Meridians are channels along which energy flows in our bodies. As the land has waterways — large and small rivers and streams — bringing life to all things, so, too, the human body has large and small pathways along which energy flows. Meridians, however, are not anatomically visible to the eye. Nor are the meridians through which energy flows identical with the blood vessels through which blood flows. Flowing water is living and unspoiled. The energy flowing in our bodies has a nature similar to that of water. When our bodies overflow with energy, the flow of Ki and blood is enhanced, and we feel light and full of vitality. Conversely, if our energy is weak, or is blocked and flows poorly, blood circulation is also adversely affected; blood congestion occurs as dead blood congeals. This is the beginning of all kinds of diseases. Physical and psychological tension blocks Ki and blood flow. When blood flow is blocked, so are the meridians, which makes Ki circulation difficult.
The practice of moving Ki gathered in the lower abdomen of Dahn-jon, through the meridians to the entire body is called “Un-ki,” that is, “circulating Ki.” If Ki circulation is to work well, our bodies must first be relaxed and Ki must be accumulated in the Dahn-jon. We can use intention to circulate energy through the meridians once our stiff bodies have relaxed to a certain degree, we have accumulated Ki in the Dahn-jon, and we have developed powers of concentration. Cold Ki or bad energy leaves our bodies and fundamental healing of disease takes place at this stage. We also feel new energy rising in our bodies, as well as mental stability and peace.
The Governor Vessel flows upward along the backbone to the head and controls all Yang meridians. The Conception Vessel flows downward along a central line at the front of the body, connecting the lips, throat, chest and abdomen, and controls all Yin meridians. The Conception and Governor Vessels are considered very important as the remaining 12 meridians are thought to open naturally to the flow of energy once these two meridians are opened.
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