Diaphragm Function Energy
Pathway
At 8 p.m., Kidney Function Energy becomes Diaphragm Function Energy at the level of the diaphragm. The left side flows out of the diaphragm, into the heart, back into the area of the third rib, and then divides into two branches.
The descending branch circulates the stomach, continues downward to about one inch below the umbilicus, and then scatters into the small intestine [T2, p.28, 2a].
The ascending branch [T2, p.28, 2b] emerges at the surface near the third rib to the side of the left breast. It continues beneath the arm, ascends along the arm through the front elbow to the center of the palm, where it separates again. One branch flows to the tip of the middle finger, while the other travels to the inner side of the ring finger and circles the tip of the nail. There, at 10 p.m., it becomes Umbilicus Function Energy.
The path of the right Diaphragm Function Energy mirrors that of the left.
How To Harmonize
- Opposite side SEL 14 – SEL 19
- Same side SELs 11 and 25
Further Commentary
Diaphragm – Sagittarius Connection
There is a strong correspondence between Diaphragm Function Energy and Sagittarius, both being the ninth in the twelvefold division. Together with Lung and Heart Function Energy, Diaphragm is a chest flow that bestows vitality to the entire body.
Although Diaphragm Function Energy is an ascending flow, it governs all descending flows and is therefore listened for at the deep (ascending) level in pulse reading. Together with Umbilicus Function Energy (known as Triple Burner or Triple Warmer in Traditional Chinese Medicine), it forms the Sixth Depth.
Sleep and Night Projects
Diaphragm Function Energy governs all night and sleep projects—both literally and figuratively. If you wake disturbed by a troubling dream, harmonizing Diaphragm Function Energy can help release the anxious and unsettling emotions that linger upon waking.
Descending Energy and Chest Blocks
Diaphragm Function Energy oversees all Descending or Exhaling flows in the body. Any stagnation around the waist area—particularly near SEL 14, with which it shares a deep relationship—can often be eased by harmonizing Diaphragm Function Energy.
In the Eastern traditions, this flow is known as The Emperor’s Right Hand, and indeed, the diaphragm physically protects the heart. Many forms of heart discomfort are actually related to a dis-harmonized Diaphragm Function Energy and can often be alleviated simply by harmonizing this flow.
As Wayne Hackett notes, the symptoms of Diaphragm disharmony listed in Text 2, p.28—heart palpitations, feverish palms, flushed face, or pricking sensations in the heart area—closely resemble what we typically associate with heart discomfort in the body.
In the Body: Elbows, Jet Lag, Blood Composition, etc.
Harmonized Diaphragm Function Energy is essential for maintaining healthy elbows. Any elbow project, at any time, can benefit from harmonizing this flow.
It is also highly effective for easing jet lag and restoring natural sleep rhythms, since Diaphragm Function Energy is the guardian of all sleep and dreams. According to Iole Lebenzstajn, it calms both the body and the pulses and can bring serenity.
Diaphragm Function Energy also supports metabolism and all projects related to blood chemistry or composition. Through its correspondence with Sagittarius, it can further help relieve discomforts in the hips and thighs.
Light, Vitality, and Enthusiasm for Life
According to Wayne Hackett, Diaphragm Function Energy relates to Light and how we take it into the body. It plays a vital role in our spiritual evolution—complementing the Umbilicus Function Energy, which guards the physical body.
As a chest flow, Diaphragm brings vitality to the body and, through its connection with optimistic, expansive Sagittarius, infuses the mind and heart with enthusiasm for life.
Order of Creation or the Lumbar Circle?
Which relationship do you need to consider? This is where individual idiosyncrasies come into play. For a person who tends to be more grounded and immersed in the physical world, the symptoms may circulate through the Lumbar Circle, where anger flows back into fear (Water). For someone whose nature is less anchored in the physical, anger may instead return to Umbilicus (the subtle energies), following the Order of Creation.