Ki

we use a haramaki (stomach wrap) in japan for keeping the stomach warm when chilled and for preserving energy - just as in the west we wrap the extremities when we are cold. granted; fingers; toes; head are all suseptible to low temperatures but in 'eastern' theory the stomach is not only mathematically the centre of the body but it also is the centre of balance for our energy or ki. presumably it's no coincidence that disembowelment (seppuku: - or 'harakiri' to use its popularised western name - a better known aspect of japanese culture) was a traditional form of suicide.

many years ago I may have put it all down as mumbo jumbo but I had a very physical, slightly scary but extremely positive introduction to my own ki at my accupuncturists. I had had some seriously painful and sharp lower back treatment (usually for organ balance) but I had also experienced the needles being drawn like magnets into my wrists: the feeling of the strong dull ache was addictive but a prelude to a much more awesome display.

about 5 years ago my accupuncturist in glasgow was working on my stomach as I wasn't sleeping well and his earlier efforts hadn't helped. I wouldn't call my experience 'out of body' but my stomach certainly was high above my body, having rotated slowly, 180 degrees in an arc (my head and feet remained 'in place' but were being pulled). the release of built up emotion was overwhelming and my whole body started shaking and shivering uncontrollably on the table as needles fell out my hands and feet. I think my man was about as surprised as I was although he kept his cool - it was a great example to both of us of the power of ki. he'd never seen such a thing before. I felt great after. a sense of deep, deep relief and peace.

anyway - I've found an accupuncturist who does work under shakai hoken (social insurance) here and so I'm going back to the needles.

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