From a Karate Internet Forum: circa – 2007: These are, of course, my opinions – Brooks Snider.
Unidentified person said, “…are you saying that there’s nothing paranormal about Chi? And if not, then what is it?”
My Reply to the above question:
Chi is the coordination of muscular and neurological biochemical reactions facilitating the most efficient, and by default, strongest projection of energy (COMPLETELY PHYSICAL, NOT A PROJECTION OF ENERGY THROUGH SPACE) and/or awareness. This biochemical synergy is obtained by practice, practice, AND more practice, which begets improved concentration, self-awareness, and muscular control. As in “feeling’ your opponents next move is simply a coordination and understanding of subtle body movements, shifts in breathing and posture of the opponent, and in yourself, a relaxed awareness and learned (reflexive) responses. Which to the untrained eye may look magical. Such as Nakayama, Nishiyama, Nagamini, Kokuba, or Morio Higaonna (to name a few) running kata or showing Bunki or Uyeshiba performing randori. They appear surreal yet are very real, and are not superhuman, but improved humans through training.
Unidentified person said, “Isn’t “Spirit energy” the translation of “Reiki”??”
My Reply to the above question:
Reiki, as I understand it, is the opposite of the above. It is the mystical (delusional, this is not a malicious negative term) projection of one’s “energy” into an ill or injured person which then heals them. The aforementioned “synergy” is ONLY within a person. To project your “energy” implies telekinesis, which has not been proven and until proven, is a dream.
I hope this helps. Also, to have a better understanding of the mind and body, I highly recommend the following text, in order of simple to more difficult: Receptors, Richard M. Restak,, MD, Bantam Books, 1994, ISBN-0-553-37441-9; “Psychology and Life, Thirteenth Edition, Philip G. Zimbardo, Harper Collins Publishers, 1992, ISBN-0-673-46509-8, Chapters 3,4,5,6,7 & 8; Biological Psychology Fifth Edition, James W. Kalat, Brooks/Cole Publishing Company – 1995, ISBN-0-534-21108-9; and The Human Brain and Spinal Cord, Lennart Heimer, MD, Springer-Verlag, 1995, ISBN-0-387-94227-0. These should be sufficient, or even better an updated version or comparable text.