It is commonly accepted that the human organism has many systems which support life. The skeletal, circulatory, muscular and endocrine systems are examples of this. However, there is also a subtle system that co-ordinates the functioning of these other systems into one harmonious whole; this is the human bio-electrical system.

The bio-electrical system is made up of pathways of higher and lower electrical resistance, known as meridians. Along these pathways are specific points which share these electrical characteristics. These are often referred to as acupuncture points. There are twelve such meridians, each with a number of points, and each connects to a particular organ. The function of the meridians is to supply the correct amount of bio-electricity to their respective organs. This then controls the level of functioning of the organ. If there is too much energy and the organ is hyperactive; too little energy and the functioning will be sluggish. Acupuncture and chi kung massage treatments restore the energy to a correct level within each organ and balance the functioning of all organs as a collective unit.

However, such replenishment of energy levels to restore organ function is not the limit of the therapeutic benefits of such treatments. You can see each organ energy is also associated with other bodily systems and with an emotional response, for example, the lung energy and the emotions of grief and courage. When the lung energy is healthy one will feel brave and ready to accept life's challenges.

The meridian energy is controlled by eight master meridians (the eight extra vessels) which function like energy reservoirs that feed the twelve regular meridians. These meridians are also used in acupuncture but not to the same extent as the twelve. Chi kung health restoration practices specialise in teaching the practitioner to control the energy flow of these eight master meridians. For detailed information on the eight extra meridians

The eight are in turn fed by the energy of the chakras. These act like transformers, converting celestial energies into bio-chemical secretions and visa versa. It is no coincidence that the chakras locations correspond to the endocrine (hormonal) glands. After all, Western science has long known of the effect of hormones on the functioning of the entire human organism. The chakras are the super-conscious minds way of controlling and co-ordinating all of our systems into one cohesive unit. Various energy healing modalities use the chakra system to restore homeostasis to our physical and emotional lives; radionics, reiki and the kahi technique from Kahuna shamanism are good examples.

The idea of conserving the sexual energy found in yoga, chi kung and druidic practice, has to do with the heightening of the functions of the chakras, for when we conserve our sexual hormones the respective gland eventually becomes full. When this gland is full the body will stop expending energy to fill it and will become to fill the next gland up the ladder. When the pineal and pituitary glands are reached then, according to yogic and taoist scripture, enlightenment is achieved. Along with enlightenment comes siddhis or extra ordinary human functions. These functions include clairvoyance, clairaudience, ESP, psychokinesis and out of body states.

The final component of the human bio-electrical system are the various fields of energy that surround the human body. These fields are collectively known as the aura. The aura has received a great deal of attention in modern times because illness often shows up here long before physical symptoms arise. It is for this reason that Penn State University (USA) has been developing an advanced diagnostic system by mapping the electro-magnetic flow in and around the human body. These fields consist of electro-magnetic electrodynamic convection and ultra-faint luminescent energies, giving us a total of seven distinct layers these seven may well be directly linked to the functions of the seven major chakras, although more research needs to be conducted in this area.

Now I wish to share a simple exercise that will allow you to experience these energies first hand:

Sensing chi energy with the hands

 Place your hands about two inches apart palms facing each other. Begin to breathe deeply and relax, after a short time of doing this you will begin to feel sensations in the hands. The usual sensations are heat, tingling, static electricity, shooting from one hand to the other or a feeling like a cool breeze blowing between the palms.

Now slowly move the hands apart and imagine that the energy between the hands is like pastry, stretching thin long strings between your palms. Now push the hands slowly together and feel the energy condense between them. If you don't get any immediate sensations then try again, everyone can feel this energy but the time it takes can vary quite a bit. Try to feel the energy between your hand and that of a friend, this can be an amazing experience.