€¦ · Web viewIn prehistoric times, figure-8s were represented in rock art around the world, representations that we can still see today4. The figure-8s were painted or carved

Touch for Health Conferentie 2014The Netherlands

Ontvouwen in overvloedReveal in Abundance

The Figure-9 3D Energy Workshop

Author: Robin Brown Frossard

The Figure-8 3D Energy WorkshopRobin Brown-Frossard

INTRODUCTION

Using the figure-8 energy flow introduced in Touch for Health 3 (TFH 3), the workshop explores three-dimensional possibilities within the eight classic figure-8 patterns. (Pre-requisite: TFH3)

There are four new applications in this class.First, the 3 main types of figure-8s (head, torso, legs) will also be balanced on each side of the body1.Second, the figure-8s will be balanced using vertical, horizontal and four-leaf clover configurations2.Third, the “fuzzy glove” with an IM muscle test will be introduced, and used to facilitate the identification of the technique when in the context of a balance3.And fourth, different hand positions will be presented, each having a different effect.

BRIEF HISTORY OF FIGURE-8S

History:In prehistoric times, figure-8s were represented in rock art around the world, representations that we can still see today4. The figure-8s were painted or carved either isolated or in the midst of other representations. They are not exclusively linked to a specific region, but seem to be part of our universal heritage as human beings. We can hypothesize that they were not only present in artwork, but could have been parts of other elements of prehistoric civilizations. However, there seem to be no other concrete signs of their presence that are visible today.If we concentrate on traditional cultures from the Himalayan region (India, Tibet, Nepal, China), the figure-8s are present in paintings/carvings on rocks, arm movements in traditional dance, martial art body and arm movements, representations of natural elements in traditional religious paintings (thangkas), mudras and religious ceremonial hand movements, descriptions of vital energy flow in the body through nadis or wind channels…5 Information about symbols links them to the Tibetan region. For these many reasons, some energy practitioners refer to them as Tibetan figure-8s.Based on their presence in so many areas, we can assume that the figure-8s were historically prevalent in very ancient traditional cultures and were used on a day-to-day basis in several domains.

Science:In science, we are introduced to the figure-8s as part of liquid flow dynamics or as patterns seen in the universe and in nature.Energy physics has explored the figure-8 pattern and most experts agree that the figure-8 puts energy in motion, mixes and vitalizes it6.In mathematics, the figure-8 symbolizes infinity.

Kinesiology:Figure-8s historically made their way into Kinesiology thanks to Alan Beardall, D.C. in the early 70s. He was inspired by a book on Tibetan art/photography that

2 | P a g e Internationale Kinesiologie Conferentie 2014

he had in his library. We do not have any details about this book. We are told by his son, Christopher Beardall D.C., that when he looked at a picture in this book, he imagined muscle testing and balancing the figure-8s7. This brought the figure-8 energy configuration into Applied Kinesiology. John Thie, D.C. then included and developed them in TFH in the mid to late 70s, entitling them Figure-8 energy flow.In 1985, Bruce Dewe, M.D. and Joan Dewe M.A. did subsequent development of the figure-8s in their Tibetan Energy and Vitality workshop8, when they expanded the major figure-8 system into 18 figure-8s and looked into an infinite number of small figure 8s in our body system. Educational Kinesiology also explored the figure-8s through body movements during the 1980s thanks to the work of Paul Dennison, Ph.D. and Gail Dennison. Richard Utt, L.Ac. worked with them on a holographic level during this same decade. Current utilizations of the figure-8s are seen in many kinesiology methods, for example SpiraliK by Dominik Schenker.

Symbolic:There are several interpretations by different energy healing systems as to what the two rotations in the figure-8 represent, meaning what the clockwise and the counter-clockwise rotations provoke. A common thread is that the clockwise rotation stimulates and the counter-clockwise rotation sedates, as well as the fact that what is moving through the figure-8s is vital energy.

If we explore the figure-8 using our TFH notions, we could say that we are exploring yin and yang movements (the two rotations) and the central point of balance (the crossing point at the center of the figure-8). We could also talk about stimulation (clockwise rotation) and sedation (counter-clockwise rotation), notions that are attached to the effects of the utilization of the acupressure points as well as all of our balancing techniques.

