Life Energy and Healing
"The Nerve, Meridian and Chakra Systems and the CSF Connection"
by Dr. Don Glassey

Life energy, in the form of cerebrospinal fluid, flows within,
through and around the body over three inter-related and
interconnected energy systems that interface with each other.  The
three energy systems are, from a gross to a more subtle and more
refined level, the nervous, the meridian, and the chakra systems.

     In the nervous system, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flows within and
around the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) within a
three layered "saran wrap" like covering called the meninges.  It has
also been suggested that CSF also flows in the peripheral nervous
system, from the subarachroid space within the meninges, to a space
beneath the lining (epineurium) of peripheral nerves.  Therefore,
rather than ending at a cavity-like cul de sac at the place where the
peripheral nerves exit the spinal cord (intervertebral foramen), the
CSF would then circulate throughout the entire nervous system.

     In the meridian system, acupuncturists  physically trace the life
energy (chi/ki) by palpation as it flows within the connective tissue
of the body. (Radioisotope studies in Russia and China have confirmed
the pathways in which (chi/ki) circulates. The framework of the
connective tissue is composed of microscopic tubules called collagen
fibrils.  It has been suggested that CSF may flow through this
microcirculatory system in the connective tissue via the tubular
passages (lumina) of collagen fibrils.

     Although current scientific research has not determined that the
chakras energy centers are physical phenomenon, their "material
space" is anatomically in close physical proximity to the spinal
nerve ganglia (mass of nerve cells) and plexuses (network of spinal
nerves).      It is theorized that the spinal nerve ganglia and
plexuses are the physical or "material" representation of the seven
major chakras at the following spinal anatomical locations:  coccyx,
sacrum, lumbar, upper thoracic, cervical, mid and upper brain.

    The aforementioned reference of CSF flowing around the peripheral
spinal nerves would suggest an increased volume at the sites of the
nerve ganglia and plexus due to the profusion of nerves at these
locations.  Therefore, it is hypothesized that CSF is the physical
manifestation of the chakra energy called "prana".

    The "prana" (life force) is also distributed in the cerebrospinal
pathway at the chakra centers in much the same way as the CSF flowing
around the peripheral spinal nerves, which comprise the major nerve
plexuses and ganglia.  Our hypothesis then concludes that CSF is the
physical manifestation of "prana", as both forms of life energy are
found in the same anatomical locations and flow in a similar fashion.

    The following analogy depicts the relationship among the three
intertwined and interconnected energy systems. The distinct pathways
of the nervous system are like the rivers and streams on the surface
of the earth. The acupuncture points of the meridians fall along
generalized paths and are like "springs" beneath the earth's surface.
The chakra energy centers and connecting nadis are on a "deeper" level
and can be likened to the earth's aquifer.  Similar to the interchange
of rivers and streams, underground springs and aquifer, we theorize
that the energy systems of the body interrelate and interface with
each other through the connection of the liquid medium of
cerebrospinal fluid.

    The nervous system, is on a gross, physical level of the body, and
is comprised of thousands of miles of distinct nerve pathways.  It is
composed of the brain, spinal cord (central nervous system), and
spinal nerves (peripheral nervous system) which emanate from the
spinal cord like branches from the trunk of a tree.  The brain, the
master control center, creates mental (nerve) impulses which proceed
down the spinal cord and out the spinal nerves.  It is the function of
the nervous system to control and coordinate every other system in the
human body, and all the billions of body cells which are akin to the
leaves at the end of the tree branches in the aforementioned example.
These billions of cells are like little batteries which are
inter-dependent upon energy from the principle battery, the brain.

    The various organs and glands which comprise all the body systems
(respiratory, digestive, etc.), are composed of cells which, on the
microscopic level, consist of molecules.  (A molecule is the smallest
entity that retains the characteristics of the substance.)   Molecules
are always in motion (unless at -273  C or -452  F).  This movement of
molecules creates an electromagnetic energy field of various
frequencies emanating from within the body. 

