Do you sit there and wait for love to come along, yet it never does? Do you dream all day about getting rich but never win the Big Lotto? No matter, let a piece of crystal change your "qi field" (energy field), your luck and your life.

Do you regularly suffer from back pain and total exhaustion? Do you often sleep badly, leaving you listless? Try a titanium necklace or germanium bracelet. After only a couple days you will feel relaxed and have a new outlook on life as energy courses through your body. You will feel free and easy and sleep through till morning. Does this kind of advertising move you? Or is it just exaggerated hype?

Take a look around and you will see many people using crystals to change their magnetic field, to seek good luck and avoid disaster, all in the hope of acquiring good energy for themselves. And many people rely on necklaces or bracelets containing titanium or germanium to alleviate physical exhaustion and mental stress hoping to "go on forever" like the Duracell bunny.

The ren and du channels featured in martial arts novels form part of a network in the human body along which the "inner qi" circulates. These illustrations from the Qing Dynasty clearly indicate the acupuncture points.

Science or mysticism?

Energy, this invisible thing you can neither feel nor hear, has long belonged to the realm of things one can only take on trust. Those who believe in it, stick to this belief, while those who do not, stick to their rejection of it. Nevertheless, few people actually take the trouble to find out just what this thing called energy is.

Energy has a scientific side and a mystical side.

Scientists explain energy as mass/energy transformations of elementary particles, such as photons. Spirituality, spiritualism and mysticism explain energy as "waves" induced by "consciousness" and "thought." Thus the material world of the cosmos, the earth, the human body, down to the spiritual world of feelings and consciousness is infused with energy. "Simply put, energy is composed of particle waves," says Chiang Huang-jung, president of the Taiwan Bio Foundation. The energy of the universe is composed of many both large and small particles, the smallest being 10-96 meters. Because particles are so tiny and are electrically neutral negative and positive pairings, they are difficult to detect with modern scientific methods.

But in everyday life we are surrounded by invisible "waves," like the electromagnetic waves of TV, cell phones, and microwave ovens, which goes to show that many, many invisible energy waves that have a real impact do, indeed, exist in the universe.

John D. Young, formerly chairman of the department of molecular pathology and cellular biology at the Rockefeller University and now president of Chang Gung Biotechnology, bravely invests in alternative "original, new science," and has become in recent years the spokesman for preventive mental health in Taiwan. He points out that "physical energy" is transferred between physical matter, while between living organisms what is transferred is called "biological energy." There are some differences between biological energy and physical universal energy. But just where is the difference? Are there bridges between the two kinds of energy? Can these two types of energy exchange or transfer one to the other (for example, the transfer of the energy of metal and stone into the human body)? This is precisely the mystery that Chang Gung Biotechnology is hard at work trying to solve.

Increasing their explosive force and endurance is the common goal of all athletes. Even when Yankee star Wang Chien-ming, the "Light of Taiwan," takes the field, he can't avoid following popular custom by wearing a titanium necklace.

Science vs. superstition

John Young points out that biological energy is a necessity for the existence of living things but to date there still remain many unsolved mysteries. The transformation of energy within the human body is one of these. Take the Chinese theory of channels and collaterals. Some say this traditional medical theory is the "study of energy paths" or channels of the human body that are able to determine life and death, treat diseases, and adjust deficiencies and excesses. Thus, they must be kept open. But the science of anatomy has been unable to demonstrate the existence of these channels and collaterals.

Four years ago Wang Wei-kung, a researcher at the Institute of Physics at Academia Sinica, proposed a new theory of blood circulation--resonance. He states that "qi" in fact is the resonance between the blood and the heart, that is, it is the motive force behind blood circulation. Wang Wei-kung, who in 1988 developed the Electro Dermal and Screening device, today uses the "resonance theory" to intimately connect the human body's channels and collaterals with the energy pathways.

Young argues that there is no doubt about the existence of "energy"; the real challenge is how to measure the invisible, non-measurable energy transfers using objective scientific experimental procedures and then use numerical methods to express them.

