Energy Meridians
Metaphysical healing engages a holistic approach that involves exploring and working with subtle energies and the mind-body-spirit connection and introducing positive thought processes to treat underlying causes of illness and distress to promote overall wellbeing (Levin, 2022). Metaphysical healing examines the connection between negative psychological stress and physical symptomology, acknowledging that thoughts, beliefs, and emotions can influence health and wellbeing (Tse, 2022).
The energy meridian system is a foundational concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine in which the body is understood to possess a network of channels, or meridians, through which vital energy, known as Qi, flows. These meridians are associated with specific organs and functions, forming an intricate map that guides the diagnosis and treatment in practices such as acupuncture and acupressure (Al-Sura, 2020). The energy meridian system is based on the idea that maintaining a harmonious flow of Qi is crucial for physical and mental wellbeing and provides a framework for understanding and addressing imbalances in the body's vital energy. This ancient system continues to influence traditional healing practices and complementary medicine (Wang & Zhu, 2010).
Metaphysical practitioners aim to support individuals to balance and harmonise their meridian system and energy flow by using EFT interventions, mindfulness exercises, sound frequencies and working with the chakras, to enhance overall health and promote spiritual growth. When translated from Sanskrit, ‘chakra’ signifies a wheel or circle of energy that aligns and connects at seven chakra points along the body’s central axis from the head's crown to the spine's base (Manik, 2023). Each of the seven chakras is discussed within Hinduism and Buddhism and used by ayurvedic and metaphysical practitioners to understand the flow of energy throughout the body, with each chakra representing a specific quality and function of the body connected to the endocrine system (Patil & Vyas, 2022).
References
Al-Shura, A. N. (2020). Mechanisms of Action in Disease and Recovery in Integrative Cardiovascular Chinese Medicine: Volume 6. Academic Press.
Levin, J. (2022). New Age Healing: Origins, Definitions, and Implications for Religion and Medicine. Religions, 13(9), 777. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel13090777
Manik, R. K. (2023). Neuro-anatomical and physiological study on Shadachakra. Journal of Pharmaceutical Negative Results, 14(1), 1074-1080. https://doi.org/10.47750/pnr.2023.14.S01.149
Patil, V. C., & Vyas, P. (2022). Ayurveda concept of yoga chakras and their anatomical aspects. Himalayan Journal of Health Sciences, 7(2), 25-28. https://doi.org/10.22270/hjhs.v7i2.133
Tse, C. Y. P. (2022). Metaphysical idealism revisited. Philosophy Compass, 17(7), 1-21. https://doi.org/10.1111/phc3.12856
Wang, H., & Zhu, B. (Eds.). (2010). Basic theories of traditional Chinese medicine. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.