The Tao of redirecting your subconscious to heal your body and spirit
5 Intents
Dr. Dean Christian Keller, DAcCHM.
Mindfulness meditation changes our brain and biology in positive ways, improving mental and physical health.
The role of the Healer is multi-faceted, meaning we need to be able to shift gears through the role of doctor, detective, and counselor, and ultimately, we should help patients heal themselves. Anyone who has been sick knows that fear and trepidation can be overwhelming. When I was young, my mother was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the fear for her was as crippling as the disorder. A good healer will help patients navigate their diagnosis and work toward finding mental balance, while working to find the root cause of a disorder. My mother spent the last few months of her life with a bucket of pills and belly full of fear. In all the years that I have been working with patients, I have seen a common theme, unmitigated stress leads to disease, unresolved emotions have lasting impacts on our health as we age. It works like inflammation in the mind, if it is not dealt with, it invariably leads to an inflammatory state in the body. The Taoist approach to health, be it mental, physical, or spiritual is one of returning to simplicity. We turn our mind to our breath, to slow the heart, we calm the mind as we focus on the breath….
Please note: These ancient theories are based on ways to develop one's inner self. They are meant as an adjunct to the process of healing, and in no way are they meant to circumvent the need for help on any level, be it medical or psychological. This is for life changes, when deeper help is needed, psychotherapy is encouraged.
The Tao is translated as the way or path. It is seen as a way of harmony of mind, body and spirit. As we move through life, we spend most of our days reacting to situations like a pinball bouncing off each event propelled by our emotions and subconscious. It is said that it is the job of the subconscious to ensure that we react the way we are programmed. It is also where we store and retrieve data in the subconscious for use during our life.
What if our programming is not to our benefit? What if that program leads us in endless loops of defeat? What if somewhere in our past experiences there was an event or events that set us up to continually respond in ways that leave us helpless to an underlying emotion?
The Tao offers a way to redirect your life, your mind and subconscious. Dr. Seuss said, “Sometimes the questions are complicated, and the answers are simple” Seuss. (1987). This very Taoist statement implies that we often make things more difficult than necessary. We start with breathing, and we focus the mind and in a short amount of time we find the calm and peace to end those loops of defeat.
As we become mindful of breath, we turn our attention like a dial on an old-time radio to seek out sensations of Qi. In time our understanding of what we feel will change and the experience heightens. It is one of the byproducts of a meditative practice, we gain a unique perspective and sensitivity to energy. As we gain greater control over our mind and breath, we also develop the ability to directly effect our brain waves.
Taoist philosophy teaches that when Yin and Yang are in balance, good mental and physical health are in abundance. Most everyone has seen the Yin / Yang image which is all over modern culture with its black and white swirls. With small dots of the other color within the dominating opposite swirl it implies that they are mutually supportive and that you don’t get one without the other. The swirls, indicate that they start as a sliver and swell to a point where they eventually fall back to being a sliver as the other grows to dominance.
Moving a little further from the previous thoughts, let’s talk about balance. Balance is peace, when you can breathe in, long and slow and feel like you are experiencing the most wonderful event ever. As if you are connected with both Heaven and Earth. That is using the mind to engage breath, filling the lungs and body with energy while allowing your mind to be present in the most conscious of ways.
In this space of “Balance”, is the opportunity to use our consciousness for healing. This is where we are most powerful! The mind is open and unblocked, Qi or energy is full and ready, and we can use this time for healing on any level. Sometimes we need simply need to let go and be. There is also an opportunity to channel the mind, redirect the subconscious to amplify healing and awareness as we wish and need.
Living in harmony is seeing yourself as a part of something, understanding that we are a facet of life, not the center of it. This philosophy gives a format to move with the rhythms of life and flow through experiences. We observe life as a whole, and our own life while considering cause and effect. It does not mean that we do not react, we just practice bringing mindfulness to our interactions with our existence in the Universe.
“Letting energy which wishes to exist, exist” is part of a very old code that encourages us to look within. When we examine ourselves and acknowledge our existence, we consciously take notice that we are not “just getting by”. We are active participants with every cell in our bodies in this experience of life in this dimension. We effect our bodies and our lives by how we interact with and focus our minds within this stream of consciousness.
Taoist concepts of harmony and balance encourage us to avoid extremes. When it comes to desire and emotion, life can be quite a bumpy ride. We desire food, clothes, relationships, objects and so on. Emotions carry us away on endless loops of stories that roll through our heads and through highs and lows of reactive experiences. So how do we avoid extremes? It takes practice. We must make an efforts to slow experiences down, in order to consciously observe them rather just reacting to every stimuli.