In the 1950s the German doctor Reinhold Voll discovered that "electrical energy" was distributed on the inside and outside of cells. He then designed a simple electrical circuit and was able to measure the changes in energy within the human body. He invented what is called "Electro Acupuncture by Voll" (EAV) and opened up a wave of research on "energy medicine."

Heat energy, ultrasonic wave energy, micro-current energy, etc., all come within the purview of energy medicine. In recent years an increasing number of medical schools in Western countries have developed curricula in alternative healing, which includes "energy medicine." Nevertheless, from theoretical research to clinical application always involves a long, slow process, and yet the development of energy products has far outstripped the progress of orthodox energy medicine itself. Although restricted by law and unable to advertise their items as "proven effective," alert businessmen seek to turn "invisible" energy into products that have effective, remarkable "health promoting" properties.

A few tiny drops of flower essence contain the flower's energy information and are capable of soothing the feelings and emotions.

Far infrared

The vast universe contains an infinite amount of energy. But how can mankind find and obtain the energy that is beneficial to the human body? How do you actually get hold of it, incorporate it? How do you use force to exert force"?

The religious world seems to be best at understanding how to use the strength of others and the energy contained in the cosmos. Chiang Huang-jung says that Buddhist meditation, Christian prayer and the Taoist concept of "qi" all utilize regularized breathing to bring the body into "resonance" with the broader environment and so to absorb the energy of the cosmos.

Light rays are also energy that come from the cosmos. Among them, the "far infrared" (FIR) rays, because they have been proven beneficial to the human body and can be detected by physics instruments, very early on were developed into various energy products.

FIR rays are a kind of electromagnetic wave. Near infrared (NIR) frequencies approach those of visible light, while FIR frequencies approach those of invisible light at between four and 14 microns. They are called "biogenic light rays" on account of their penetrating properties--they can penetrate deep into the subcutaneous tissue of the human body. Then by the phenomenon of resonant absorption, the organic elements and water molecules in the tissue enter a state of intense resonance and a "thermal interaction" is created that leads to the dilation of the capillaries, promoting blood circulation, activating cells and promoting metabolism.

After the effectiveness of FIR rays was recognized by the medical community, a dazzling array of energy products hit the market in response. Using "light wave embedding," FIR rays are embedded in the products--from ceramic materials, fabrics, massaging devices and electric radiators to mattresses, shoe insoles, and so on. But for the average consumer, FIR rays that you can't see or touch--well, are they really embedded in the product? What intensity and concentration do they have? It is hard to tell the genuine from the bogus.

Chiang Huang-jung states that currently FIR ray energy products are limited by the fact that the most beneficial frequencies vary from individual to individual, so that a single product cannot meet everyone's needs. Also, it is impossible to utilize FIR in food, cosmetics and glass products, and in those products where it can be applied, the energy can be worn off gradually by repeated washings. These shortcomings all remain to be overcome.

The color orange represents energy coming from the "navel chakra." After being adjusted by the crystal, the luminance and purity of the qi field undergoes a change. But can this improve mind and body and ones fortune? Each person has to put this to the test on their own.

Crystals and magnetic fields

In addition to relying on "light waves" to produce heat energy, a "magnetic field" is another way to transmit cosmic energy.

"A magnetic field can affect the circulation of the blood," says Wang Wei-kung. Blood can conduct electricity and a magnetic field can naturally exert some influence on blood circulation.

Currently the shops are full of every kind of energy product claiming the ability to improve the body's magnetic field. The best known of these are crystals.

It is said that crystals can give rise to an interaction between the "energy field of the human body" and the "environmental energy field," which then produces an effect that "combats" disease. For example, the frequency of the color purple of the amethyst correlates to what yoga calls the "crown chakra" and functions to calm the spirit. Chrysocolla, popularly known as Taiwan sapphire, is said to be directly beneficial for the trachea and the throat.

How can crystals change the magnetic field?

