The Healing Energy of Places

by Char Marie, L.Ac.











   photo ~ beautiful nature in Prospect, CT 


Energy is different by geography and all natural places have unique energy.  One of the most amazing parts of Chinese medicine is recognizing our connection to our natural environment, and the strength in connecting and allowing nature's voice to be heard.   Five element theory and qigong practice were born of nature and in direct experience of man living with natural energies and recognizing the connection.
 
It is well known that people travel to places like Sedona, Arizona, or the Chinese mountains to feel the strong energy of these places.  They are known as "spiritually important places," for their strong energy, or, energy "vortices."  

In Connecticut, we do not have to go very far to find places of energetic significance.  The old saying "home is where the heart is," has great meaning here.  There are great gifts right near us.
 
 Much like each person has unique energy and a unique body, mind and spirit, land as well has energy.  Sometimes the land reflects the energy of the people around it who share the space.  Sometimes you can literally feel a "friendly" community when you drive through it.  The "group mind" or group energy of a community can make it a welcoming, or very closed place.

As well, land can reflect the energy of the people who originally inhabited it, even after a very long time.  We were not the first ones here. 

Whenever I am out enjoying nature, I wish that it will be enjoyable in the future for many generations to come. Also, I am very thankful to the people who have taken time to preserve history so that I can experience it as a walking and talking classroom, while visiting historical societies, landmarks, and museums. You can feel a lot of old energy in our places that people have taken great care to preserve.

In all seasons, we have places where we can walk, sit, listen and breathe our way to good health.   If you are in the city, you can even bring that good health inside, in pot gardens, or by creating a meditation room.  As well, cities have parks such as East and West Rock in New Haven, where you can go on a bus or walking if you do not drive or have a car, to experience some beautiful and empowering nature.

It is known that the quiet and peace of the outdoors is healing.  In many hospitals, murals are painted and gardens created to give this feeling. Because of studies done on the health benefits of relaxation and being with nature, some hospitals even have videos of natural surroundings such as waterfalls and lakes with nature sounds playing, to create a healing environment.

Chinese medicine is about personal experience, so experiment on your own!  Find a place that feels good and healing.  See the difference it makes in your life. Create a space in your home, too, that is healing and happy for good health.

This article was mostly about what we already know, because we come from nature and are a part of it. But sometimes.. it is very easy to forget.

Remember good health, and enjoy the rest of the fall season exploring the powerful healing places near you.


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