The 5 Intents (5Is) Process is a compilation of practices and observations that have been passed down over hundreds of years. After treating hundreds of patients over the past 20 years, there has been a common theme. Every patient that I have seen with serious health issues has experienced emotional trauma. Since ancient times unique individuals sought to control their minds and bodies. They realized that the human mind is like a child running from one toy to another. There is a universal understanding that an unruly mind destroys our sense of peace, our physical health and our ability to truly enjoy life.
The practice of Wu Yi, translated as Five Intents, or 5I’s, is based on the concept of perfecting moral righteousness. It relates to the correcting of that which is not in harmony, i.e. the mind, or our programming. We use Intention to redirect the effects of emotional impressions from experiences from our youth.
These “Practices” focus the mind, which in turn will relax the mind much like how we feel after exercise. They allow us to channel mental energy in a productive way that not only strengthens it but gives it a constructive outlet. We are given the opportunity to be free of the emotion and drama of uncontained thought. Studies show that meditation and meditative movements benefit a multitude of disorders such as PTSD, musculoskeletal pain, fibromyalgia and hypertension.
Many older cultures recognize that uncontrolled emotions cause numerous health problems. A prime example is the correlation of anger to hypertension. That “hyper” aspect indicates excess, that excess is pressure on the heart and if there is no release it causes lasting damage to the heart (and mind). Our emotions are real and necessary, they remind us of what we are holding on to. They boil over, seep out and lurk around the corners of our lives.
Within Chinese Medicine there are 5 emotions that we consider when diagnosing patients. It shows that special consideration was given to one’s mental and emotional state in finding the root cause of illness. At this point we must acknowledge that traditional medicine also correlates these emotions to the different paired organ systems of the body. For our purposes we will not go into depth in discussing the organ pairs. but it is interesting to note that modern medicine is beginning to see the relationship of emotions and their damaging effects on physiology.
Studies now show that there is an underlying emotion in diseases such as cancer. The effects of unresolved emotion that lie under the surface for years without resolution can wreak havoc on our minds and bodies. While the mind suppresses those emotions in the tissues of the body, imagine them sitting under the surface festering until something gives, and we must claw our way back to some place of health, or we work to change our state mind. We come to terms with our dominant "emotion” and take control of our mind. The emotions addressed in the 5I’s are the extremes of 5 emotions of TCM, Joy is not included because we are working on emotions that relate to Fight or Flight and the sympathetic nervous system.
There is strong correlation with the impact of Emotions on health and the development of children between the ages 0 – 7, specifically Anger, Fear, Anxiety, Frustration, and Envy on the Subconscious Mind
The early years of life, particularly between the ages of 0 and 7, are crucial for the development of the subconscious mind. During this time, the brain is in a highly receptive state, operating primarily in the theta brainwave frequency. These years are associated with deep learning, imagination, and subconscious programming. Emotions experienced in these formative years leave a lasting impression on the subconscious mind. Those impressions continue to influence an individual’s thoughts, behaviors, and emotional responses throughout life.
The emotions—anger, fear, anxiety, frustration, and envy— are 5 powerful emotions that can have profound effects on the subconscious mind during early childhood. When these emotions are not processed or resolved, they will become embedded in the subconscious mind. It will shape patterns of self-perception, relationships, and behaviors well into adulthood.
The 5 emotions that do the most harm
1. Anger and the Subconscious Mind
Anger is a natural emotion that arises in response to perceived threats, frustration, or injustice. However, in children between the ages of 0 and 7, the ability to cope with and understand, while expressing anger constructively is not completely developed. How anger is handled by family and caregivers, as well as social and home environment greatly impacts how this emotion is internalized by the subconscious mind.
2. Fear and the Subconscious Mind
Fear is one of the most primitive emotions, designed to protect us from danger. During childhood, many fears are irrational or based on a child’s limited understanding of the world. Fear experienced during the early years can become deeply ingrained in the subconscious mind especially handled in a understanding way.
3. Anxiety and the Subconscious Mind
Anxiety is closely related to fear but often more diffuse, stemming from anticipation or worry about potential dangers. For children, anxiety can emerge from both internal and external sources, including stressful environments, overprotective parenting, or being exposed to events beyond their understanding.
4. Frustration and the Subconscious Mind
Frustration occurs when a child’s desires or needs are thwarted, often due to limitations in communication, understanding, or external circumstances. Between the ages of 0 and 7, children frequently experience frustration as they navigate their developing sense of independence and the boundaries set by adults.
5. Envy and the Subconscious Mind Envy is an emotion that arises from comparison and the perception that someone else has something desirable that the individual lacks. In childhood, envy often stems from comparisons made with siblings, peers, or even the way adults treat others.
