One of my favorite recent gifts and addition to my Qigong and Chinese Medicine library is “Alchemy of the Extraordinary, A Journey into the Heart of the Meridian Matrix” by Peter Shea, L.Ac. This relatively slender volume covers all of the meridian matrix, the energy network of the human body, and focuses on the Eight Extraordinary Vessels; what Shea refers to as the “heart” of the matrix. I highly recommend this book to go deeply into the anatomy of the energy body.
I was recently invited to explore the intersection of Qigong and Reiki with a group of Reiki Masters and practitioners. To introduce the meaning of Qi (Ki in Japanese where Reiki originated) I read the following “definition” from Shea’s book:
Qi is the energy of relationship. When two or more things have enough resonance with each other a connection is made. This quantum connection now becomes greater than the sum of its parts and activates the life force. This is the energy of communication, connection and relationship. This is information and as such, it is faster than light, or more correctly exists outside the time-space continuum. These connections can be illuminated through the power of our intention and focus, what is known as the Yi. When our intention is aligned with the principles of gravity and force this Qi can harness great power. If our intention is solely to manipulate this energy, we will consume our Jing [life essence] faster. If our intention is to participate with this force, we can become a conduit and a battery that can sustain and support us.<
I believe this definition brings a new dimension to the concept of Qi/Ki, or life force energy. Bringing the idea of “relationship” into the meaning establishes the need for “two (yin and yang) or more” to the “equation of reality.” It also demonstrates the power of Reiki healing that can arise during a session. The “energy of communication, connection and relationship” is the healing force.