Philosophy and Esoteric Aspects

It is not essential to be aware of esoteric philosophy or to have any belief system for Jiangan to bestow its health benefits. However, for those who are interested in Chinese philosophy and other more ancient principles here are a few mouth-watering paragraphs which are discussed fully in the book Jiangan - the Chinese Health Wand.

Pyramid Energy

Jiangan is the only health and exercise system using Pyramid Energy. That is, a pyramid structure is formed by the way the Wand is held in a wide grip in relation to the body (see the photo above). Energy or Qi is circulated and re-circulated through this pyramid instead of being dissipated through the hands.

Microcosmic Orbit Meditation

Jiangan is a dynamic expression of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The movements basically simplify the process of `Microcosmic orbit meditation'. First we generate Qi in the Dan Tian to open energy centers along the Microcosmic Orbit route where Qi passes. The movement and breathing are focused on the `Eight Extraordinary Channels'. Qi sinks down the Ren Mai (Conception) Channel to the Hui Yin point in the Perineum beneath the spine (Muladhara or root chakra in Yoga) then rises up the Du Mai (Governing) Channel in the spine to the Bai Hui point at the crown of the head (Crown chakra in yoga), then down aain to the chest and belly to the genitals and Hui Yin. When this cycle is repeated with correct breathing and gentle stretching movements, it bestows multiple health benefits.

Vertex of the Pyramid and the Piscean Vessel

The vertex of the symbolic pyramid shape is focused on the body's two polarities and this whole process conforms to ancient geometry; namely the Piscean Vessel, with the person's Yang point leading to heaven and Yin point drawing up from earth. The exercises are performed by awareness of the pyramid and thus we have the triadic unity between heaven, human and earth.

Egyptian Healing Rods

The way the Wand is held may also be traced back to the Egyptian Healing Rods in which one hand represented Yin and the other, Yang. But Jiangan can be regarded as a more a complete healing exercise because it includes the complete pyramid.