What is moving throughout the figure-8 pattern would be the subtle, vital energy that is in the center of our TFH Health Triangle and which links the three dimensions of our being together in order to establish holistic well-being (the structural, biochemical and emotional/mental sides of the Health Triangle).

As a unit, the figure-8 contains the potential of all existing forces. When using it over the body, the self-healing system will tap into the movement or the type of energy it needs, incorporate it (we could say be inspired by it and start moving as well) and thus balance itself. The other forces that the body does not need will be simply left in the figure-8 movement and will not have a negative influence. As a reminder, Touch for Health and the figure-8s are non-invasive.

The notion of fluidity is also important in the figure-8. There is continuity, an uninterrupted flow from one element to another. This links and weaves all of the “parts” of the person into one harmonious, holistic unit through the energy movement.

It is important to note that these are all “concepts”. And when we interpret and explain things, we often limit their applications. In conscious meditation, when we start to name an object we are already separating ourselves from it and leaving the present moment, thus cutting ourselves from complete knowledge of the object and awakening.


What is the most important is that the figure-8s work! We can use the figure-8 3D energy flow in complete confidence, without mentally dissecting it and explaining it. This way of balancing can promote health and well-being and reconnect us with our own, inner potential.

EXPLICATION OF THE “FUZZY GLOVE”

Dr. Bruce and Joan Dewe, in their Tibetan Energy and Vitality Workshop13, developed the “fuzzy glove”, in order to have a way to muscle test if the major figure-8 energy flow system is balanced or if it could be reinforced. Here is the description from their manual.“The Overall Figure 8 Test (the fuzzy glove test)This is called the “fuzzy glove” test because it utilizes the fact that the aura surrounding the hand is just like a fuzzy glove.

1. Move your hand from left to right and back again several times as you draw the hand slowly downwards and up again just off the body and legs.2. Test the indicator muscle (IM). IM unlocks = major figure-8 disturbance IM locks = no major figure-8 disturbances.”

In the figure-8 3D energy balance we use the “fuzzy glove” off the body (in the air much as a digital mode is used) with an IM muscle test, as an indicator of any imbalance in the figure-8 energy flow.

Move your hand from left to right and back again downwards and upwards as if tracing several rounded zigzags. Test an IM. If the IM unlocks, there is a possibility to reinforce the figure-8 energy system. If the IM locks, it is in balance.


FIGURE-8 3D ENERGY BALANCE SHEET

Name: ____________________ Date: _____________________

Pre-tests: _____IM ______ Water ______ Switching _____CV________

Objective: _________________________________________________________

TFH 14 / 14+ / 28 / 42 Fuzzy glove: _______ independent balance: ________

Side of body Figure-8 schema*(Vert./Hor./Clov.)

Side of body

Figure-8 schema*(Vert./Hor./Clov.)

_________________

_________________

_________________

_________________

_________________

_________________

_________________

Right

__________________

__________________

__________________

__________________

__________________

__________________

__________________

_________________

_________________

_________________

_________________

_________________

_________________

_________________

Left

__________________

__________________

__________________

__________________

__________________

__________________

__________________

_________________

_________________

_________________

__________________

__________________

__________________

* V: Vertical figure-8; H: Horizontal figure-8; C: four-leaf clover figure-8REVISION OF THE TFH3 FIGURE-8 ENERGY BALANCE


In TFH3, John Thie presents eight figure-8 patterns on the body surface: on the front of the body (face, torso, legs), on the back of the body (back of the head, back, back of the legs), above the head and below the feet9. It proposes the following protocol as a balancing technique that can be used at the end of a TFH balance (14, 14+, 28 or 42). Or it is suggested that it can be used when there is a desire to decrease healing time, to increase articular mobility or to lessen pain.

“1. Use the standard TFH pre-tests.

“2. Identify the flow perturbations by muscle testing the 4 diagonals of each of the figure-8 patterns with an IM (for example from the right shoulder to the left hip, from the left hip to the right shoulder, from the left shoulder to the right hip, from the right hip to the left shoulder). Note the results.

