Vitalism
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[edit] Definition
Vitalism is a belief that the distinguishing factor between living and non-living things is a "vital force" or "life energy" that causes living things to be animate.
This vital force may be known as:
- chi (China)
- qi (China)
- prana (India)
- ki (Japan)
- animal magnetism
- elan vital
- bio-energetic field
- the force
- orgone energy
[edit] Origins
Vitalism is not specific to any particular religion, although it is often closely associated with shamanism. It is an important concept in Chinese Traditional Medicine, dating back several thousand years.
[edit] Quotations
- The system uses Mantrams along with breathing techniques to build energy inside the physical body, health is improved and breathing function is strengthened. On a spiritual and energetic level our bio energy field ( Aura ) is balanced and strong, the bio energy field is where all dis-ease begins so it makes sense to clear any blockages here[1]
- When you place your attention somewhere in your body, you can feel that it's not just your perception that is focused there. Something else is happening. Energy is displaced to that area. It is possible to measure this: the temperature of the spot you focus your attention on will rise. The Chinese say that "Chi follows Yi," where "Yi" is the mind or intention/attention [2]
[edit] Discussion
Even the notion of the "Spirit" in Abrahamic religious thought has an element of vitalism in it. The very word "spirit" comes from the Latin spiritus, meaning "breath." That which is breathing (spiritus) is alive; that which is not breathing is not alive.
