An Introduction to the Healing Sound Method for the San Jiao
The san jiao 三焦, in Chinese medical theory, is best
understood by its function, because it is a concept that does not exist in
Western medical physiology. It is called “an organ that has function, but does
not have form”.
It is sometimes recognized as a particular threefold division
of the physical space of the body - the area above the diaphragm is the upper
jiao; between the diaphragm and the navel is the middle jiao; everything below
the navel is the lower jiao. Each of these san jiao spaces includes all the
organs contained therein and, equally important, the space around the organs. Furthermore, they include all space in the body
between muscles, skin and connective tissue.
All the individual organs of the body have
particular functions in terms of qi. For instance, it is the qi function of the
lungs that determines the quality of qi and blood in the body, circulates qi,
blood and breath (with the help of the heart qi), regulates the opening and
closing of the pores of the skin so that we can sweat, and acts as the first
line of defense against viruses.
With the san jiao, it’s overall job is to
coordinate all various qi functions in the body, and provide communication
between the organs. This “organ that has no form” is essential to life -
without its regulation, the whole bodily system falls into chaos, and our
health is compromised.
The Healing Sound Method for the San Jiao qigong
method activates the external acupuncture points (i.e. those on the body surface) along the channel associated
with the san jiao, moves warming yang qi up through its passageways in order to
activate and strengthen every organic function, and then brings cooling and
moistening yin qi down to keep the body and organs supple, and help rid the
body of waste.
The san jiao directs the movement of qi and fluids up and down,
and in and out of the body. In health, this means all our normal bodily
functions are regulated, we can move comfortably, and our organs are strong.
But when we are attacked by an external disease, a virus that invades and
disrupts the vital functions of our health, it is the san jiao that
communicates the call for urgent action, and coordinates the qi of the organs
to quickly bring the full force of our defenses where needed.
Chart of the San Jiao Meridian.
From Shisi Jing Fahui 十四经发挥 - Careful Elaboration on the 14 Meridians by the physician Hua Shou 滑寿 (~1304-1386).
From Shisi Jing Fahui 十四经发挥 - Careful Elaboration on the 14 Meridians by the physician Hua Shou 滑寿 (~1304-1386).