This electromagnetic field of energy can be seen through Kirlian photography, a cameraless
electrical technique which captures on film a colorful aura or corona
surrounding the body, which changes with a person's emotional, mental
and/or physical state.  Life energy, on a gross physical level, can be
likened to the flow of electricity conducted to and from the cells of
the body over the nervous system.  In order for the body to physically
heal and regenerate itself, the cells must be "charged" with life
energy.

    The flow of life energy within the nervous system can be
forestalled by any external force which overcomes the body's internal ability to
adapt to it. The body's inherent capacity to adapt to physical,
mental/emotional, and chemical external forces is determined by the
individual's ability to accurately perceive, adapt to and renew from
day-to-day, and cumulative life experiences.  All this, in turn,
relies upon the free flow of mental impulses (life energy) over the
nervous system.  And since the flow of the CSF controls the
electrolyte balance in the nervous system, it is intimately related to
the mental impulse flow.  (Electrolytes determine the conduction of
electricity over the nerves, and the nervous system works by the
principle of electricity.)

   The most serious encumbrance to the movement of life energy over the
nervous system is what science call a "vertebral subluxation".  A
vertebral subluxation occurs when one of the spinal bones which
surrounds, houses and protects the spinal cord is in need of
realignment.  Vertebral subluxations are caused when the body's ability
to renew itself in every capacity is greatly challenged from physical,
mental/emotional and chemical external forces.  Vertebral subluxations
can impede the vital flow of life energy in the form of CSF or mental
impulses within the body.  In order for the body to heal itself and/or
adapt to external environmental forces the free flow of life energy is
imperative.

    Chiropractic is the specialized healing art whose sole objective is
to locate, analyze and correct vertebral subluxations.  The chiropractic
adjustment clears the encumbrance to the flow of vital energy from the
major pathway of the nervous system, allowing the self-healing
abilities of the body to be at a maximum through the harmonious flow
of life energy.       On a more subtle level, the meridian system is
comprised of generalized pathways of energy which flow within the body
called meridians.  The life energy which flows over the meridians is
called "Chi" in China and "Ki" in Japan.  There is both an anatomical
and physiological relationship between the meridian and nervous
systems.

     In the meridian system, the acupuncture/acupressure points on the
surface of the body correspond in structure and function to the
autonomic (automatic/involuntary) part of the nervous system's
sympathetic (speeds up body functions) and parasympathetic (slows
down body functions) nerve plexuses.  As was stated earlier,  this
can be likened to the movement of water on and within the earth where
the nervous system would be the rivers and streams, and the meridian
system acupuncture points would comprise the springs underneath.

     Thus, as was mentioned previously, there is an inter-relationship
and interconnectedness of these two energy systems, as well as the chakra
system, which will be discussed in greater detail later on in this
article.  This is consistent with what the Quantum Physicists, who
define scientific reality, call the "Implicate Order" of matter and
energy where everything is connected.

    The acupuncture/acupressure points are the surface points of energy
channels that act like transformers that receive the impulse and sends
it on. The "Chi" or "Ki" energy flows throughout the body, and is
transported by the meridian system where there is more total energy
available at certain places at certain times.  These changes in
proportion of energy is in the form of "Chi", and healing arts which
address the meridian system effect the balance of "Chi" energy.  This
balance is referred to as the "Yin-Yang" principle of expansion (Yin)
and contraction (Yang) of body parts, glands and organs. 

As was stated earlier, the pathways of  "Chi" energy between the surface
points of the body and the organs, muscles and all other parts of the
body have been charted and verified by radio-isotope studies in Russia
and China.  Every body part is also represented by points in the ears,
eyes, and on the hands and soles of the feet.  Although on a more
subtle level than the nervous system, the total meridian system is
very similar in structure, with its major and minor meridians and
circuits, points, extended meridians to internal organs, divergent and
connecting meridians.

