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East meets West | Bagua of the body Change yourself to save yourself | At one with nature Bagua of the body
by Michou Landon Just as every portion of a hologram contains the image of the whole, every portion of the body may also contain the image of the whole," wrote Michael Talbot in his book, The Holographic Universe. "In a notion reminiscent of [physicist David] Bohm's assertion that every electron in some way contains the cosmos, every finger, and even every cell, may contain its own acupuncture micro-system," Talbot continues, citing research enumerating "eighteen different acupuncture holograms in the body, microsystems [that] are holographic reiterations of the gross anatomy." This roster of microcosmic body maps includes the hands, feet, ears, tongue, face, belly, even the neck, bowel and gums. Talbot suggests that plenty more micro-systems exist and await exploration. Since The Holographic Universe was published in the early '90s, quantum physics has continued to demonstrate a layered and nested web of connectedness and influence among all objects and events. The pervasive and near-incomprehensible implications of this reach into every aspect of our existence. This holographic feedback soup in which we swim, while still regarded as implausible or para-normal to some linear minds, has been navigated in healing and metaphysical practices for centuries, East and West. Just as Feng Shui employs a map of sorts—the Bagua—to help bring healthy flow to a place, a number of microcosmic maps have evolved as guides to rebalancing the human body and being as a whole. Some better known examples include: Reflexology, applying pressure to a map of the body on the feet and hands, both to diagnose and treat; iridology, which examines characteristics of the iris of the eye to detect all manner of phenomena throughout body and being; and auriculotherapy, which uses the auricle of the ear for both diagnoses and treatment with pressure, needles or electrical stimulation. Additionally, Ayurveda and Chinese medicine consult a patient's tongue to assess a number of internal health factors. In Zen Shiatsu, palpation of the belly is often the primary means of both assessing and balancing organ functions and emotional states. Even as these systems enjoy increasing popularity and legitimacy, conventional scientists continue to debate exactly how (and sometimes whether) they "work." The Pacific Institute of Reflexology lists seven suggested (but not definitive) explanations of that modality's efficacy: "Placebo or suggestion; lymphatic stimulation; the principle of Electrical Potential; Ki (or Chi) Energy; Counter Irritation; Nerve ending crystals (which reflexology potentially dissolves); and proprioceptive/relaxation response. (See www.pacificreflexolgy.com). Reflexology is referred to as an "indirect" micro-system, whereas iridology and auriculotherapy are considered "direct." Michael Young, L.Ac., who teaches auriculotherapy at Southwest Acupuncture Clinic, ventures this explanation: "The ear and the eyes are directly connected [and proximal] to the brain, whereas with the other systems [like the feet], there is some distance to travel. The ear map is a direct reflection of what is going on in the brain. For example, if someone sprains an ankle, the representation area for ankle will be active in the brain concurrently [with] the representation area on the ear. As the ankle gets better, the brain's representation area calms down, as does the corresponding ear area." This diagnostic precision proves most valuable when distinguishing distinct cause (appendicitis or ectopic pregnancy?) for ambiguous symptoms, like abdominal pain. Because "the ear is probably the strongest [among the mentioned micro-systems] for influencing neural and neuro-hormonal processes in the body," continues Young, its other unique strength is as " a non-pharmacological treatment for deep limbic structures of the brain that regulate our moods, emotional behavior, [and so on]." It is to this that Young credits the "high degree of success [reported by] the hundreds of auricular [drug] detox facilities in the U.S. and U.K." A notable virtue of auriculotherapy is that diagnosis and treatment are performed at the same site; this is also the case with reflexology and Hara (belly) Diagnosis, which often assess and treat simultaneously. By contrast, in iridology, other modalities are employed to treat what indications are detected in the eye. An important attribute of both reflexology and Zen shiatsu is intentional touch, which can impart profound nourishment in a touch-starved society and induce deep relaxation—unless you are severely ticklish, in which case perhaps iridology would suit. While much has been written to debunk it, iridology still wins converts with an uncanny accuracy. The acuity and maturity of the practitioner is key, according to Heidi Jarvis, teacher at The School of Natural Medicine in Boulder (www.purehealth.com). She reports there is even a predictive aspect to eye analysis used to great effect by refined practitioners. Each of these systems "is both a science and an art" that can reveal not only information about the physical and present time, but about the past, future, emotional, spiritual, and genetic, the distinctions of which begin to blur in the assessment of seasoned practitioners, says BCMT Zen Shiatsu instructor Christa Forsythe. It would seem we hold all time and space in the palm of our hands, each sole a mirror, reflecting single self and all totality. Could our aching feet be trying to tell us that our sorely needed shift in consciousness is as close as a good foot rub? Couldn't hurt! For more information or charts, go to: http://www.healthetalk.com.au/AuriculoPoints.jpg http://www.auricularacupuncture.org.uk/whatis.htmlmyweb.absa.co.za www.stepstoperfecthealth.co.uk Respond: letters@boulderweekly.com |