Healing Emotional Imprints in the Subconscious Mind
The emotional imprints formed during early childhood can profoundly shape an individual’s subconscious mind and influence their life. However, healing these emotional imprints is possible through practices that bring subconscious beliefs into conscious awareness and facilitate emotional release:
The emotions of anger, fear, anxiety, frustration, and envy experienced between the ages of 0 and 7 play a critical role in shaping the subconscious mind. During this formative period, the subconscious absorbs emotional experiences and forms patterns that influence one's thoughts, behaviors, and emotional responses throughout life. As we understand the impact of these early emotions, we can begin working to heal those unresolved emotional imprints. With the this resolution one can achieve greater emotional freedom, self-awareness, and personal growth.
Start changing your programing
The practice of the 5I’s is a way to gain power over the mind, while subtly changing our programming. It is a way of acknowledging emotions that are buried within the subconscious while influencing a person’s current state of ”mind”. It allows us embrace our ability to hold space in order to reprogram the mind and change destructive responses.
An ancient Chinese saying “Xin qu nali, qi jiu qu nali”. This phrase translated means, “Where the mind goes, so goes the Qi”. This is fine if we are in a good place mentally and focused on different tasks and just rolling along with life, but as we all know, life can be a bit of a rollercoaster. If we add an underlying emotion as mentioned previously, to something we are dwelling on, then health issues will undoubtedly arise. Emotions are powerful and if a dominant emotion is festering in our physical body, sickness will arise.
It is said that the subconscious mind is a data-bank and is separate from the conscious mind. It is the resuIt of our experiences, memories, abilities and beliefs. It could be said that is serves as compass which effects how we interact on our path through life.
Our subconscious mind is “branded” by experiences we have during our first 7 years of life. As children, we are young and fresh to the human experience, a blank slate. In that time, all of our experiences, good and bad are the substrate for who we are as we progress through life. That emotion will be a driving factor in how we respond to the stressors that come our way. Our ruling emotion can be subtle, or it can be over the top. The point is that as we move through life with that emotion influencing our interactions, our judgment is clouded, and we think from a reactionary place rather than our higher brain or mind.
Our practice is to end the habitual patterns that bring us endless chatter and chaotic experiences. How often do you wonder “why did I say that?” or end a day feeling as if you just stepped out of a bumper car while just craving a break. Reprogramming the subconscious mind is a process. It starts with determining that main emotion that lurks under the surface. Once we know it, we can apply mental techniques of focus to change unhealthy and destructive patterns.
The 5 Intents (5I's)
What does science say?
The environment controls cell activity- the field moves the particles | quantum physics
In the early 1990’s Dr. Bruce Lipton a revolutionary in the field of Stem Cell research began making discoveries that changed the way we now view human biology. His findings flew in the face of the conventional teaching. It had been believed and is still taught that life is ruled by “Genetic determinism”. It is the belief that genes are capable of turning themselves on and off and regulating not just our physical structure, but our emotions and our behaviors as well. Genes it had been taught, were the controlling factor of all characteristics of our lives.
What he found though, through repeated experiments which entailed obtaining a single stem cell and placing it in a culture dish was astonishing. Because cells divide, he eventually had over 50,000 identical cells in his culture dish. He then separated the cells into 3 different mediums. The results were game changing. The cells in each Petri dish evolved into different specific cells, muscle, bone and fat. The important conclusion from this is that as Dr. Lipton found it’s the environment that determines what the cells become, not the genes! This has huge ramifications on how we look at disease and health.
From his studies in the 1990’s Dr. Lipton redefined the idea of:
Epigenetics: Epi means above, control above the genes, the environment and specifically our perception of our environment changes our genetic activity
The idea that Genes just turn on an off is wrong, victims of our heredity- meaning you are not just in control of your life, but in control of the genes as well. The placebo effect at a minimum 1/3 of all medical interventions, it's the belief in the pill where the healing comes form- result of positive thinking. But what about negative thinking? the nocebo effect- 70% of our thoughts are negative or redundant, Negative thinking is manifesting a negative life experience. You can express the genetics differently, it changes the reading of the gene, it does not change the gene.
According to Dr. Lipton,(2012) gene activity can change on a daily basis. If the perception in your mind is reflected in the chemistry of your body, and if your nervous system reads and interprets the environment and then controls the blood’s chemistry, then you can literally change the fate of your cells by altering your thoughts. In fact, Dr. Lipton’s research illustrates that by changing your perception, your mind can alter the activity of your genes and create over thirty thousand variations of products from each gene.”
The issue is that Neuroscience has found that the subconscious controls 95-99 percent of our lives! And so, we return to the concept that who we are and how we cope with life and our experiences is determined by the time we are 7 years of age. But now we have science backing up perception, and the power of the mind. We are powerful and the power of our minds is being proven time and again.
Only 7 diseases are caused by a single gene, cancer is a minimum of 12-14 genes, it is now believe that the probability is high that we are creating a disease. Could we be developing it the in mind? There are genes that determine how our physical body is put together and there are genes read out the behavior of how something is going to work.
