient participates in the healing process;
acupuncture is easier.
What is the most important aspect of acupuncture and
Qigong? What really makes these healing modalities so powerful?
Xu: With regard to acupuncture and Qigong, it’s useful to know
that the efficacy of acupuncture relies on who administers it;
likewise, the efficacy of Qigong depends on who teaches it. If you don’t
meet a good acupuncturist or high-level Qigong master, it takes longer to
unblock the meridians and allow the flow of vital energy through these
invisible pathways.
Finally, it’s
important to understand that fate—and faith—play a role in the healing journey.
If the practitioner knows how, when, and where to use meridians to unblock a
patient’s Qi, then he or she can help the patient’s consciousness and
subconsciousness awaken its healing ability. This is the real gift of becoming
whole—body, mind, emotions, and spirit—with TCM.
Grand
Master Xi-Hua Xu is one of the rare Qigong masters with experience and a deep
understanding of meridians. He served as a professor of Taoist philosophy for
more than 27 years at Yunan University, China. He has used his extraordinary
knowledge of Qigong and meridians to treat members at the highest levels of the
Chinese government.
Article Source: www.tcmworld.org
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