The effectiveness of the brain’s ability to connect with the body is very much imbedded in the principle of Water-Up, Fire-down; whereas the cool energy from the kidneys rises up along the spinal cord to the brain the warm energy from the heart flows downward toward the heart.
Thus the expression “fire in the belly”. This mirror the cycle of water and fire in nature, where the heat from the sun evaporates the water of the oceans and rivers, which eventually falls back to earth as rain. When the natural flow of these opposites is in balance the body feels at peace and functions well.
When this flow is out of balance digestive functions decrease in effectiveness, the emotions feel out of control and disconnected, and pain is more common. Brain Sensitizing works to balance these opposing forces.
One way to help encourage the flow of Water-Up, Fire Down as suggested by Ilchi Lee in many of his books is the practice of walking called “The Jangsaeng Style”. The word jangsaeng, in fact, means “youthful longevity,” which reflects the goal of this walking style. Walking in general has been shown to add healthy years to people’s lives, but I think this benefit can be accentuated by paying careful attention to the way you walk. The hypothesis put forth by Ilchi Lee is essentially that you can return your body and your energy system to a more youthful state simply by walking in a more youthful way.
Jangsaeg walking helps to reestablish the proper Water-Up, Fire-Down flow in the body by stimulating the Yong-chun point (an accupressure point located on in the center of the foot just below the ball). Energy naturally goes down to the sole as we walk while focusing on Yong-chun, which helps to relieve the undesirable Fire-Up condition which has a tendancy to accumulate under stressful conditions. This energy is brought down to the feet by focusing on the Yong-chun, causing the soles to get warmer. As you walk, you may even notice a burning sensation on the soles of your feet as this process occurs. This action essintially redirects fire energy away from the head, and the brain is able to become cool and clear once again.
If you walk in the Jangsaeng style regularly, your energy will begin to calm down automatically, and your mind will stay clear and focused. The body and brain can better function when you maintain this condition.
-Excerpt taken (and altered) from “In Full Bloom” by Ilchi Lee & Jessie James, PHD.