These Genes are a blueprint- body of 100K different protein building blocks, where do the protein come from? The DNA is a blueprint to make a protein. To paraphrase Dr. Lipton (2005) What we are concerned about is the contractor that is reading the blueprint. Who is the contractor? According to Epigenetics it is our mind!
Quantum Physics and the Tao
Newtonian physics is also how western medicine approaches medicine, meaning it treats the parts. It is limited because Biologists have for years struggled to fully describe many of the observed processes and non–observed processes in Biology. So Newtonian physics relies more on observed physical processes such as macroscopic motion. It is because of Quantum theory and its application to cutting edge studies that we are gaining greater insights into the why of ancient forms of healing and it give us freedom to apply the studies and words of Bruce Lipton Lipton (2005) ”the environment controls cellular activity”.
Quantum mechanics, as part of quantum theory, acknowledges, that everything is driven by the field or energy and that this has a direct baring on how the particle or part is going to behave, it offers a much needed explanation to help bring together the principles of physics and to explain biological processes, such as Dr. Lipton's stem cell research.
The laws of physics apply to all matter in the universe, even living matter. There is a constant flow of energy and we further define that flow when we look at electrons and protons. Biology and biological processes often deal with electrons and protons that are continuously being transferred between different parts of a cell or the greater cellular systems of the body. The transfer processes are special in that they require exchanges in the system that must happen because of the interaction of photons and molecular vibrations. This is where the break from Newtonian Physics occurs and Quantum theory walks in, it is called an ‘open quantum system’, and in order to describe it special laws are used.
systems.
An open quantum system is when a quantum mechanical system interacts with its surround environment. This allows for the exchange of energy and information with other systems intimating an almost intelligent evolution between interactionQuantum biology- biological systems are dynamic, they are constantly exchanging energy and matter with the environment in order to maintain non-equilibrium. This means living organism are always exchanging energy and constantly in motion, that state of non-equilibrium and constant motion is a significant part Quantum biology. According toMarais et al (2018), Quantum biology is the application of quantum theory to aspects of biology for which classical physics fails to give an accurate description.
Our ancestors believed in the connection between human-kind and the divine. They believed that our hearts, our minds and our spirits can give us great insight into the universe. From many diverse cultures there have come practices that allowed people to cross the veil between dimensions giving them great insight into their own being, to their futures and the universe itself.
There is an ancient collection of poetic verses known as the Nei-ye (Inward Training), it is considered by some to be older than the Tao Te Ching. It stresses the importance of bringing the mind into the heart-mind, a practice that is said to calm mental activity and bring clarity to the practitioner. It also suggests that the practice sets in motion a change in lucidness, that over time the practice will bring changes to one’s inner spirit.
Ancient Traditions meets Modern Medicine
The heart serves as the emperor of the Yin organs in the body and has two roles according to Chinese medicine. On the physical level it is a pump that moves blood throughout the body. It is important to note that the Chinese character xin (心) refers to the physical heart, but it also speaks to our spirit or consciousness. One of the beautiful aspects of Chinese characters is that they have multiple layers and meanings. So, we have yet another facet of the translation as being the "mind”. The ancient Chinese believed the heart was the very center of human cognition.
Our spirit according to Chinese theory is translated as Shen and is also linked to the heart. It is also important to note that the blood vessels are part of that heart system. With the blood being transported through the body via our blood vessels it is not too much of a leap to see the correlation between say the luster of our skin or brightness of our eyes. So, Shen is not limited to just the heart, and thus we may begin to understand why it is also said that the word Shen applies to our consciousness, mental functions, mental health, vitality and also our "presence".
A key theme in early the practice of Nei-ye is the concept of Xinshu,(Chinese: “art of the heart-and-mind”). It is a practice of purifying the practitioner’s mind and life force (qi) to attain and focus one’s conscious mind. Without going to far into esoteric thought, we simply understand that there are layers and names like a map that can guide us along our path. It is about gaining control over our mind (& heart?), so that we can find balance and heal ourselves. As well as find our spiritual self.
In the early 1990’s, Dr. J. Andrew Armour introduced to the world the idea of a functional heart-brain. For people in more esoteric circles such as what I previously mentioned, here begins a wonderful correlation. Dr. Armour discovered that we have 40,000 neurons in the heart. Our brain is composed of mirror neurons which think, feel and remember. This implies that our heart, besides being the pump and workhorse of the cardiovascular system also has the capacity to function as a brain. We must also take note that the vagus nerve connects the central nervous system (brain) and the heart, it plays an integral part in the balance and connection of the two.
Another fascinating fact about the heart is that it is the first organ developed in the womb. Researchers believe that all 4 chambers are formed between the 7th and 10th weeks. As cells divide and the fetus continues to form its different organs and systems the link to between the brain and the heart is dependent on the vagus nerve. The heart and the Vagus nerve have an intimate relationship in maintaining the “calm” of the body and bringing it back to homeostasis, a place of peace and balance.
