Senses, Sensation, and Sensuality

     The human nervous system is an absolutely intricate and amazing part of the human body. If one starts to study the human energetic field and also human anatomy & physiology striking similarities come up in relation to the nervous system in particular. In some Eastern traditions the nadis are known as channels for prana or life force energy. The nadi system is the basis for many forms of energy medicine. Revitalizing or clearing the nadis is often a part of the technique used to alleviate symptoms from an energetic standpoint. Oftentimes this is simplified by addressing the chakras which are major hubs for energy in the body and located on the same axis as the spine. The nadis branch out from the chakras extending to the outside of the body or the aura.
     Similarly, the nervous system has nerve plexus' located in the spinal cord. Nerve plexus' are bundles of nerve tissue where nerves come together from all parts of the body. The types of nerves that come together at these plexus' sense things mostly from our muscles and skin. As you can see from the diagrams below, the nervous system (right) and the chakra/nadi system (left) favor one another.



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http://www.1st-art-gallery.com/Andreas-Vesalius/Nervous-System.html

     There are also proprioceptors in the nervous system. This breaks down to meaning sense of self. These receptors allow us to sense our own body and body position even when our eyes are closed, we are in the dark, or submerged in water. As long as these receptors are working properly you will always have a sense of self and a sense of being in the physical body.
     In spirituality there are references about the statement "I am" and how it relates to sense of self. This is the awareness that there is something to you other than the physical body and mind. Evidenced by you talking to yourself, observing yourself interacting, or the feeling of eternal life or godliness; there is always a sense of the "I am" unless this sense is not working properly in the energy body.
     Note that when you wave your arm back and forth you feel the air and your arm and you know your arm is there. When you stop waving it you can still sense the air as well as the arm and notice that you have the sense to sense it! As an integrative medicine student and enthusiast, it excites me to understand, observe, and integrate knowledge of these concepts. All of this is not necessary to know in order to feel, but as an energy worker and tantrist it improves my efficiency in working with others.
     It is also worth noting that oxygen is carried through the blood along with other physical life force nutrients and the nadis and the vascular system pathways also favor. Since prana is life force energy we have another example of how the physical and energy bodies reinforce one another.


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     In modern medicine the adrenal glands are also considered to be a part of the nervous system. These secrete a host of hormones and some are stress hormones. When we experience stress we experience life differently. Physically, emotionally, and energetically stress has an impact on our lives so this is also something to consider when we are not experiencing the sensuality in life that we desire. Senses allow for sensation and are key in sensuality. The man and woman who are less stressed are able to experience and enjoy life more fully. Note below that the adrenal glands are in close proximity to the solar plexus chakra (manipura[Hindu]/ob[Kemetic]) which relates to our sense of self, will, and ego and is represented by the color yellow.

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      As it relates to a tantra practice and our sexuality, a healthful adrenal gland and solar plexus translates to confidence, surety of self, and will. When the nervous system is operating at it's maximum capacity, the nadis are flowing healthfully, there is consequently a strong sense in the physical self and the sense of "I am" within us. The ability to fully enjoy and take in the stimuli around us is opened up. Moving towards the optimization of these systems is a rewarding process. When optimized, everything harmonizes. Our sense of self is present, our sensation is elevated, and our sensuality flows.