Life Force

Life force goes by different names in different cultures. Prana, Chi and Ki all mean life force. These terms also translate to “breath” or “air”. Life force breathes life into the universe and all living things. There are two obvious forms of life force we use — from food which we assimilate through our digestive system and from the air we breathe through our skin and lungs.

These two forms merge in the body and then circulate throughout it. There are subtler forms of life force but sensitivity has to be developed before being truly receptive to those. Life force can be transferred, manipulated, transmuted, redirected, dispersed and cultivated.

The channels of the body are how the life force links, balances and nourishes the whole body. Some names they go by are meridians and nadis. Very closely connected to the nervous, lymphatic  and cardiovascular systems, they connect the internal organs with the exterior of the body and the individual to their environment.

They harmonise the yin and yang qualities within the body's organs, distribute energy throughout the body and protect it against external influences such as weather. When the channels are blocked, life force cannot circulate properly and pain and ailments follow.

Furthermore, the soft, connective tissue and joints all affect the flow of life force along the channels. These must remain relaxed, healthy and functional to allow for continued steady and clear flow of life force.

Areas where the channels intersect create pressure points. These go by acupoints or chakras in some cultures. They are locations on the body where life force tends to collect. At these points it is easiest to manipulate or redirect life force. In acupuncture, needles are placed at these points. Pressure is used on them in acupressure and massage.