The necessity of maintaining homeostasis between the heart and vagus nerve exists on many levels: neurologically, biochemically, biophysically as well energetically. It is about bringing the body back to ”rest and digest” as smoothly as possible. They affect one another, they reflect one another. Stress begets a reaction, for the heart, it results in an elevated heart rate, for the vagus nerve it results in what is called ”loss of vagal tone”.
The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve traveling from the brain to the heart and gastrointestinal tract, it sends information about the state of the inner organs to the brain. It is relationship to our state of Rest and Digest, cannot be stressed enough. It is a key ingredient for healing and connecting the heart and mind.
Key points to the Vagus nerve:
Rest and digest: iIt helps with digestion, metabolism, and blood flow to organs.
Inflammation: It aids in reducing inflammation, which is a key factor in many chronic diseases.
Brain function: Stimulating the vagus nerve can help with brain function, even in healthy people.
Mental health: Stimulating the vagus nerve can help with mental health conditions like depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and inflammatory autoimmune conditions.
Stress
The vagus nerve helps regulate stress responses.
Details on Heart-Brain coherence:
Coherence in the context of heart-brain communication is based on the synchronized exchange of both systems. Heart rate variability (HRV) must be consistent and smooth. (HRV) is the measurement between consecutive heartbeats. The intervals have greater variability, as long as it occurs in a smooth and regular pattern it is a sign of a healthier, more flexible system that can adapt well to stressors.
In a coherent state, the heart and brain will communicate efficiently, it will show significant physiological adaptability, as well as emotional well-being. It is because of the vagus nerve communicating back and forth between the brain and the heart that there can be a state of coherence. It influences a regular heart rhythm that is balanced, it will send signals to the brain helping to regulate mood, it is proven to enhance cognition, and improve emotional reactivity.
The 0.1 Hz Frequency: The Optimal Rhythm for Coherence
The 0.1 Hz frequency—or one cycle every 10 seconds—is regarded as the ideal frequency at which the heart and brain attain maximum coherence. 0.1 represents the resonance frequency of our cardiovascular system. Leading to a smooth and coherent heart rate. When our heart’s rhythm oscillates at this frequency, it will produce a stable, strong signal to the brain, this encourages “high vagal tone”, which in turn promotes coherence between the heart and brain.
Why 0.1 Hz?
As we engage in deeper states of relaxation, the vagus nerve is activated, this allows the body to switch from a state of stress to one of healing. This process supports tissue repair by reducing inflammation and restores balance within the body's systems while trigger our bodies self-repair systems.
Infant’s Sigh – Physiological sigh:
The Infant’s sigh or physiological sigh is a natural, rapid breathing technique that involves a double inhale followed by a long, slow exhale. It has long been a part of ancient Taoist practices to help patient’s and practitioner’s, to come out of stressful situations more smoothly. It is a simple, yet powerful method, it can activate the vagus nerve, and reset the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). This relaxes the heart and mind and promotes healing by reducing stress, calming the body, and optimizing physiological function. It is actually a built-in reflex that humans (and many animals) perform naturally, it is has recently become the focus of more studies in neuroscience. It is an effective tool that can recalibrate the body's stress response, helping us shift from a fight-or-flight state toward rest and repair.
We crave balance, mentally and physically. The human body is constantly attempting to find homeostasis as we encounter various positive and negative situations throughout the day. When we deepen and slow our breathing, the heart adjusts and slows down promoting a smooth rhythm.
There have been countless studies on breath work and its effects on stress, high blood pressure and anxiety. Deep breathing stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system by telling your mind that you are no longer in a fight or flight situation. This is a case where we use our conscious mind to adjust the heart-mind connection while ending the loop of stress and the damaging effects of cortisol, adrenaline and norepinephrine dumping. We just work to bring the mind within the heart-mind.
On a biochemical level deep breathing enhances abilities of the various systems of our body’s. Focused breathing releases endorphins which are our body’s natural painkillers and “feel good” hormones. So, this twofold effect can help with pain and it also aids in dealing with anxiety and depression. It works on CO2 levels helping with blood pH, while also increasing nitric oxide (NO), to promote vasodilation. Breathing is also shown to aid our lymphatic systems disease fighting capabilities i.e. a more resilient immune system. As we become more conscious of our breath, we can influence the body while effecting the release of painkillers, inducing the creation of killer t-cells and the like not just once but daily.
Resonance Breathing
Resonance breathing as describes earlier is a term used for the breathing technique that aligns the heart rate and breathing cycle, to enhance heart-brain coherence . It involves taking slow, deep breaths at a rate of about 6 breaths per minute (one breath every 10 seconds), this corresponds to the 0.1 Hz frequency.