     Again consistent with Quantum Physics, the "Chi" is matter on the
verge of becoming energy or energy at the point of materializing, as
there is only connectedness between matter and energy.  "Chi" energy
is in constant motion and has four primary directions; ascending,
descending, entering and leaving, which is similar to the efferent
(going towards the brain) and afferent (going away from the brain)
branches of the central nervous system.  The normal physiological
activity is "Chi" moving harmoniously in these various directions,
and can be likened to the free flow of nerve impulses over the
nervous system.

     The meridians, then, are generalized channels or pathways through
which "Chi", flows among the organs and various body parts adjusting
and harmonizing their activity.  In addition to "Chi", blood also is
carried by the meridians through the body, therefore, the meridians
are a subtle energy network that links together all the fundamental
body substances and organs.  Again, similar to the nervous system
which controls and coordinates all body parts, the meridians unify
all the parts of the body to maintain a harmonious balance.

    The main functions of the meridian energy system are to move "Chi"
and blood, regulate "Yin and Yang", moisten tendons and bones and benefit
joints. It connects the interior of the body with the exterior, more
in terms of significance rather than with place, for the internal is
as equally important as the external.

    The goal of healing arts which directly address the meridian system
is to keep in balance those aspects of the body's  "Yin and Yang" whose
harmonious proportion and movement of "Chi" energy is essential. This
enables the movement of life force (Chi) so that the body can heal
itself.  The healing arts which direct themselves specifically to the
meridian system are Shiatsu Massages, Acupuncture, and Acupressure and
Reflexology.  These methods of healing are beneficial insofar as they
facilitate the free flow of life force or "Chi".  Therefore, like
chiropractic, these methods of healing are also ways of awakening the
life energy.

    Life energy, in it's many forms, is the power by which any and all
methods of healing are accomplished.  Therefore, life energy is the
force which is the true and direct healer of the body.  Thus, a
healing art is superior or inferior to the degree that it can "awaken"
the flow of life energy in the body.

    In the chakra energy system, swirling intersections of vital life
forces gather on a much more refined level than in the nervous and
meridian systems. The word "chakra" is a Sanskrit word from ancient
India meaning wheel or disk. At the inner core of each one of us spin
seven wheel-like energy centers or chakras which together form a
system.  Similar to the relationship between the nervous and meridian
systems, there is an anatomical and physiological relationship among
all three energy systems of the body.  As was stated previously, on a
physical level, the chakras correspond with the spinal nerve ganglia
and plexuses which are centers of  nerve activity, and to glands in
the endocrine system.  Traveling beside, around and through the
chakras are the meridians which are like a network passing through a
central vortex of energy.  While the chakras are interdependent with
the nervous and meridian systems, they are more superimposed onto
these other energy systems, rather than occupying the same physical
space.

    Chakras are energy centers which current scientific technology has
not "physically" detected, as they operate on a very refined level.
Although they are metaphysical or non-physical, the chakras emit an
electromagnetic force field found within and around the body which can
be viewed in Kirlian photography.  Thus, chakras, are sites within the
body which project as patterns of electromagnetic activity focused
around the major spinal nerve ganglia and plexuses. This
electromagnetic field could be generated by the movement of CSF
molecules flowing around the spinal nerve plexuses and ganglia which
correspond with the sites of the major chakras.

   The chakras are centers of activity which receive, assimilate and
transmit life energies.  As such, they are a kind of vortex or
gathering point of organized life energy.  And just as the physical
body is a vehicle for our consciousness, each chakra reflects an aspect
of consciousness essential to our lives.  Thus, the chakras are the
"wheels  of life" that act as gateways between various dimensions of
our consciousness.  Each chakra represents a dimension of our
consciousness on seven basic levels corresponding to the major chakras.
Together, they form a meta-physical vertical column called the
"sushumna", which is the central integrating channel for connecting the
chakras, and their various dimensions of consciousness.

    The movement of "prana" or vital life energy over the chakra energy
system is very similar to the flow of CSF within the central nervous
system. "Prana" moves up the cerebrospinal pathway within two channels
called "Ida" and "Pingala" which criss-cross in a double helix pattern
intersecting at the major chakras.  This is akin to the circular
vortex flow of CSF up around the spinal cord into the brain.  "Prana"
goes down the same pathway within the sushumna column in a manner very
similar to the movement of CSF down the central canal of the spinal
cord.

