Keystone of Medicine
Caduceus: Symbol of Modern Medicine
The Caduceus is the traditional symbol of Hermes and features two snakes winding around an often winged staff. It has long been the universal symbol of medicine in modern times... but what is it based on, as it is a rather odd symbol for health. Let's go back to earlier times in ancient cultures such as the Yogi's of India, or the Acupuncturists of China thousands of years ago.
Yogic Connection:
Kundalini is the main energy of the body (Prana, Chi or otherwise the neurological transmissions) that flows through 3 main lines of the back called the Shushuma, Ida and Pingala.
In the center (Spinal cord) is the line called Shushuma which is the main energy or Prana pathway. On either side are alternate lines; Ida is the left Nadi (channel) negative energetics and the Pingala is the right Nadi (channel) positive energetics (these two lines discussed later in detail).
These lines are the main circuit breaker relaying the bi-electrical transmissions from and to the brain. The constant and unimpeded flow of energy naturally through these Nadis (in natural balance), is necessary for good health and enlightenment.
The correlation between the health aspects and the modern Medical Symbol of the Caduceus (Staff with two intertwining serpents), is very similar... and pictured above.
Similarity:
These lines also correlate to the Chinese Acupuncture Meridians and "Chi" flow in the back of the body. The main central line is called the Governing Vessel, with the two side lines depicting a portion of the Bladder Meridians, but also the "Associated Points" correlating to all the internal organs.
These are one in the same with the Shushuma, Ida and Pingala of the Yogic tradition.
Correlation:
The main line, channel, or conduit is depicted by the staff, leading from the base of the body (Perineum), leading up to the ball at the top of the staff (Pineal Gland).
The two snakes are depicting the two side channels or pathways of the Ida and Pingala or the associated (to organs) points, which lead to the inner corners of the eyes (Wings of the Cadueseus - even the Eye of Horus dating back further to egyptian times). Here we see the snakes, the connection line, the symbolic brain and Pineal gland all correlated.
DNA:
The Kundalini and or Chi travelling along the Ida and Pingala are due to the main flow of the energy through the staff, Shuhuma or Governing vessel. In physics when you have a strong flow along a path (Staff of Caduceus), you invoke an electromagnetic spiral of energy around that main path. We see this as the two snakes winding around the main staff and delineated in Yoga as the Ida, Pingala or the Meridians of the Chinese culture. These electromagnetic lines oddly enough are in the same shape as our DNA.
This again points to the harmony in the aspects of self health with the Asian exercises and the beginning modern medical practices.
Illness
Just like a hose with water traveling through, if the water slows or is stopped by a blockage or bend, so too does the electromagnetic field surrounding it. If these energies are impeded due to skeletal or muscle misalignment (Chiropractic Sciences or methodology), then illness (physiological dysfunction) sets into the body.
These blockages or impudence to the flow is what Yoga and Qigong (Chi Gong) work to maintain. The crossings of the line are again a reoccurring theme in these ancient cultures and exercises or practices and pictured in the Vajra symbol below.
Vajra
Depicting the shape of the helix is as an hour glass, as well as the physical body posture can be seen in these ancient exercises as well as what is considered by many as the first Martial Art form or Kata as "Sanchin".
The shape symbolizes the crossing of positive and negative energies in our bodies, not only in the Nadis or Meridians, but also as in the (Key Element) proper breathing.
There is a caution in the practice of energy control in these Arts or Exercises as they can easily overwhelm the system and cause physical, emotional and mental problems...or Dis - Ease.
Vagus
There is also a tie in with the Vagus Nerve which innervates all of our organs, that we will discuss in future writings... but just to note this is further stimulated by the touching of the tongue to the pallet as well as the constriction of the anus (Breathe).
To be continued...
Image Credits:
me
http://wallpapercave.com/
billfrymire.com
io9