How to practice:
1. Inhale slowly for 5 seconds
2. Exhale slowly for 5 seconds
3. Continue this cycle for several minutes
Box Breathing (square breathing)
Box breathing is another simple yet powerful technique to calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and increase focus. Though it is believed to come from Pranayama practice in Yoga, it is now used in mindfulness practices, by athletes, and even in tactical training by the Navy Seals. Its name comes from the pattern of breath, which forms a "box”. Breaths are equal lengths of inhaling, holding, exhaling, and holding. The steps are as follows:
Sinus Breathing
Sinus breathing is typically the preferred method in meditation practices. It refers to the practice of breathing inhaling and exhaling through the nose. The result enables the nasal passages to filter and humidify the air moving into the lungs. This type of breathing, as opposed to mouth breathing helps to regulate airflow and plays a critical role in cardiovascular health. This is due to its effects on oxygen intake, carbon dioxide balance, and nitric oxide production.
Sinus breathing specifically affects improved oxygenation and carbon dioxide balance. It helps to increase the amount of time air spends in the lungs. It allows for more measured and controlled oxygen uptake. The benefit of increased nitric oxide production for circulatory health is vast. Nitric oxide is produced in the sinuses, it is a natural vasodilator that relaxes and widens the blood vessels. It improves the circulation of blood and lowers blood pressure.
Qi, the Chinese word for energy, it is considered an invisible force. It is considered to be an energetic essence that sustains life and flows through everything in the universe. In Chinese medicine, Qi is considered to presents in all things, from the food we eat, to the air we breath. There are several types of Qi, but for our purpose we will consider it as one main force. It plays a crucial role in all areas of TCM from the herbal medicine to acupuncture.
Resonance Waves and Vibration (Energy)
In 1967, Hans Jenny published the first volume of Cymatics, The Study of Wave Phenomena. This field explores how sound and vibration are made visible. It utilizes physical mediums like water and sand. It shows how sound waves can impact matter by initiating movements that produce intricate patterns that illustrate vibrational forces that are hidden from the average person. Internal arts such as Qi gong, Nei Gong, and Tai Chi, however, are ancient Internal practices that focus on cultivating a deep relationship for the individual while balancing, and harmonizing Qi. It is considered the life force or energy believed to flow through all living things.
While cymatics focuses on vibrational energy that is created on a physical level, Qi Gong and Tai Chi are thought to emphasize the energetic vibrational experience internally on a cellular level. Though there are differences, both cymatics and these traditional energy practices share a profound relationship which is rooted in the study of vibration, resonance, and the dynamic flow of energy. One distinct difference with some Internal schools is that their practices also focus on sensing and feeling energetic vibrations with the mind, meaning that they set the resonance and send it through the body as a wave.
In the world of science, we have many ways to measure energy. In your car you have a tachometer to measure speed, a wattmeter measures the power of a circuit. In the world of an ”Energy Practitioner” our meter is our Central Nervous System. Our brain links and processes information from our central nervous system, they work together to “meter” the vibrations we sense in our bodies and eventually from the world around us. Internal systems seek to cultivate an awareness of the body as a vibrational system, where chi moves through pathways much like sound waves propagate through physical mediums in cymatics. At the higher levels of healing, we seek to connect the mind to various sound vibrations, to hold the resonance for prolonged periods of time to both strengthen the mind and unblock energetic pathways.
Cymatic patterns emerge from vibrational frequencies, they interact with matter and create beautiful organized geometric patterns. Practitioners of Chi Gong and Tai Chi experience the body as a dynamic system of vibrations and energy. Movements and breathwork in these practices act like sound waves in cymatics, influencing the flow and organization of chi in the body. Their practices utilize the focus of the mind on both the ”Qi sensation” and breath. Qi Gong and Tai Chi practitioners will often describe the sensations of Qi as "vibrations" or "pulsations" of energy within their body. These ideas easily align with the principles described in cymatics: vibrational waves affecting structure and form. The practitioner can sense the effect of intentional movement, breath, and awareness as they harmonize their internal energy flow.
This amazing human body that houses our consciousness is a specialized machine. The functions and processes that occur in a single second are staggering, in the billions! Of the 30+ trillion cells that we have in our bodies we lose at least 100 Billion cells per day and those cells must be replaced. Cell replication takes energy, movement does as well. The energy that is produced by each individual cell is about .07 volts, that is per cell. Now, one would ask how do we harness that energy? The answer is obviously complicated and there is no need to go into depth on it in this discussion. Suffice it to say that volts do not measure as power. They relate to the pressure of a power source in pushing electrons (also known as current).
The main point is that each cell is constantly producing energy. Modern physics determined that all matter is energy, hence the famous e=Mc2 equation. We are living energy fields. Our body is composed of energy-producing particles, every atom is in constant motion. So, like everything in the universe, we are constantly vibrating and creating energy. Many ancient traditions have focused on the body as something to be defeated, as a source for sin and that we, being our consciousness are not truly a part of our physical body.