“3. Trace a figure-8 with your hand, going in the opposite direction of the diagonal that unlocked the IM (for example if the IM unlocked when you went from the right shoulder to the left hip, then trace the figure-8 going from the left hip to the right shoulder, from the right shoulder to the left shoulder, from the left shoulder to the right hip and from the right hip to the left hip). Repeat the figure-8 several times, until the IM locks when retesting the diagonal.

“4. Balance the other figure-8s in this same way, until all diagonals that unlocked the IM give a locked IM muscle test”10.


SIDE FIGURE-8S FROM TIBETAN ENERGY AND VITALITY

In their workshop11, Dr. Bruce and Joan Dewe offer many new possibilities to the figure-8 system of the body. With their permission, we are going to incorporate their idea of testing the three main figure-8s on the sides of the body. This translates into a figure-8 on the right side of the head, on the right side of the torso, on the side of the right leg, as well as the three same figure-8s on the left side of the body. The figure-8s on the sides of the body add the front/back dimension that evolves the TFH figure-8 technique into a three-dimensional perspective.

SUPPLEMENTARY CONSIDERATION ABOUT FIGURE-8 ENERGY

As vital energy circulates inside the body and radiates throughout the aura, when we work the figure-8s on the body, it is my personal experience that their influence is not limited to the body surface. When balancing the figure-8s, I imagine them existing in the three-dimensional realm of our body, a conception inspired by Rudolf Steiner’s three-dimensional conception of the figure-8s in the structure of and in the flow of liquids in the human body12. Thus when tracing them, vital energy is influenced inside, on the surface and around the body. Several of my clients feel physical manifestations inside their bodies when we work with the figure-8s. Others feel them on the surface of their body. And sometimes, for a short moment, I can see the energy spiral over the body (aura) as I trace a figure-8 with my hand.


THEORY REGARDING THE FIGURE-8 ENERGY IMBALANCE SCHEMAS

In their book “Touch for Health, the Complete Edition”14, Dr. John and Matthew Thie further developed the use of the figure-8s by proposing horizontal and four-leaf clover patterns as well as the classic vertical figure-8. Based on the use of horizontal figure-8s in traditional dance and martial arts, this seems to me to be an appropriate and important addition to the balance.

As stated earlier in order to test the 3D figure-8s, each zone of the body is tested by muscle testing with an IM the four possible diagonals of the zone. The zones and possible diagonals figure in the following charts

Body Zone DiagonalAbove the head Front left to back right

Back right to front leftFront right to back leftBack left to front right

Face (front of the body) Upper left to lower rightLower right to upper leftUpper right to lower leftLower left to upper right

Front torso Left shoulder to right hipRight hip to left shoulderRight shoulder to left hipLeft hip to right shoulder

Front of Legs (pelvis to toes) Left hip to right footRight foot to left hipRight hip to left footLeft foot to right hip

Right side of the head Upper left to chinChin to upper leftUpper right to lower leftLower left to upper right

Right side of the torso Back of shoulder to front of hipFront of hip to back of shoulderFront of shoulder to buttockButtock to front of shoulder

Right side of the legs (pelvis to toes) Buttock to toesToes to buttockFront of hip to heelHeel to front of hip

Back of head Upper left to lower rightLower right to upper leftUpper right to lower leftLower left to upper right

Body Zone DiagonalBack of torso Left shoulder to right buttock

Right buttock to left shoulderRight shoulder to left buttockLeft buttock to right shoulder

Back of legs (buttocks to heels) Left buttock to right heelRight heel to left buttockRight buttock to left heel


Left heel to right buttockLeft side of the head Upper left to lower right

Lower right to upper leftUpper right to chinChin to upper right

Left side of the torso Front of shoulder to buttockButtock to front of shoulderBack of shoulder to front of hipFront of hip to back of shoulder

Left side of the legs (pelvis to toes) Front of hip to heelHeel to front of hipButtock to toesToes to buttock

Below the feet Right foot little toe to left heelLeft heel to right foot little toeLeft little outer toe to right heelRight heel to left foot little toe

Mark the results of the muscle tests with a colored felt-tip pen on the figurines pictured on the figure-8 3D balance sheet. According to the patterns that you see, you will be balancing each figure-8 that is out of balance with either a vertical, horizontal or four-leaf clover figure-8.

