INDIA AND CHINA ARE THE TWO SUPERPOWERS OF ASIAN WISDOM. From India we have understanding of the third eye, Kundalini, and karma and reincarnation. From China we learn about Qi (氣), Yin and yang. There is some overlap between their legacies, but also plenty of disagreements. Their biggest commonality is the oneness of life. Yoga for example is aimed at UNITING THE MIND, BODY AND THE SOUL, WHICH IN THE WEST ARE OFTEN THOUGHT TO BE TOTALLY DISTINCT ENTITIES. The practice of yoga involves a series of postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation techniques that are designed to promote physical health, mental wellbeing, and spiritual growth.
Health & Healing
Manifestation
WHEN JAPAN conquered Korea, occupation authorities built structures in key positions to deliberately leach Korea's Qi into the Japanese energy matrix. Perhaps it was this strategy of energetic warfare which ensured such a long Japanese domination of the peninsula. Magic is possible in real life, I have found, but only for a short time. Reality is a bitch and she doesn't like being played.
Massage
PRACTICALLY EVERY Asian nation has its own local massage styles. Thai massage is all about strange bodily contortions and pummeled fists. In India, Ayurveda is the name of the game. Meditation and yogic practices are the cornerstone of all holistic Ayurvedic programs, as they cultivate a sattvic mind and teach the patient how to manage their internal energies. Yogis (that is, the people who practice Yoga) view that the mind and the body are one, and that if both are given the right tools and allowed to rest in the right environment, both will find harmony and heal themselves.
In China, they like to use needles, hot cups, and other attempts to modify the Qi energetic pathways in the body. Tui Na (推拿) is a form of Chinese manipulative therapy often used in conjunction with acupuncture, moxibustion, fire cupping, Chinese herbalism, t'ai chi, and qigong. The acupuncturist may use traditional Chinese diagnostic methods such as examining your tongue, feeling your pulse, and asking about your diet, sleep patterns, and emotional state. But just like in India and Thailand, the goal is the same - keeping the body and mind in balance.
Religion 101
IT CAN BE ARGUED that all of the major world religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism) originated in Asia.
In the great Quranic story, Mohammad the Prophet (Blessed be His Name) jumped from Mecca to Jerusalem (al Quds) on the winged steed Bharrak before boarding a cloud straight to Heaven. In Persian mythology, the "elixir of life" is called "Aab-e-Hayat" (آب حیات), which literally translates to "water of life." It is a mythical substance that is said to grant immortality and eternal youth to whoever drinks it.
The gods also demonstrate what an ideal relationship with one's husband/wife should be. For example, the gods Shiva and Parvarti are often held up as the ideal couple. Women will often pray for a husband like Shiva and follow Parvarti's patient example in waiting for one to come along.