Physics now teaches us that existence is energy and that what we observe is energy, the object we are observing is energy and it implies that the act of observation is energy! Throughout time for almost 5 thousand years, it has been taught that the subject, the observer and consciousness are energy. And now Quantum Physics enters the room, unique, beautiful and mystical. Like Rumi, a whirling dervish dancing around combining poetry and motion while mystifying the world with infinite possibilities concerning Western logic and Eastern esoteric thoughts.
How the mind can influence bioelectromagnetic resonance
Now we need to consider the emerging field of bioelectromagnetic medicine. This study focuses on resonant electrical pulses. It is beginning to show a great deal of promise in optimizing cellular reproduction and healing processes. Imagine utilizing pulses and tuning them to the right frequency, could it enhance the natural electrical activity of cells, driving regeneration, repair, and overall wellness. A foundational idea to this study is the understanding that all cells have an inherent electrical nature, generating bioelectric signals. They also have a membrane potential of approximately 0.7 volts. So, the underlying idea is that with external electrical pulses, if they resonate at the right cellular level, and biological frequencies, cells will be stimulated to function more efficiently, and in turn it will lead optimal healing and tissue regeneration.
The genes that govern this process are mostly located in the viscera, that is where all of our important organs are located. The viscera are governed by the ventral vagus nerve, triggering vagal control for parasympathetic activity is key. Meaning sending the right resonant electrical pulses to the ventral vagus to optimize cellular reproduction function.
The idea that the mind can influence cellular resonance is a speculative but fascinating concept, it touches on areas of science, bioelectricity, and consciousness. Though research in this specific area is limited, the idea that the mind, as it is affected by mental or emotional states, impacts our bioelectric fields, is quite compelling. It suggests that the mind influences cellular processes and impacts healing and regeneration.
The Bioelectric Properties of Cells: The 0.7-Volt Membrane Potential
Each cell in the human body maintains an electrical potential across its membrane, referred to as the resting membrane potential. This voltage difference, typically around 0.7 volts (or 70 millivolts), is created by the movement of ions, such as potassium, sodium, and chloride, across the cell membrane via ion channels and pumps. The 0.7-volt potential plays a crucial role in several cellular functions, including:
The presence of this voltage indicates that cells are not only chemical systems but also bioelectrical entities. There natural membrane potential can be modulated and / or enhanced by external electrical stimulation. Or for our purposes... the mind.
Bioelectricity and the Mind-Body Connection
Our cells maintain an electrical potential, that potential includes 0.7 volts measured across the cell membrane. The bioelectricity of each cell plays a critical role in regulating cellular functions, growth, communication, as well as regeneration. Studies are continually reinforcing that mental and emotional states influence physical processes through the nervous system, hormonal pathways, and the immune system.
They following are examples of way in which the mind impacts cellular recovery:
It is not a stretch to theorize that since the brain and nervous system generate their own electrical activity, that different mental states will influence the body’s bioelectric fields. We must also include brain waves such as alpha, beta, and theta in the equation as potential dynamic bioelectric influencers. For the purposes of this theory, we can easily entertain how the mind can influence the body’s overall bioelectricity, it is also strongly possible that it will affect cellular resonance in subtle ways.
The Potential Mechanisms of Mind-Cell Resonance Interaction
Some of the theoretical mechanisms by which the mind could potentially influence cellular resonance:
Biofeedback and Brain waves
Emotional Influence on Bioelectric fields
Mind-Directed Healing Techniques
Neuroplasticity and Electrical Signals
Ancient Taoist wisdom suggests that in order to find balance and harmony, we detach. This is often misunderstood. To detach, means to step back from the chaos of erratic thoughts and the rollercoaster of emotions that we easily get addicted to. The 5 Intents are based in that Ancient wisdom, Fèng dào wǔ xīn, (Five intents to pursue the Tao). They offer ways to harmonize the mind and release old patterns, that 0 – 7 programming that lies under the surface. We are powerful electro-chemical beings, and when we use the mind and "Intent" to deliberately create space and cultivate breath, it produces a calm mind.
Consciousness, Intention, and Energy Fields
In some alternative healing philosophies, there is a belief that consciousness or intention can directly influence the energy fields that permeate and surround the body, sometimes referred to as the "biofield" or "aura." While these concepts are not fully recognized within conventional science, many traditions—both ancient and modern—assert that mental focus or intention can influence energy, potentially affecting cellular and physiological processes at a subtle level. In this context, the theory would suggest that by focusing one's intention on healing or cellular regeneration, the mind could align or enhance the bioelectric resonance within the cells, possibly amplifying their natural healing processes.