    On a physical energetic level, according to yoga theory, "prana" is
absorbed into the body through respiration or directly through the
function of the chakras.  The chakras are the energy centers along the
sushumna which control the flow of "prana", and a system of energy
channels called nadis.   In the physical body these channels are
represented by the meridian system, the centers of the brain and nerve
plexuses, and the acupuncture points.

    "Prana" is distributed to the peripheral areas of the body through
an elaborate matrix of channels or nadis.  The nadis are then analogous
to the spinal nerves which comprise the peripheral nervous system, and
serve a similar function.  Just as the spinal nerves conduct the life
energy of the nervous system to glands and organs, the nadis
distribute "prana" to all parts of the body, converting into different
forms of vital energy appropriate for various organs and tissues.
Thus, the chakras are and intermediary for energy transfer, and act as
centers for facilitating the energy conversion between the body and
mind.

    The states of consciousness, physiological systems and elements
associated with each of the seven chakra levels are as follows:
Chakra One, (earth element), physically located at the base of the
spine or coccygeal plexus, is associated with survival and the
genito-urinary system.  Chakra Two, (water element), situated in the
lower abdomen or sacral plexus, is related with sexuality and
emotions, and also the genito-urinary system and adrenal glands.
Chakra Three, (fire element), centered in the solar plexus, concerns
personal power, metabolic energy and the pancreas. 

Chakra Four, (air element), located over the sternum or cardiac plexus, is associated
with love and the thymus gland.  Chakra Five, (sound element), in the
throat area or pharyngeal plexus, affects creativity, communication,
and controls the thyroid gland.  Chakra Six, (light element), situated
in the center of the forehead, bears upon intuition, imagination and
clairvoyance, and regulates the secretory functions of the pituitary
gland.  Chakra Seven, (thought element), at the crown of the head or
carotid  plexus, concerns enlightenment, knowledge,  understanding,
and overall controls every aspect of body and mind.

    Each chakra also has a characteristic color and sound associated
with that chakra.  Chakra One is perceived as a disc of yellow light and a
buzzing sound like bees.  Chakra Two is seen as a disc of white light
and has sound of a flute. Chakra Three is perceived as red disc and
sounds like a harp.  Chakra Four appears as a blue disc and sounds
like the peal of a gong.  Chakra Five is perceived as a violet disc
and sounds like thunder or the ocean's roar. Chakra Six can be seen as
silver-white disc of light, surrounded by a dark blue orb with a
golden halo, and the sound of  "Om".  Chakra Seven is seen as a
red-gold disc, like the sun, and has the "sound" of silence or
stillness.

   These seven chakras form the major component of our consciousness
and effect all major body systems.  They are the core centers which form
the coordinating network  of our complex body-mind energy system.  The
chakras also govern the quality and quantity of energy related to the
dimensions of our consciousness and body functions, as to how open they
are respectively, or how they are able to control this opening at
appropriate times.  This regulates both the amount and complexity of
mind-body activity one can effectively integrate at any given chakra
level.  Since the body and mind are so intimately interrelated, the
chakras play an essential part in this relationship.  As the body and
mind effect and regulate each other, the chakras are the vortex of
integration where the body and mind meet.  Thus, the chakras define our
consciousness and behavior , as well as direct and change it through
mind-body integration.

    There are a number of healing arts and techniques which can be
utilized to effect the functioning of the chakras, as well as ways to
access and facilitate the flow of vital "pranic" energy within.  The
functioning of the chakras can also be enhanced by working with it's
element, or associated colors and sounds.  Also physical exercises can
be performed that pertain to relaxing, opening or stimulating that
chakra area of the body.  The following healing arts, techniques and
procedures can have a beneficial effect on the chakras; Reiki,
meditation, crystals and other gems, spiritual healing, polarity
therapy, therapeutic touch, tai chi, tai kwon do, yoga postures,
sunlight, color therapy, aroma therapy, flower essences and herbs.