Determining which form to use:Within a figure-8, if the two diagonals that unlocked the IM are in the same direction left/right, you will be balancing with a vertical figure-8 in the opposite direction of the unlocking movements.Within a figure-8, if the two diagonals that unlocked the IM are in the same direction from top/bottom, you will be balancing with a horizontal figure-8 in the opposite direction of the unlocking movements.If only one diagonal in the figure-8 unlocked the IM, then you will be balancing with a four-leaf clover, as both the vertical and the horizontal figure-8s could potentially balance the diagonal. The four-leaf clover starts in the opposite direction of the unlocking movement.

On the next page are examples of each type of balance configuration. The arrows, in each example, represent diagonals that unlocked with the IM muscle test. It is important to remember that the figure-8s will be traced in the opposite direction of these arrows, which explains the three different configurations.

Vertical figure-8 Horizontal figure-8


8 ∞Four-leaf clover

any diagonal

BALANCING THE FIGURE-8s/HAND POSITIONS

If it is a vertical, horizontal or four-leaf clover, the procedure is the same.Trace the figure-8 in the appropriate configuration and the appropriate direction with your hand in front of the body zone that is implicated (from 5 to 15 cm from the body). Current research indicates that “as… biomagnetic fields extend some distance from the body surface, the fields of two adjacent organisms will interact with each other.”15 Thus your hand over the person’s body affects the energy in that zone.The appropriate direction is the opposite direction of the direction that unlocked the IM.

Your hand can be either:- Flat and parallel to the body (broad focus)- At a perpendicular angle (specific focus)- Index and middle fingers flat together/the other two fingers are folded toward the palm, with the thumb on top of them. This is called “sword fingers” in Qi Gong. (In-depth, precise work).I suggest that you not leave open space between the fingers, in order to concentrate the energy in the movement16.


SPEED OF THE HAND MOVEMENT

It is important to start tracing the figure-8s slowly and fluidly. Going fast will not increase their effect. You can adapt your speed to the density of the energy that you feel as you move your hand. If the energy is difficult to move, then slow down even more, maybe even stopping at first, until the energy starts to move on its own. It may take several passages before the energy starts to loosen up and flow. If the energy is light, you can trace through it at the same speed. (If you don’t feel the density, please do not be discouraged. It is not essential).

There are, however, two important elements to your figure-8 movement. First, make sure that your hand movement is fluid. And secondly pay attention to what you are doing. Observing the figure-8 that you are tracing will increase the benefits and permit the energy to structure itself, in a quantic physic perspective. Sophie Mégard17, one of my instructors, expressed this element in a manner that sums things up quite well. “For the next hour, this person is the most important person in your life.” To have this type of attitude is very beneficial for the client. Many energy practitioners claim that often times the relationship and the interaction with the therapist accounts for a significant part of the success of therapeutic work.

So go slowly, pay attention and listen to the verbal, nonverbal and energy of your client.

THE PERSON IS HIS/HER OWN EXPERT

It is important to ask the person receiving the balance to indicate at any moment if the speed needs to be changed, if the balance is sufficient or if there is any other reason he/she would like the figure-8 movement to stop (nausea, pain, specific needs, etc.). This element is important, as the figure-8 3D balance is a non-invasive technique. Ask them also what they are feeling, in order to implicate the connection between the mental, physical and energetic dimensions of their body. It deepens the awareness of shifts and changes in the energy. Our goal is to reconnect people with their bodies. In this sense, the person’s opinion is essential and should be followed at all times!

Please remember that any aspect of Touch for Health is inspired by the educational model. Thus the Figure-8 3D Energy Workshop promotes health by allowing people to rediscover and reconnect with aspects of themselves. This is all about auto-regulation and personal, autonomous promotion of health and well-being.