Though there is no current scientific evidence that definitively proves that the mind directly influences one’s cellular resonance, there are some intriguing results that suggests mental states, emotions and focused intent do affect our bioelectric environment and ability to heal. There has been increased interest in internal practices like meditation, Tai Chi, and Qi Gong because of the possibility of influencing our bioelectric or neuroplastic mechanisms. The potential to subtly enhance cellular function and promote healing as form of Biohacking, is not as elusive as many think. Research continues to evolve in bioelectromagnetic medicine and mind-body science. And that evolution continues to provide profound insights into the interaction of the body’s bioelectric systems and the response to the mind and consciousness on health and healing.
So, what if we could really shape the process of our own healing. Locked within each of us is the capacity to regenerate, we do it everyday, all day! We are regenerating constantly, second by second cells reproduce and we are renewed. The 5I’s allow us to consciously engage the mind to heal the subconscious. It is important to remember that it is a process, and change takes time. It is through the practice that we strengthen our mind and redirect it from the damaging effects of “fight or flight”. Instead of shifting into peak emotional states, we can choose to breathe through it. It may not work the first time, but if we use "Infants Sigh”, it will gently activate our Rest and Digest system.
We begin by working the mind to recreate a conscious space, as if in the womb. Before we entered this world our physical body was formed to house our consciousness on this plane. So, in this practice we find a quiet place where we can be relaxed and at peace as if in the security of the womb. Breathe slow and easy, sitting in meditation posture is good but if you can’t, just get comfortable. Don’t force it, simply inhale, hold for a moment then exhale, slowly and smoothly.
As mentioned earlier, you can do this meditation in any position but for our purposes we will use the posture of hugging the tree. Feet are about shoulder width, they can be wider if you wish, knees are slightly bent. Hands are about heart level and the palms face the chest.
The Upper Tan T’ien is located in the head. Bring your mind to the middle or center of your head and continue to breathe slowly. As you inhale, imagine pushing out in all directions, or expanding to the sides of the head. Next; inhale and think of pulling the mind back into the center of the head. Repeat this for a few more breaths.
Middle Tan T’ien is located in the chest region (think of the Heart chakra). Now use your mind and breath together, inhale and think of pulling downward to the center of the Heart Chakra. Repeat this a few times, think of it as slowing that mind down and connecting it with the heart-mind. Now inhale, and imagine expanding the heart chakra space. Exhale and imagine pulling what you have expanded back inward. Repeat the process a few times.
When we activate the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) which plays a crucial role in the healing process by promoting relaxation and conserving energy. This allows the body to devote resources towards tissue repair and recovery. The more often we activate the vagus nerve, the easier it is to support the body's healing mechanisms when activated after a stressful event. It is said that the average lifespan of the human cellular body is 7 to 10 years, this is great, but if we break it down a little more:
Skin cells: are renewed every few weeks
Colon cells: renewed every three to five days
Stomach lining: renewed every five days
Red blood cells: last four months
Heart cells: renewed at around 1% per year
Liver cells: last around 5 months
Bone cells: renewed around 7 years
Fat cells: last almost 70 years
Muscle cells: regenerate about every 15 years
Key Takeaways:
The key take away is that we are constantly renewing ourselves. The practice of the 5I's is a way to stimulate the mind and body to work cohesively. In a sense, we regenerate the mind, the practice does not heal the past, but as a survivor of trauma, and as a healer, I have seen first hand the effects of this system. When the body rests it heals, unlike the sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight), as we stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system the body calms down, the heart rate slows, and digestion is also fostered, which are essential for recovery from injury or illness.
Chronic stress can disrupt the balance of the autonomic nervous system, hindering the healing process. Therefore, techniques that promote relaxation, like deep breathing or meditation, can help activate the parasympathetic system and support recovery.
Taoist philosophy encourages our return to a childlike innocence. There is a principle of "Pu", which refers to an uncarved block of wood. It is a profound concept that suggests that if one is childlike, that they have limitless potential. They are far more likely to attain oneness with the Tao and the Void. The practices of the 5 Intents are born from observing innocense and applying them to aid in healing body, mind, and spirit.
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Dean Keller, DACM, Dipl.O.M.(NCCAOM), L.Ac. earn a doctorate degree from Pacific College of Health and Sciences (DAcCHM) and earned a Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MSAOM) from Southwest Acupuncture College in 2005. With over 35 plus years of study in Taoist Internal cultivation and healing, he has spent his time traveling to learn from his teachers in China and spread their knowledge as an international teacher and healer. Following in the footsteps of his teachers, Grand Master Wang Peisheng, Grand Master Daniel K. Pai, and Shifu Share K. Lew, he has combined his passion for the martial arts (both internal and external) and East Asian medicine. He taught multiple levels of Chinese Medical theory and food energetics at Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism (CSCH) Sep 2013-2015, and is also the owner and head teacher of Great Way Chinese Martial Arts Colorado, teaching Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and meditation.
