When you look for it, there is nothing to see.
When you listen to it, there is nothing to hear.
When you use it, it is inexhaustible.
–Tao Te Ching
Wei Chi is the protector of our outer energy field (aura) and of the superficial layers of the body, the skin.
Any pathogen that will eventually attack the physical body needs first to defeat Wei Chi by penetrating through the aura and past it, through the skin layers.
We outlined the four sources of Wei Chi:
one of which (ancestral energy) we have no control over;
two that are related to our lifestyle and environment and over which we have only partial control; and,
the fourth one (our positive emotional relationships) over which we should be able to have the greatest influence.
Wei Chi has natural enemies. The first group of these enemies is what traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) calls the five “devils” (essentially climatic conditions) over which we have limited to no control. The second group of enemies is the negative effect of any of the five emotions when they are in excess, out of balance (out of control).
Each of the 5 emotions corresponding to one of the 5 elements is like a coin with two faces, a positive side and a negative side.
This is key: The negative aspect of each emotion diminishes wei chi while the positive side of each one of them becomes our greatest opportunity to strengthen our wei chi.
In short, the source of Wei Chi that we have the most control over is related to our emotional intelligence. It encompasses an ability to minimize the negative while increasing the positive aspects of our emotional life which is very nourishing to our wei chi, the energy of our immune system and the guardian of our health. It literally keeps us out of the doctor's office.
The original slogan of the Phytobiodermie (energetic skincare) method, and of PHYTO5, its skincare brand, “Beauty is health made visible” dates back to the 70’s and in today’s terms we might be more likely to say, “Beauty is well-being made visible.”
This motto is an expression of the Phytobiodermie philosophy and mission. It is the logical outcome of its deep roots in TCM that takes into consideration all the elements that constitute our being.
Poor eating, poor breathing, lack of movement, climatic aggressions, or destructive emotions, significantly weaken wei chi and our immune system to the point that it might no longer be able to prevent pathogens from reaching deeper into our physical body.
Fortunately, as TCM tells us, there are not one but four different energetic protection levels.
If the first level of wei chi fails, the second level of protection is the chi which flows through the body along meridians or pathways of vital energy.
There are five basic functions attributed to Chi:
movement
warmth
protection
transformation, and
support.
When pathogens have pierced through wei chi to attack the chi, the illness becomes more stubborn, creating both physical and emotional disturbance in a more pronounced way, although it is not life-threatening.
When the illness gets deeper, the third level of defense–the vital energy of what TCM calls “blood”–has been affected. According to TCM, “blood” is an energetic function that goes beyond the arterial and venous circulation. It includes the movement of other fluids such as those from the hormonal glands and the transport of nutrients, among others.
When this master transportation system breaks down, the body enters a chronic illness level with severe health and emotional consequences. Pain is deeper and more prolonged. From this one and the next level, the body might never return to full health. Containment and mitigation might be the best available outcome.
Any worsening leads to an attack on the fourth level of defense, the energy of the organs. What is at stake at this level, is the very survival of the organs. A defeated organic chi creates a domino effect, a negative spiral, since each organ affects the proper workings of all the others. When any organ is under siege, it deeply affects how we feel in all aspects of our life.
At all levels, but particularly the third and fourth, illness is not limited to the physical aspects. Addressing psychological, emotional, and spiritual issues are the only way to bring all aspects of our being now under siege into restored healthy alignment.
In this state, achieving wellness might be a distant dream.
At the fourth level, survival becomes the ultimate objective. Pain management is a moment-by-moment concern. Healing through the restoration of chi within the entire body requires a proper holistic treatment. In other words, a comprehensive holistic approach to getting well is absolutely required. It is this important topic which we will pursue in our next article and blog post of this Wei Chi series.
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Sources:
We are inspired by many authors when writing on the vital energy subject, but in particular, by:
Haas, Elson M. Staying Healthy with the Seasons. Berkeley: Celestial Arts, 2003. Print.
Beinfield, Harriet, and Efrem Korngold. Between Heaven and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine. New York: Ballantine, 1992. Print.
Elias, Jason, and Katherine Ketcham. The Five Elements of Self-healing: Using Chinese Medicine for Maximum Immunity, Wellness, and Health. New York: Harmony, 1998. Print.
Gerber, Richard. Vibrational Medicine: New Choices for Healing Ourselves. Santa Fe, NM: Bear, 1996. Print.
The abundant writings of Deepak Chopra, M.D.