Energy is the term we use for the force that holds everything together and makes things work in our universe. To better understand what energy is and how it works, scientists continue to invent categories to identify it and instruments to measure it. We can categorize it as potential energy (available for work) or kinetic energy (at work or in motion).  We can more specifically categorize energy in other ways such as electromagnetic (including visible light, X-rays, radio waves, and microwaves), thermal, sound, mechanical, chemical, and nuclear. Energy regularly changes forms, sometimes quickly and sometimes over a long period of time, but we have not observed energy being created or destroyed.

These categories of energy do not exist in nature as actual boundaries.  They are theoretical, created to help us understand and explain what energy is.  Energy does not label itself or limit itself to fit inside the categories we have created for it.  It simply exists, holding our universe together and continuously working without boundaries.

Some have described energy in terms of frequencies or vibrations.  Even what we refer to as “matter” is still a form of energy but in a low enough frequency of vibration that is dense enough for our physical senses to perceive.  An interesting demonstration of how matter forms around specific frequencies of energy is demonstrated in “cymatics”.  While sound is not visible to human eyes, we can see the representation of some of the patterns of sound when applying sound frequencies across a visible medium such as sand or water.  Pure or harmonic frequencies create symmetrical, beautiful patterns, while dissonant, competing frequencies create asymmetrical, broken patterns.  Since matter arranges itself around the frequency of vibration, simply changing the frequency will create an entirely different arrangement of matter.  This could represent a model for the formation and arrangement of all matter, but of life events as well.  Using the mind as a tool to hold frequencies of harmony and release frequencies of dissonance may assist in the healthy arrangement of our bodies.

Our physical bodies consist of energy and are held together by energy.  Energy is continuously passing through our bodies.  The survival of our bodies depends upon their ability to manage this energy, thus they have systems that allow them to receive, distribute, use, and release energy in the most efficient ways.  Some forms of energy and matter are easier than others for us to perceive and measure, thus some of our bodies’ energy systems are easier than others for us to observe, measure, and study.  Some systems require a level of sensitivity beyond what is considered common for humans, such as seeing beyond the usual human light spectrum, feeling beyond the usual degree of human tactile sensitivity, hearing beyond the usual human range of sound, and so on.

Three common energy systems used in energy-balancing are energy (auric) fields, meridians, and chakras.

Energy (auric) fields project or radiate from the center of the body similar to how a lantern radiates light a certain distance from its light source.  Seven primary fields are often identified within humans, but many fields exist throughout the body within which the organs, bones, and tissues are formed and arranged.  A good representation of how matter arranges itself within the energy field is how iron filings are arranged within a magnetic field.  It is fascinating to observe how each individual iron filing will stand up and align itself perfectly with the field of the magnet as if being moved by some magical or mystical force.  We cannot see the magnetic field, but if we move the magnet even slightly, we observe a corresponding change in orientation of the iron filing within the magnetic field.  This simple model can help us grasp how fields of energy affect the smallest particles of matter within them.

Meridians are longitudinal energy currents that run through the body, similar to how ocean currents or jet streams run through our planet and atmosphere. The flow of energy through the meridian affects the cells, tissues, and organs within it, just as the cells, tissues, and organs affect the flow.  Some points along meridians have a particular influence over the entire meridian, similar to how the holes on a flute affect the frequency of the sound produced by the air current moving through the flute. Some of these points have greater influence than others, such as entry points, exit points, stimulating points, sedating points, and connecting points. Our bodies continually use these points to manage their ever-changing energy needs.  Traumas, injuries and excessive stress can compromise the ability to regulate the flow of energy through the meridians and thus our ability to self-correct.  Consequently, we may move toward progressively increasing states of imbalance.  With enough sensitivity and skill, a practitioner can energetically engage these points to assist individuals in moving toward progressively increasing states of balance.

Chakras are funnel-shaped vortices located along the body’s central vertical axis from the tip of the coccyx to the top of the head. “Chakra” is the translation of an ancient Sanskrit term that literally means “energy wheel.” Chakras typically rotate clockwise while simultaneously expanding and contracting.  They can be perceived within the body and projecting several inches off of the body.  Chakras 2 – 6 are arranged in pairs projecting forward and backward with the narrow end toward the center of the body, while chakras 1 and 7 are oriented vertically with 1 projecting toward the feet and 7 projecting above the head.  Each chakra relates to different aspects of the human experience. Chakras seem to act as instruments that translate or convert energy from essence to form or physical reality.

The first chakra (root chakra) is located near the tip of the tailbone. It relates to how we connect to our local/immediate environment and meet our most basic survival needs such as safety, security, stability, and a sense of belonging.  The second chakra (sacral chakra) is located in the pelvic region and relates to emotions, reproduction, acceptance, passion, sexuality, sensuality, and creativity. The third chakra (solar plexus chakra) is located near the respiratory diaphragm. It relates to the sense of a separate and personal self and includes such concepts as identity, self-image, self-worth, self-esteem, will, strength, motivation, power, and courage. The fourth chakra (heart chakra) is located in the chest and relates to unconditional love, compassion, peace, joy, kindness, generosity, kindness, forgiveness, honesty, integrity, and dignity.  The fifth chakra (throat chakra) is located within the throat region and relates to communication, expression, openness, and truth.  The sixth chakra (third eye) is located in the brow/forehead region. It relates to true vision (as in contrast with perception), inner vision, insight, intuition, wisdom, the ability to see the truth, and reality.  The seventh chakra (crown chakra) is located near or above the top of the head and relates to the nature of spirit, divinity, unity, singularity, oneness, harmony, our ability to see the “big picture,” understand our relationship to humanity, and the universe in the largest scale.  Imbalances maintained within these energy centers will affect any aspect of our physical reality.

The term energy cyst is frequently used within the Upledger curriculum to describe pockets of highly concentrated energy that, for various reasons, could not be dissipated or eliminated at a previous time.  Energy cysts are the result of “isolate and contain” emergency management decisions in which we survive by prioritizing and preventing what seems to be the most catastrophic damage. When we encounter moments of overwhelming stress, our systems become incapable of managing the volume and must take emergency measures, much like town must decide what to do with floodwater once the water has already broken through. At that moment, there is no “good” option since the town is already being flooded.  The volume of water exceeded the capacity of the town to manage it.  Significant damage will occur regardless of what happens next, thus the town must make the unthinkable decision of where to direct the excessive water to minimize the damage and survive.

As a survival mechanism, the formation of an energy cyst can temporarily minimize damage to our entire being and get us through to the next moment. However, maintaining a cyst is exhausting. It continuously drains resources, like attempting to push and maintain a beachball underwater.

As long as resources are allocated toward compressing and maintaining the cyst, they cannot be utilized for healing and regenerating the physical body. Consequently, the body will experience progressive deterioration. When the cyst is released, resources are redistributed accordingly, and previously suppressed processes are resumed.