What is Ki and Meridian Exercises

Sources: Meridian Exercise For Self-Healing: Classified By Common Symptoms by Ilchi Lee 

Being sick is inevitable; it’s a simple fact of life. Sometimes, you might feel unwell after being exposed to someone who is ill. And other times, you may not feel better when the seasons change. Whatever the cause may be, it is good to remember that you are in charge of your body and that you can maintain optimum health. 

You can take steps to maintain your health by first being able to acknowledge that you have an innate healing power. As the master of your body, mind, and soul, it is your responsibility to facilitate and enhance this process.

To assist in preventing, and potentially curing, common illnesses, this article will help you discover self-care through meridian exercise. Read on to learn more:

Ki: The Ultimate Life Force 

In Asian philosophy, arts, and medicine, ki (also spelled as chi or qi) is considered the unseen life force in your body and all creations across the cosmos. But, perhaps, its most important meaning is what’s often translated as energy. Ki links the body and mind, and its free-flowing movement composes the harmony of life. It is believed that the changes in your life are a manifestation of ki. 

Although every living being is immersed in ki, you cannot sense its currents. However, you can regain your ability to feel ki by having proper consciousness and opening the blockages in your energy pathways. By doing so, you can restore your health and natural balance. 

Meridian Exercise for Opening Your Energy Pathways 

The simplest definition of the body’s meridian system is a series of channels and pathways running from the head to the bottom of your feet. They are also likened to the rivers of the body, transporting ki energy. This system is responsible for the distribution of ki throughout your mind, body, and soul. 

The body is composed of 12 meridians and 8 secondary meridians. But generally, only 14 of them are commonly used. When ki enters your body through the breath, it flows through these energy avenues and collects in 2 of the 8 secondary meridians — one in your back called the Governing Vessel (Dok-maek) and the other in the front called Conception Vessel (Im-maek). These two meridians meet when you press your lips together. 

The 12 major meridians are associated with your internal organs, respectively: kidneys, liver, spleen, heart, lungs, pericardium, bladder, gallbladder, stomach, small and large intestines, and the triple burner (body temperature regulator). All 12 of them are either paired, bilateral, or situated systematically on either side of the body. 

Meridian exercises are specially formulated to open up all meridians to balance the energy in your internal organs. These activities are composed of stretching exercises, meditative breathing techniques, and energy awareness training. 

Meridian exercises are the most effective when combined with proper breathing, stretching movements, and full awareness so you can optimize their health benefits. It would be best if you start the exercises by inhaling. Then, always remember to focus your energy on the lower abdomen (also called Dahn-jon in Korean) while attuning your consciousness to the areas you’re stretching. While breathing out, imagine that impurities inside your body are exiting. Have a conversation with your body as you perform these exercises. 

Abbreviations for Each Meridian 

In this series of Meridian exercises blogs, you will encounter different abbreviations for the meridians. You may refer back to this list as needed: