I\u2019m not a believer in \u2018Chi\u2019 being physically measurable<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Not now, neither at any time in the future. My simple reason: It\u2019s not at all what Chi is about. Still, researchers try to prove the physical (materialistic) reality of Chi, deeming this needed in order for it to be respectful. Generally, that kind of research is easily critiqued. \u00a0I did so a few times myself. [see RG: “Acupuncture for Dyspnea on Exertion<\/a>“] [see RG: “Acupuncture for IVF: Do not let needles stand in the way of empathy<\/a>“]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chi is poetry. Poetry exists in patterns. Such patterns can be \u2018present\u2019 in some substrate, in any substrate actually. The pattern is \u2013 theoretically in any case \u2013 independent of the substrate. Practically, it may be dependent but only as an intractability (*).<\/p>\n\n\n\n [intractability (*): for instance, theoretically, one can build a staircase from the Earth to the moon, but practically, it is by far not feasible at present and probably for always.]<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some kinds of substrates are better for some kinds of patterns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It reminds me of Descartes\u2019 hard dualism in body-mind<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n followed by his search of how both could, in such case, influence each other. His brainy hypothesis (pineapple gland) has been thoroughly debunked. The question has occupied many minds\/brains and still lives in many more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, there is no influence: both are just two different views upon the same entity [see: \u201cMind and body: no strangers<\/a>\u201d]. In short: there are patterns in the mind and patterns in the brain, and they are the same patterns \u2015 no need for positing two substrates. They, too, are the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, is Chi nothing but a poem?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sure. It\u2019s a beautiful poem, as long as it is not degraded into some materialistic shadow of a poem. Seeing it as energy (and energy = matter. Thanks, Einstein) is not an upgrade, as I see it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In respect for Chi, which is respect for the culture where it comes from, which is respect for the people within that culture who open-minded have been experiencing it for a very long time already, Chi should get its rightful place, poetically and rationally<\/em> [see: \u201cRationality and Poetry<\/a>\u201d]. Nothing less will do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meridians<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n as pathways within the body where the Chi flows, are therefore also part of the poem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In other words, they are a kind of (auto)suggestion. \u2018It\u2019 works, indeed. Autosuggestion works. However, if it is not open, it is closed, covert, concealed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If it\u2019s concealed consciously, it\u2019s a lie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you probably know, my take is that autosuggestion should be as much as possible \u2018auto\u2019 and open. This is ethically important to me. Besides, eventually, it\u2019s also the most efficient\/effective option. [see: \u201cOnly Truth Can Truly Cure<\/a>\u201d] This can be taken in a broad sense of the term \u2018cure.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n If it\u2019s all in the poem, do we need the poem?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Theoretically, no. We can adopt a different poem. Or, theoretically, we can get rid of any poem. But that would be an impoverishment of the human being. We have not been made by the dullest imaginable engineer. We are organisms, not mechanisms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I think this is part of the resistance that many people feel against \u2018rationalizing away\u2019 things like Chi, meridians, etc. They feel that something essential would be lost. So, they rather drop their rationality. It\u2019s human.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even more human is a search for the essence.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n That way, one doesn\u2019t need to lose anything essential at all. Moreover, such a stance is much more robust against any assault by \u2018rationalizers-away.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even most of all, it carries the promise of being able to open your flower bud, unrestrained by anything outside yourself. Enjoy as an open flower the world around you and become a beautiful element for others to enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is about freedom, openness, respect\u2026 [See: \u2018Five Aurelian Values<\/a>\u2019]<\/p>\n\n\n\n A poem may be beautiful and still restrict you, leading to nasty things. Contrary to this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Poetry can be open with no diminishment of poetic quality.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Chi poetry should be Open.<\/p>\n