Energy Meridians And Their Relationship To Depression

 
Healthy Energy - Healthy Mind:
Energy Meridians and their Relationship to Depression
 
Nancy Trunzo
Energy Models of Healing
JFK University
Spring 2011
 
 Healthy Energy - Healthy Mind                                                                                                    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Healthy Energy - Healthy Mind:
Energy Meridians and their Relationship to Depression
 
Nancy Trunzo
Energy Models of Healing
JFK University
Spring 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I celebrate myself, and sing myself,
And what I assume you shall assume,
For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you.
~ Walt Whitman
 
​Emotions are the foundation on which we build our life. They inspire and they limit us. Joy, bliss and happiness along with anger, fear confusion and unworthiness make us a whole person. Anger is often the impetus of motivation to accomplish goals while fear has the exact opposite effect. Confusion on the other hand, keeps whiling thoughts spinning causing a cloud of chaos. Happiness and joy are contagious and elevate everything we do. But why is it that joy is often the least experienced while fear, anger, confusion and unworthiness dominate? We hold on to traumas, emotional wounds, self-doubt, and poor self-image until it becomes a force that makes it nearly impossible to manage daily tasks. In Western Medicine this problem is treated as depression, a problem with brain chemistry, with little thought given to the rest of the body systems and how they relate to the individual and their environment. However, the human body is more than just the physical body; We also have an Etheric Body, an Emotional Body, a Mental Body and an Astral Body. Energy flows between these different bodies through energy meridians in an effort to maintain balance.
​The practice of Energy Medicine is a holistic, non-dual approach to gaining homeostasis with our environment; whether that environment is our mind, our body, our spirit, or the greater community. The pieces of these environments interrelate rather than being separate entities, each having subtle effects on the others.  The relationship that we have with the health of our body-mind-spirit is that of interdependence, from the smallest atom to the entire universe, with no discernible separation between the smallest parts and the greater whole.  Thoughts are non-solid forms of Energy that become stored in the body as energy and give rise to the development of behavior patterns. When the experiences are negative or traumatic a distortion occurs between reality and perception, which may lead to depression. Traumas, both emotionally and physically stop the normal flow of energy. This begins the journey of illness, injury and dysfunction, which manifests in many ways, ranging from crippling diseases to limiting belief patterns like fear, confusion and anger that end up controlling us. However, we hold the power and the key to regaining our sense of balance, by starting with the smallest energetic parts of ourselves and trusting our ability to heal.
Health and Energy
​Health is not just the absence of disease or the presence of a cure; it is a state of being in resonance with our surroundings, both inside and out.  The Buddhist worldview on health expresses the nature of this relationship quite well, “It is the expression of harmony - within oneself, in one's social relationships, and in relation to the natural environment. To be concerned about a person's health means to be concerned with the whole person, his (her) physical and mental dimensions, social, familial, and work relationships, as well as the environment in which he (she) lives and which acts on him (her)” (Ratanakul, 2004. p.162). Our bodies are comprised mostly of space and the energy between those spaces. Every bodily function is driven by an interaction on a cellular level that creates energy. In a way, it is a big bio-computer that takes in and processes millions of bits of energetic information in every moment of every day. It is this system that holds the energetic soul to the body, manages the emotions of the body, and transports all of the electrical impulses that fuel the mechanical functions of the body. When this system of the body becomes blocked, the body manifests symptoms. As our body is part of a larger system, we are impacted and can be affected by other energies. Imbalances can be caused by external events, other people, traumas, attitudes, perceptions, and more, and may result in physical, spiritual, and mental difficulties that impact health. The energy of the body is extremely intelligent and there are many forms. There is more to our body than just the physical body, it is a multi-body system that also contains an Etheric Body, an Emotional Body, a Mental Body and an Astral Body (Dale, 2002. p. 10)
​The energy field around the physical body is called the subtle energy body, sometimes referred to as the aura, and extends beyond the physical body between twelve inches to several feet, depending on the state of health and emotions. It consists of interpenetrating layers or levels of energy that oscillate in and around the body like an opalescent egg-shaped bubble. Within this bubble, and connecting to the spinal area of the body, are energy centers known as chakras. The chakras correspond to the glandular system of the body and move out of it both front and back like funnels of rotating energy. Corresponding with our internal organs is a series of channels, where Qi and blood flow, known as meridians. These networks, created by auras, chakras, and meridians create pathways for energy to move into, out, and beyond the body.
​The field of healing that is related to these energy systems of the body is referred to as Energy Medicine. According to Donna Eden, “Energy Medicine is the art and science of fostering physical, psychological, and spiritual health and vitality. It combines a rational knowledge and intuitive understanding of the energies of the body and the environment” (Eden, 2008, p.1) Some have looked to the field of Quantum Physics to explain the lattice work relationship of energy fields, via zero point and unified field theories. These theories suggest that we are energetic fields operating at the same time as other fields and that affects to and of the field can be non-local, no matter the distance. Most scientific explorations into energy have been based on Newtonian Physics and the language does not seem to be sufficient to properly describe what people sense and feel. David Benor describes energy medicine as, “it derives from the perceptions and beliefs of therapists and patients that there are subtle, biological energies that surround and permeate the body. They suggest that these energies may be accessed in various ways through CAM for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions” (2002, p. 105). At the finest levels of our being, our quantum self, we are all energy. Subtle energies that are unseen to the eye vibrate within us and around us constantly giving us the feeling of being part of something greater. Based on my readings about Energy Medicine the individual sense of being part of something much bigger than our own experience seems to be an important component in the modalities used.
Western Perspective on Depression
​Millions of people worldwide suffer from depression, in spite of intense interest and involvement from the traditional medical community to treat it with anti-depressant medication. By most standards, the rise of clinical depression, in spite of growing drug treatment, orthodox medical care is disappointing. Within the traditional medical community, improvement or reversal of depression symptoms is not common. Currently, no cure for Depression exists; only the symptoms are relieved by continuously taking the medication, probably for the rest of the patient’s life. Depression is said to be a mental disorder, especially characterized by an all-consuming and profoundly low mood, a loss of interest in common daily activities that were once enjoyed, and a reduced capacity to experience pleasure in things and situations that were also once enjoyed. Popular terms to describe it, are that a person is in a “depressed mood,” “feeling very sad,” or “down.” Onset of depression commonly develops during early- to mid-adult years. Depression is often diagnosed on the basis of the individual’s own observations concerning their attitude, feelings, experiences and behavior. The actual course that depression takes can be variable. Some people are depressed mildly and only for a brief time, while others experience profound depression that can last a life time; variable onset and initiating causes are reported. When serious, it is called “major depression,” causing inability to engage in work, family, social or school life; sleeping and eating habits can be greatly disturbed, with general health consequences and overall reduced ability to enjoy life. Much about depression is personal and unique, with wide variations how it affects an individual.
 