SPECIAL THANKS

Many thanks to Matthew Thie, Toni Lilley and IKC for permission to use the Touch for Health description and drawing of the figure-8 energy flow technique.I would also like to thank Dr. Bruce and Joan Dewe for giving me permission to use the fuzzy glove and the side of the body figure-8s as well as certain schematic drawings of the figure-8s from Tibetan Energy and Vitality.Thanks to Wayne Topping, who proofread the workshop material and made very pertinent suggestions, as well as Dominique Monette, Xavier Meignen and Murielle Cornut who contributed to the process of making this workshop viable.Thanks to IKC, who encourages all TFH practitioners to help the method live and evolve, by soliciting our contributions. This is an organization that encourages the grass-roots movement.I also address a big thank-you to all of my clients who have contributed to and helped my knowledge of figure-8s to grow and blossom. ∞

BIBLIOGRAPHY

DEWE, Dr. Bruce and Joan Dewe, “Tibetan Energy and Vitality”, K-Power Global Health and Fitness Ltd, New Zealand, 2013, www.k-power.co.nz

THIE, Dr. John and Matthew Thie, “Touch for Health, the Complete Edition”, DeVorss & Co, USA, 2012, www.touch4health.com

FOOTNOTES

1. “Tibetan Energy and Vitality”, Dr. Bruce and Joan Dewe, Professional Health Publications, New Zealand, 1985

2. “Touch for Health, the Complete Edition”, Dr. John and Matthew Thie, DeVorss & Co, USA, 2012

3. “Tibetan Energy and Vitality”, idem

4. I have seen figure-8 rock art in photographs by John Vincent Bellezza, a Tibetan rock art specialist

5. “A Tibetan figure-8 research project”, Robin Brown-Frossard, “23rd International Kinesiology Conference”, conference manual, ICKH-2013, Conference organizing committee

6. John Wilkes, Flow form principle for water revitalization, 1970

7. Dr. Christopher Beardall, email to author, April 2nd, 2013


9. “Touch for Health, the Complete Edition”, idem. The figure-8 energy flow is just one of the balancing techniques in TFH.


10. “Touch for Health 3”, based on Dr. John Thie’s book “Touch for Health”, Toni Lilley Publishing, Australia, 2005, French translation Dominique Monette 2010

11. “Tibetan Energy and Vitality”, idem. (Author’s note: This class not only develops the figure-8s, but also provides many other balancing techniques.)

12. http://intuerifarm.wordpress.com/2012/12/25/2381/, December 2013, “Legendary mystic and educator, the Austrian-born Rudolf Steiner, observed that the lemniscate was evident in nature where it is freely expressed in the swirling vortices of a running stream, the whorl-like patterns described by planetary motion, the chambers of a seashell and the growth of plants — and even in the human body.In a lecture to his students, he writes: “Yesterday I showed that wheresoever we may look in the human body, we shall find the formative principle of the looped curve or lemniscate. This is essential: you must imagine the plane in which I am drawing the lemniscate to be rotating about the lemniscate axis; i.e., about the line joining the two foci. I should therefore have to draw the lemniscate in space. This is the projection of it.“Such is the drawing of the lemniscate you must have in mind … so, for example, when you are tracing the bony system or the nervous system in Man. Even the blood circulation can be traced in this way.“You must imagine it all not in a plane but in space. The figure eight — the lemniscate — is therefore legitimate, but … you are really dealing with geometrical figures of rotation. The forms of our inner organization, in the nerves-and-senses system and in the metabolic and limb-system respectively, are mutually related upon the principle of a lemniscate of rotation.”


14. “Touch for Health, the Complete Edition”, idem

15. “Energy Medicine, the Scientific Basis”, James L. Oschman, Churchill Livingstone, 2000, page 80

16. Soins à la sensibilité éssenienne et égyptienne, Daniel Meurois et Marie-Johanne Croteau, information given during training

17. Sophie Mégard, psychologist and homeopathic therapist, Geneva/Switzerland


Documents

€¦ · Web viewIn prehistoric times, figure-8s were represented in rock art around the world, representations that we can still see today4. The figure-8s were painted or carved