ADEPTS: REVIEW OF LAST 5 INSTALLMENTS

By William C Bushell, PhD

The “Adept” series explores groundbreaking discoveries about bioelectricity, and how it might be harnessed by individuals trained in specific mind-body practices. This review will delve into the central ideas, findings, and implications discussed across the five recent installments, providing a comprehensive understanding of this cutting-edge field.

HUMAN CAPACITORS AND THE BIOELECTRICITY REVOLUTION introduces the idea of bioelectricity as a fundamental component of biological functions, suggesting that we are on the brink of a “bioelectricity revolution.” The article demonstrates that recent advancements in microscopy, biosignal measurements, and computational modeling are paving the way for deeper insights into the “bioelectric code.” Yet, the recognition of the human potential to harness and manipulate bioelectricity remains largely unexplored in Western science. Traditional practices from various cultures, including Asian concepts like qi and prana, hint at profound abilities to control bioelectric energy for healing, protection, and optimizing health.

The recognition of these abilities among adepts – individuals with extraordinary mind-body capabilities – opens new vistas for understanding and utilizing bioelectricity. This calls for an integrative approach that combines Western scientific methodologies with traditional knowledge systems, thereby enriching the scope and application of bioelectricity in health and human potential.

ALIGNMENTS builds on the idea that the bioelectricity revolution can foster a closer alignment between Western and Eastern scientific traditions. The integration of methodologies from diverse cultural knowledge systems is emphasized, suggesting that Western science can benefit immensely from traditional practices that harness bioelectric energy.

Specific examples include the Mo Pai and Longmen martial arts traditions, where practitioners reportedly produce pronounced electrical shocks and heat-induced blisters in volunteers. Such phenomena, though seemingly destructive, underline the potential for these practices to be used for both martial and healing purposes. The preliminary evidence suggests that these adept-level practices can enhance tissue integrity, optimize healing, reduce inflammation, and potentially extend healthspan and lifespan.

BIOELECTRICITY: A FRAMEWORK lays out a multidisciplinary and cross-cultural scientific framework necessary to understand and harness bioelectricity. It stresses that the role of bioelectricity in achieving optimal health and functioning is only recently being realized in scientific detail. The framework proposes that adequate types and levels of bioelectricity are associated with tissue integrity, optimal healing, absence of cancer and harmful infections, and enhanced longevity.

The article highlights that particular forms of adept practices can correct sub-optimal bioelectric functioning, leading to enhanced health and longevity. This recognition aligns with Becker’s concept of “The Body Electric,” suggesting that optimal bioelectric functioning is crucial for human health.

HUMAN BIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS delves into the biological mechanisms underlying the remarkable bioelectric phenomena demonstrated by adepts. It explores how meditative states can lower psychological and physiological “noise,” allowing for heightened sensory awareness of internal processes. Adepts reportedly achieve sensory awareness down to the atomic level, gaining control over blood flow, metabolic activity, and other autonomic functions.

The article suggests that kinesthetic imagery plays a significant role in guiding bioelectric energy throughout the body. This ability to channel bioelectric energy can lead to optimized health, healing, and potentially enhanced longevity.

ADEPTS 20: AMPLIFICATION synthesizes the yogic sciences with Western scientific models, revealing how adepts engage fundamental biological mechanisms to achieve healing and regenerative outcomes. The focus is on piezoelectricity – electricity produced by mechanical force – which adepts appear to amplify through intense muscle control and interoceptive sensory techniques.

The article argues that the Western focus on biotechnological means of utilizing bioelectricity, such as “electroceuticals,” overlooks the profound potential of innate human bioelectric resources. Recognizing and integrating adept practices could revolutionize our understanding and application of bioelectricity in health and human potential.

Analysis and Synthesis of Findings

The “Adept” series presents a compelling case for the profound potential of human bioelectricity. Key themes and findings include:

1. Bioelectricity Revolution: The recognition of bioelectricity as a fundamental component of biological functions is gaining momentum, promising revolutionary advancements in health and human potential.
2. Integration of Traditions: Bridging Western and Eastern scientific traditions can enrich our understanding and application of bioelectricity. Traditional practices offer valuable insights into harnessing bioelectric energy for healing and optimizing health.
3. Human Potential: Adept practices demonstrate extraordinary capabilities to control and amplify bioelectric energy, leading to optimized health, healing, and potentially enhanced longevity.
4. Mechanisms and Sensory Awareness: Meditative states and kinesthetic imagery play crucial roles in achieving sensory awareness and control over bioelectric processes. This heightened awareness can lead to profound health benefits.
5. Challenge to Biotechnological Focus: The Western emphasis on biotechnological solutions like electroceuticals overlooks the potential of innate human bioelectric resources. Integrating adept practices could transform our approach to health and human potential.

The implications of these findings are vast and transformative. Recognizing the human capacity to harness bioelectricity challenges conventional medical and scientific paradigms, opening new avenues for health optimization and human potential. Integrating traditional practices with cutting-edge scientific methodologies can lead to a more holistic understanding of bioelectricity, bridging cultural and scientific gaps.

Furthermore, the series highlights the need for rigorous scientific scrutiny and experimental validation of adept phenomena. While preliminary evidence is promising, further research is essential to fully understand and harness the potential of bioelectricity in human health.

In conclusion, the “Adept” series highlights the extraordinary potential of human bioelectricity and the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with modern science. This approach promises to revolutionize our understanding and application of bioelectricity, offering new pathways to health, healing, and human potential.