Energy Healing Perspective on Depression
​I have experienced Depression many times during my life and I would describe it as a state of feeling “bad” most of or all the time. To describe it in energetic terms, it is an experience of being in a vibration of very low, uncomfortable energy that seems like it cannot or will not lift.
Depression is a very uncomfortable energy state to exist in, it feels as though it contradicts the truth of who we are. The subconscious holds tightly to limiting beliefs that wind up feeding into the negative energy being experienced. Often it is paired with the assumption that feeling bad equals being bad, something happened to make us deserve feeling this way. During this process the subconscious holds limiting beliefs that feed the negative energy being experienced. Your conscious negative thoughts continue to feed the negative energy. Many Energy Medicine modalities (acupuncture, acupressure, shiatsu, meridian tapping techniques) work with the concept that these negative energies are stored in the meridians, causing blockages that affect the multi-body systems and cause depression.  
​Many cultures around the world have healing methods that work with the subtle energy fields of the body. One of the oldest is Traditional Chinese Medicine and its usage of the energy meridians to restore balance within the body. According to Chinese Medicine, the body is regarded as a microcosm of the universe (Dello Joio, 2009, p. 281). Every organ and gland produces a wide variety of vital biochemicals while helping to regulate the electric-like flow otherwise known as Qi or Chi. That energy is the basis of life, itself and flows along a meridian network. When our electro-chemistry is out of balance, illness and suffering arises. Symptoms such as anxiety, grief, melancholy, and anger all lead to the stagnation of energy, this accumulates in the liver and subsequently leads to the dysfunction of other internal organs. Prolonged stagnation of liver energy induces the production of ‘fire’ and the stagnation of the blood.  This impairs the functioning of the spleen and heart. Dysfunction of the spleen may lead to production of phlegm, stagnation of food, while the formation of ‘fire’ may induce a depressive syndrome.
​It is interesting to note that the Chinese imagined a person as a circle, not as something made of assembled parts (Dale, 2009, p. 157). This circle was viewed as being greater than the individual, encompassing the universe, with all energetic beings held within. Meridian-based therapies work with the concept of relationships between all things, rather than focus on one independent factor, like brain chemistry. Working with Qi energy is a non-dual practice, where the body and mind are not separate entities, rather the balances affect the parts and the whole. This occurs through the balance between female and male energies, yin and yang. Yin is the female, earth energy that provides for grounding and addresses basic foundational needs. Yang is the male, motion energy associated with the forces from the heavens that motivate us.
​Each emotion we generate triggers physiological reactions throughout the system, including secretions of various hormones, release of neurotransmitters in the brain and nervous system, changes in pulse and blood pressure, adjustments in breathing and respiration, and stimulation or suppression of digestion and peristalsis. Practitioners working with meridians assess and treat both the emotions and the organs in relationship to what is being impacted. When a person's organs are relatively strong, yin and yang are relatively coordinated and in balance, emotions come and go in response to stimuli, but they do not result in enduring pathological changes.  However, if a person's organs are already weak or if they are chronically too yin or yang, extreme, explosive or prolonged emotions may easily further damage those already weakened organs or tip the yin-yang balance even further, throwing the entire human energy system off balance.  The relationships between the qi and blood, organs and yin and yang and the emotions are completely bi-directional - an endless loop.
Meridian-Based Energy Therapies and My Experience
​Meridian-Based Therapies utilize pressure points along various meridians to release negative patterns of emotional and physical response. Acupressure, shiatsu massage, Emotional Freedom Technique, and Meridian Tapping Technique are among the types of Energy Medicine that are used to restore imbalances to the body’s energy systems that may cause depression. In 1990 Gary Craig created a simplified method of tapping the body’s meridians to release emotions that might be trapped due to negative experiences or traumas. Tapping or touching these points has the effect of helping reconnect our thought processes to our body, restoring the connection that may be disrupted. The ultimate goal of meridian therapy is to restore the natural balance and flow of chi through the system. Practitioners use various methods to facilitate greater overall health and well-being for clients and patients. This form of energy healing is not without its skeptics and there are little to no randomized controlled studies showing its efficacy. However many people, including myself who have used a technique have noticed an improvement from a depressive state.
​Two years ago I was struggling with severe depression and in the care of a psychotherapist. We were uncovering the root causes of what was inhibiting my ability to find enjoyment in thing that usually inspired me. I was in a very unhappy marriage and had embodied the thoughts and emotions that it was failing because I lacked the types of things my husband needed. My perspective was completely skewed and I began questioning my judgment and abilities about even the smallest, easiest things. As fear and negative thought took hold, I spiraled down into a place of low self-confidence and distrust of relationships. On my therapist’s recommendation I tried meridian tapping, similar to what is used in the Emotional Freedom Technique to work with the shame and guilt that kept arising. While using two fingers to tap on various acupressure points on the body I verbalized that even though I felt anger, guilt, or shame, I felt love and acceptance for myself. Over the course of several weeks there was a general positive shift in my mood along with renewed confidence in speaking my truth. The negative thought patterns no longer felt ingrained in every moment of my being and I had some other important breakthroughs in realizing I was carrying burdens that were not mine.  I also felt relaxed in awareness that I was not alone or separate in my experiences, this energy was part of something much larger than myself and when I allowed myself to become part of it the negative emotions had nothing to feed on. I was able to ebb and flow just like energy rather than hanging on to the idea that I was somehow separate or cut off from its influence.
Conclusion​
​In her book about Lovingkindness and its relationship to happiness Sharon Salzberg mentions time and again that we are not separate from what is happening to us. “We see waves coming and going, arising and passing. We see that life, composed of this mind and body, is in a state of continual, constant transformation and flux” (1997, p.88). The way this is described is in the language of energy, not in units, parts, or separate pieces. When dealing with depression it seems that people would be better served by looking at the bigger picture and their relationship to it. Some people undergo therapy for months or years for relief from their fears, anger, guilt, grief, depression, traumatic memories, etc. and make little or no headway. Perhaps because it is how Gary Craig explains it, “The cause of all negative emotions is involved with the body's energy system” (Craig, 2011, p.16). When just the memory is treated it does nothing to change the energetic impact that memory is having on the body. Hence why some suggest that healing cannot occur.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
References
 
