Eastern healers believe the body is energetic. According to them, the flesh and blood that is "us" is innervated by an invisible membrane; a fiber network which is also an energetic blueprint of the physical body. At the helm of this creative vehicle is our thoughts. Thoughts create the energy that will eventually manifest into matter and will determine the fate of our bodies.



As you may have guessed, I believe in this idea of energy to matter manifestation. I also believe this energetic support surrounds the body. You've undoubtedly heard of or have seen the "aura," I imagine everyone has. It's is my theory that the body responds to this aura and the purity of it; thus responding to the purity of our thoughts. Easterners, on the other hand, call the energy surrounding the body "chi." In the same way, energetic healing to Easterners happens when chi is cleansed and purified. It is in this state that the body is more inclined to be disease free. I agree wholeheartedly.

So how then to cleanse your chi? Here's three of my favorite, simple ways.

Meditation

What does meditation do? Meditation asks you to move to a deeper spiritual level challenging you to be open to your subconscious mind. In this state you can remove the mental "debris," creating an image of peace, health and wellness. Meditation has allowed many ill people to become well again. It has also helped heal cancer and many other seemingly terminal illnesses.

How do you meditate? There are as many ways to meditate as you can imagine. And to get the to the root of subconscious there is no one right way. What matters is that you embrace meditation and learn to practice daily for just a few minutes. It is as easy as sitting quietly, then following the breath. This removes focus from your thoughts and places the focus into the vastness of yourself and your healing energy.

Healing Touch: Reiki Energy Medicine

What is Reiki? Reiki is more than a modality, it is an experience. Although the result of Reiki is unique for everyone, most report the feeling of deep physical and mental relaxation during and after treatment. Reiki is administered through a light touch of the hands on various body parts. During treatment, the recipient rests in a reclined position, fully clothed.

What does Reiki do? Reiki, through its powerful universal energy, accelerates healing of injury, discomfort and disease. It also promotes the healing of emotional and spiritual issues, as well. After a session many report a heightened awareness of new thoughts and understanding. A Reiki practitioner must first be trained by a Reiki Master to both learn how to channel the healing energy of the universe and unlock his or her individual power. Once this is done, a practitioner can perform Reiki on oneself. It also provides the practitioner a gift and a tool that lasts throughout the lifetime.

Qigong

What is Qigong? Qigong (pronounced "chee gung") is an ancient exercise and healing system. Originally an ancient Chinese system of healthcare, it focuses on the Qi, or "chi," meaning "breath" and "energy," and "gong," meaning "exercise." The history of Qigong dates back to, 500 B.C. It is the foundation of Tai Chi and martial arts, combining the two disciplines to create what Garri Garripoli, Qigong master, calls in his book "Qigong: Essence of the Healing Dance," a "moving meditation." Many benefits of Qigong are associated with the balancing of the body with the mind and spirit. It has been proven to increase immune function and decrease blood pressure. Moreover, Qigong has helped eliminate chronic pain and can reduce stress. It does this by breaking up blockages of energy that surround the body.

How to do it? Qigong uses slow, controlled, stretching-type movements which allow a person to connect to their source. It does this through deep breathing and guided breath work. Each person is unique and each must trust their own body with this process. When performing Qigong, seek you own unique "balance." Qigong has also become a low-cost healthcare strategy in China. Its foundation is rooted in the regulation of breath, therefore, attention is placed on posture and relaxation of the mind. For Qigong videos check out www.livingarts.com or enjoy the Qigong exercise program I've given you in my book Spiritual Fitness: The 7-Steps to Living Well.

Regardless of what you choose to believe about chi, this much is true: Deep breathing and relaxation will bring you balance and peace. Therefore, by using meditation, Reiki, Qigong or a combination of all three, you can stimulate the body to naturally connect to your inner nature and purify your state of mind.