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Definitions
of Health
In the simplest, dictionary definition, health means : „a state of
correctly functioning, free from disease or ailment, living organism”.
And that is it !
The World Health Organization (WHO), one of the UN agencies, presents
this matter more broadly, closer to the holistic understanding of a
human being, through the medicine of the Orient, defining the health
as: "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not
merely the absence of disease or infirmity" . In more recent years,
this statement has been modified to include the ability to lead a
"socially and economically productive life."
Simpler, but also closest to the truth, we can say that health is the
full harmony of Body Mind and the Soul (in Polish the first letters of
these three words form the word "CUD" which means miracle).
And what is a
disease?
Again, checking with the dictionary we will learn, that disease means
an “ impairment of normal physiological functioning of part or a whole
organism” . The end, full stop.
Someone without proper medical education, affected by some ailment,
whether of physical or psychological nature, will be lost amongst the
tangle of various opinions and diagnoses made by representatives of the
so-called conventional medicine (academic). The causes of his diseases
are mostly given as infection with micro-organisms, environmental or
inherited (genetic) factors, stress connected with lifestyle, the diet
etc. We may agree with some of these theses. A man in quest of material
goods poisons and destroys his natural environment, as well as himself.
In his pursuit of technical progress, he limits his outdoor exercises
has no time for rest. At work, due to limited movements, one group of
muscles is overstrained, while others weakened at the same time. He
drowns the illnesses and pain resulting from the above mentioned
reasons, with more and more sophisticated (and more expensive)
synthetic medicine. He ignores the fact, that usage of such drugs may
lead to damage of the liver and kidneys, changes in his blood count,
disorders in metabolism, in the hormones system etc.
And what is the reality? –humans as well as other living organisms in
this world, have exceptional adaptive abilities. For example,
-micro-organisms have existed on Earth for billions of years, in almost
unchanged form. (We can skip here little mutations resulting from not
always clever or necessary, scientific experiment, conducted usually
for destructive purpose - like creating biological weapons).
Hypothetically speaking, even these natural forms of microorganisms
could sweep humans from the face of the earth. But our immune system
fights them effectively (as long as it works properly) by producing
necessary antibodies. However most of people fall sick, due to the
weakening of their immune system. And the immune system is weakened by
the majority of the above mentioned factors. As a result more pills
have to be taken, which are more and more expensive ( because they are
imported). There are new side effects, but who would care? “The pill
helped, right? ” . But for how long can this go on? The story goes
around in a vicious circle. The Pharmaceutical Companies are only
rubbing their hands with satisfaction.
Of course there are situations, when, as the result of man’s own
actions, his body is in such a bad condition, that an immediate use of
strong medicine, antibiotics or even a scalpel is necessary. But in
many cases this could be avoided, by simply watching one’s own body
symptoms and applying more subtle forms of body harmonization.
Causes of
diseases according to Eastern Medicine
Disease is caused by disruptions in the subtle energy field of the
body. To be more specific: a deficiency or excess of the vital energy
or blockages in its circulation through parts of the body. Knowledge
about the body energy channels and their centers, commonly known as
Chakras, is about 5000 years old. In ancient India and Tibet, these
channels were named „Nadi” in Sanskrit. Their number, according to one
source, was 72,000, and according to another source even 350,000. There
were three most important channels - connected to seven main charkas -
running inside and along the spine: Shushumna, Ida and Pingala.. The
estimated number of all chakras was 88,000. At present however we most
often come upon the Chinese acupuncture term for the subtle energy
channels- meridians. There are altogether fourteen of them (14). Apart
from the seven main charkas, there are smaller chacras also recognized
as acupuncture points. (I invite those interested in more detail to
read the books listed in the Bibliography).
To simplify – the system of body energy channels and chakras can be
compared to the Air-conditioning system of a big skyscraper. Air ducts
can be compared to meridians and the chakras to fans and heat exchange
points. And indeed the properly functioning chakras are constantly
whirling, taking in the life cosmic energy (Chi), and discharging used
up or polluted energy.
The energy field disorders are most often caused by the human psyche.
The Chinese medicine lists seven basic emotional factors: joy, anger,
sadness, reverie sorrow, anxiety and fear. These are common human
emotional states and if they appear occasionally, they don't cause any
side effects. But if they are intense feelings and, what is worse, last
for a long time, an illness may follow.
It is easy to imagine what would happen in the skyscraper when the
air-conditioning system stops working. There was more than one film
made on this topic. The same thing happens when the energy gets
blocked, its level in our meridians lowers or increases or
chakra-ventilator’s whirling becomes more rapid. Our organs receive too
little or too much energy. This results in some dysfunction in certain
parts of the body. As opposed to residents or employees of the
skyscraper, it won't be possible to evacuate our organs. So the best
method will be to clear the energy channels and adjust the level of
energy, before more serious complications ensue. The best way to do
this will be with the help of ancient techniques of oriental medicine.
Such as: acupuncture, acupressure, Shiatsu, Qigong, Reiki (which I
favor), tai chi, aided by meditative techniques, relaxation or prayer.
More about this on next pages
I invite you !