The question raised in class "is acupuncture energy medicine?" was an interesting one. I would tend to say yes and consider it to be a simple question. It seemed that the answer was not so clear in the group and I found that to be fascinating.
My current understanding of acupuncture is to think of needles as lightning rods that help to realign the energetic currents that run throughout our bodies. I often feel that the question of whether we have energy channels to be as strange as those who question human responsibility for global climate change: you can find science that tells you otherwise, but such studies don't come from reliable or peer reviewed sources. Western science from my perspective seems to easily support the idea that we have energetic bodies. If such is the case, then it makes sense that a system of medicine like acupuncture whose goal (at least partly) is to restore our energetic flows to a healthy pattern, makes a lot of sense. From personal experience as well as observation of others, I have found acupuncture to be a tremendously effective form of energy medicine. That's why I'm here! =)
What conclusions can you draw from Kirlian photography?
For me, Kirlian photography brings up more questions than it does conclusions. For example the cut-leaf phenomenon. If a leaf can be cut in half but still show the energetic whole, what does this mean? What if you just picked the leaf then took the picture, would you be able to see the rest of the plant that it was just attached to? How long would such an effect last? A few moments until the connection is severed? Is the connection between and leaf and it's mother plant ever severed completely? It reminds me of the stories about people who get organ transplants and end up with pieces of the donors personality. Does that wear off eventually? Or are the two always connected? What does it mean to be connected to a being that is dead? And on and on. It's very fun and interesting to think about!
Human intent as it effects health
I feel like intent plays an important role in human health. It is not so heavy handed as to be the prime factor, but I believe it is not negligible. If you eat very well and get a moderate amount of exercise but have a bad attitude, you could still have health problems. My opinion on intent is the same for all attributes of a healthy existence. There seems to be a holistic dance of all aspects from diet and exercise to interpersonal relationships and self reflection, etc. Every aspect is key and none stand alone. Sure some may show effects more quickly than others, but nothing occurs in a vacuum. I feel that this applies on a micro level within ourselves, and also a macro level in terms of our whole selves being one piece in the symbiotic ecosystem that we reside in and are a part of.
Hi Poppy, thanks for all your thoughtful posts. I agree, it is a simple question, and hopefully we can accept acupuncture as energy medicine and move on, instead of just asking, 'Do you believe in Acupuncture?', which makes it just a religion or faith, and not a practice.
ReplyDeleteThis thing about acquiring some of the donor's personality or feelings is really fascinating. Someone should write a novel about it, I think. But it would have to be some characteristics that would then blend with the host's personality and memory and feelings. That is a great plot for a story! Cheers, Annette
I agree, a very thoughtful post. In reading about biodynamic farming, the leaf analogy is given as an introduction to understanding nature's energetics. This analogy touches heavily on human intent. How a farmer approaches her land is not only important to the growing of the food (micro), but down the line has a direct effect on the health of the consumers (macro).
ReplyDeleteoops. I didn't sign it. Renee :)
ReplyDeletei find the connection and severing of the physical quite facinating also. the question that arrises for me is where does that connection end, and if we had sensitive enough tools could we see more of the connection. Some may argue that there are some people who have this sensitivity. A sensitivity that when developed can see the connection between everything.
ReplyDeleteHi, Poppy! Nice to see your blog. The information on your blog is really help me to think about acupuncture. Like you, I believe and interest in acupuncture. However, it is hard to see how acupuncture works in our body by our naked eyes. I think we will know more about acupuncture after we study more about it and see more patience experience in clinic.
ReplyDeleteThe interesting phenomenon of the lead still showing as whole even after being severed is an interesting one. My dad cut of his little finger in a farming accident a few years ago, and he continues to 'feel' his finger even thought it is no longer there. When I work on him I sometimes 'massage' the area where his finger was, and he can feel it, even if he is not looking at what I am doing.
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