Energy crystals are made of the mineral quartz, a crystalline form of silicon dioxide or silica. These crystals possess unique abilities to accumulate, amplify, transform, transfer and focus. For example, the silicon photovoltaic cell widely used in electric calculators is able to convert light energy into electrical energy.

Chiang Huang-jung, president of the Taiwan Bio Foundation, explains that natural quartz crystals are buried in the earth's crust for millions of years, during which time they store up energy from cosmic particles. Wang Wei-kung explains further that the three-dimensional alignment that characterizes crystal molecular structure is similar to water and so both these substances are able to accumulate the waves of the cosmic particles.

The ren and du channels featured in martial arts novels form part of a network in the human body along which the "inner qi" circulates. These illustrations from the Qing Dynasty clearly indicate the acupuncture points.

One breath, "qi"

Chiang Huang-jung reminds us that different color crystals radiate waves of different frequencies. What one has to be careful about is that the qi field of each person is not the same and the same wave may be appropriate for one person while not appropriate for another. "Some people wear the wrong crystal, so the longer they wear it, the worse they get!" he says. You have to know what your qi field is, and what kind of crystal is needed to adjust your qi. All you have to do to know this information is take a "qi field photograph."

What is called the "qi field" divides the human body into seven different chakras (also known as "wheels" or "energy centers") and manifests itself in seven different colors. Through contact with the palm, each location has its "skin (electrical) resistance" measured and the invisible energy is transformed into visible light. Those dealing in crystals use computer analysis to determine the color and structure of the qi field and then combine a person's qi field with their thoughts, feelings and vital force. For example, red rays represent a pure, primitive, instinctive, animal energy that implies generosity, enthusiasm, impetuousness and a firm personality. The color green originates in the heart chakra and represents a blossoming, exuberant joy of life that implies tenacity, willfulness and difficulty in trusting others.

"The only difference between those who are dead and those who are alive is breath," says Hsu Hua-chen, manager of Blanco Crystal, who has been in the crystal trade for 30 years. The human qi field, he avers, is a type of electromagnetic field that can mutually attract or repel. A clear, bright qi field will draw clear, bright people and things together, a turbid, dark qi field will draw turbid, dark people and things together.

Minerals have energy, as do metals.

Recently Japanese energy products have been showing a new face and a new star has appeared in the energy firmament--germanium. Non-organic germanium exists in rock of the earth's crust. It is a semiconductor metal. Research has shown that the four electrons in the outer shell of a germanium atom orbit irregularly. When the temperature exceeds 32 °C, one of the four electrons is excited and flies out of its orbit. Normal human body temperature is around 37 °C. Thus, when a person wears a germanium bracelet the electrons that separate from orbit can combine with the toxic free radicals that cause aging, bringing everything toward equilibrium. It can also neutralize harmful magnetic waves in the human body so that the anomalies of the body's nerve circuits return to normal. It is said that long-time wear can promote blood circulation and lessen muscle fatigue.

Recently many people with tour groups visiting Japan have, at the energetic urging of their tour guides, purchased pricey germanium bracelets. Teng Pei-hua, who works in broadcasting, joined a tour to Kyoto and Osaka at the end of last year. The germanium bracelet recommended by the guide cost the equivalent of over NT$4000. The tour group of 20-some people bought a dozen or so.

The principle of the "qi field is, via the body's energy collected in the palm of the hand, to transform the "bioelectrical field," invisible to the naked eye, into visible light that shows up in a photograph

Flower messages

Aside from skin contact and resonance absorption, the energy of the cosmos and nature also can be "ingested." Water and flower essences belong to this category.

"Flower essence therapy," which was brought into Taiwan some time ago, is regarded by some as a mystical and crackpot idea, but others believe in it deeply and have no doubts, and it has even shown some apparently curative effects in clinical practice.

"Flower essences" are produced by gathering fresh flowers in the wild and steeping them in pure spring water; then, using the energy of sunlight, the wave energy of the flowers is stored in the spring water. The energy light waves of this "flower information field" are formless, colorless and tasteless but they have the miraculous power to harmonize and dissipate negative feelings and emotions and to bring out the inner, latent ability for self-healing.