Benor, Daniel J, Energy medicine for the internist, 2002 al Clinics of North America 2002, 86(1), 105-125. MedicCopyright Philadelphia, PA: Saunders/Elsevier

Craig, Gary. EFT Manual. 2011. Energy Psychology Press; 2 edition. PDF document Retrieved from www.spiritualweb.com
 
Dale, Cyndi, and Richard Wehrman. The subtle body: an encyclopedia of your energetic anatomy. Boulder, Colo.: Sounds True, 2009. Print.
 
Dello Joio, Vicki. The Way of Joy. 2009. Wyatt McKenzie Publishing. Oregon.

Eden, Donna. Energy Medicine Balancing Your  Body’s Energies for Optimal Heath. 2008 [Kindle 2.5] retrieved from Amazon.com

Ratanakul, P. Buddhism, Health and Disease. Eubios Journal of Asian and International Bioethics 15 (2004), 162-4.
 
Salzberg S: Loving kindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness. 1995. Shambhala, Boston,
Waite WL & Holder MD. Assessment of the Emotional Freedom Technique: An Alterntive Treatment for Fear.  2003. The Scientific Review of Mental Health Practice. 2 (1).
 
 
 

A couple of blogs worth reading

http://www.raptitude.com/2010/10/9-mind-bending-epiphanies-that-turned-my-world-upside-down/

and

http://www.jaredyellin.com/2011/01/360-degrees-in-365-days/

Jared I met on a flight back from NJ and for a young man who's what some might consider still learning, he's a lot further along than any other 25 year old I've ever encountered. I must sound like some strange "old lady" but I'll embrace that for now. We had a fantastic conversation on the flight and I'm excited to read more about his insights and what he shares with people.