Chang Yi-ying, who runs Yiying Bach Flower Remedies, went through a period of living death before she got involved in flower essence therapy.

"For three years straight I wanted to commit suicide. I had almost no strength to go on," she says. With longterm arrhythmia and dysautonomia, she didn't even have the strength to go register at the psychiatric clinic. Before her mother passed away, an American friend visited and used flower essence therapy to care for her mother near the end of her life. Chang Yi-ying tried out a prescription, and immediately she felt "recharged." The effect was amazing. She then put down everything, packed her suitcase and was off to Great Britain to study flower essence therapy.

Chang Yi-ying has treated children as young as one year old to people over 50, both men and women. In her observation, over 70% feel "as if reborn." Even Chang's older brother's chronic stage fright is a thing of the past. All he has to do now is take some Bach "Rescue Remedy" before he goes in front an audience and it's like Popeye the Sailor eating a can of spinach--his whole body is filled with a sense of energy. But it must be admitted that 30% of people do not have this sensation.

For the average person, an invisible, intangible "information field" is an abstract and difficult-to-understand idea. It is hard not to be skeptical when you test the flower essence and the only substances you can find are water and brandy. Where, after all, is the energy of the flower essence?

Chang Yi-ying explains that flower essence therapy strives to achieve a "process of self-understanding leading to self-healing." Thus self-cultivation is the foundation. Flower essence therapy is only the catalyst and boosting force.

During meditation, through regulated breathing, one achieves a state of harmony and resonance with the surrounding environment and qi field.

The placebo effect

Things that are claimed to possess "energy" have existed from time immemorial, but as with other healing methods that have not undergone the rigor of scientific analysis and proof, like health foods and spiritual healing, neither East nor West lacks in erroneous ideas being inherited and passed on from generation to generation.

In ancient China the Taoists made pills of immortality seeking life without end and as a result there were numerous instances of people dying from heavy metal poisoning. The same thing attended the discovery of radium.

Over 100 years ago after Polish-French scientist Marie Curie discovered radium, the rumors that radium could cure disease quickly spread like wildfire around the globe. Radium was put into everything, including beverages and beauty products, with the claim that it was good for the health. When scientists determined that radioactive metals were harmful to the human body and could lead to cancerous tumors, 40 years had already passed by, during which time many people suffered harm.

Although all variety of products are beset with crises on every side, energy medicine, once rejected as a trick of itinerant magicians, is in fact increasingly receiving renewed and serious attention. The US National Institute of Health has created a new formal category called "biomagnetic electricity." Clinically, there is already much research that proves the efficacy of energy medicine. For example, a magnetic field can improve the ability to sleep; low wave radiation can treat arthritis, high blood pressure, chronic pain, cerebral palsy and dysautonomia.

As for energy products not yet proven by science, some people feel the psychological effect is greater than the physiological effect. This is what Western medicine calls the "placebo effect."

Exactly why a placebo is effective is something still not understood, but it is indisputable that placebos have a remarkable "healing effect" on some people. By the same logic, energy products just provide a kind of psychological comfort. As long as they don't create a dependency or cause harm, as long as they are not used to dupe people or are not priced sky-high, there's no reason it shouldn't be "to each according to his needs."

The color orange represents energy coming from the "navel chakra." After being adjusted by the crystal, the luminance and purity of the qi field undergoes a change. But can this improve mind and body and ones fortune? Each person has to put this to the test on their own.

The natural structure of an amethyst geode not only has a magical beauty, it is said to have significance in terms of connecting, absorbing and transforming energy, and in fengshui it is most often used to improve the magnetic field and to dissipate negative energy.

Three meters high, two meters wide and weighing in at 1.3 metric tons, this piece of white quartz crystal was unearthed last March in Brazil and in April was shipped to Taiwan to take pride of place in Blanco Crystals' showroom.