It has yet to be recognized that information between the individual and his or her environment is

communi-cated on an energy level through the smallest particle-energy bodies. These bodies contain a wealth of infor-mation and specific codes that can be decoded only by a "sympathetic" apparatus on a similar level.

Each one of us has an apparatus that receives and decodes cosmic energy waves carrying specific messages and serving specific purposes, especially during our sleep state. Every night we, as energy systems, become receptive to an abundance of very valuable information in the form of dreams. Sleep and dreaming are absolutely necessary for the continuation of our existence and for inducing necessary "modifications." Let us give a simple example: During the waking state we are confronted with an emotional problem that we do not face properly but instead ignore, suppressing our emotional response. If that state is not corrected in one's sleep through "symbolic dreaming," it may remain to detrimentally affect one's health.

I understand that this concept is a bit abstract and difficult to support with scientific evidence. Nonetheless, here we are concerned with vital issues that touch upon life itself, and thus we cannot ignore certain facts that are of paramount importance for the understanding of our subject. Science, I am sure, will soon provide enough evidence to verify the existence of this kind of energy that permeates the cosmos and from which we draw reserves every night in order to continue living.

It is a well-known fact that we cannot live very long without sleep, especially certain stages, and it seems that sleep is even more important than food. What happens in our sleep that regenerates us to such an extent, and why is it that nothing else can replace this type of regeneration?

It seems that we live our lives on three different levels of existence:

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a. The Subconscious, where the logical mind is afforded a secondary role, especially during sleep.

b. The Conscious, where the logical mind reigns completely during awake-time.

c. The Superconscious, where the logical mind has "calmed"

down or has been completely silenced. This happens in rare moments during our awake-state or during deep states of contemplation.

It seems that the logical mind is not capable of sorting out all the messages and impressions it receives during its waking hours, and it needs sleep-time to clear up the "muddle" and undo the "jamming" that has taken place on a deeper level during the rest of the day. Dreams, whether they be symbolic, prophetic or completely meaningless to the logical mind, function to clear the basic ground for mental and emotional balance on a deeper subconscious level so that the individual can continue his life undisturbed. Dreams clear the "apparatus" so that "universal energy" will go through it without encountering "noise" or

"jams" that accumulate during awake-time.

Some dreams may be understood by the logical mind, and this helps the individual understand some of his problematic issues on deeper levels. Some other dreams may appear meaningless or incomprehensible but still provide needed help on a subcon-scious level. Most of the time dreams originate from a certain kind of pathology, and their manifestation is an important aspect of the defense mechanism.

If the energy-receiving apparatus is damaged by a chronic disease, regeneration in sleep cannot take place easily and the individual will feel "unrefreshed" and constantly tired.

The most probable hypothesis regarding the sleep state is that we are "bathing in a pervasive sea of subtle energy." This kind of energy has been given different names by different people at various times in history. It has been called:

Prana by the Hindus,

Vis medicatrix naturae by Hippocrates, Magnate by Paracelsus,

Alcahest by Van Helmont, Astral light by the Kabbalists,

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Azoth by the Alchemists, Spiritus by Fludd,

Odic force by Reichenbach, Animal magnetism by Mesmer,

Etheric energy or bioenergy or simple substance by occultists and metaphysicians like Swedenborg,

Vital energy or vital force or vital body by the vitalistic school,

Orgone by Reich,

Bioplasma by Russian researchers, etc.

The prospects are that we will probably hear it called by many different names in the future. For the sake of understanding in this treatise we shall call it universal energy because this more accurately identifies one of its main qualities—universal-ity. I believe the most conclusive answer about this energy will soon be given by physicists who deal with "small clusters" (a new branch of physics that is rapidly developing).17

It appears that we are in constant communication with universal energy, continuously exchanging energies with it, especially under certain circumstances that will be explained.

As I have already mentioned, every night during sleep we

"open up" to receive extremely valuable information. We receive this in the form of dreams and symbols8 25 that are absolutely necessary for the continuation of life. It seems that it is not a haphazard energy but one of purpose, since it accomplishes specific things. From the vast reservoir of universal energy the individual organism draws a specific type of needed energy or information. This energy seems to bring about required correc-tions or rearrangements within the organism in order to allow the process of regeneration to occur.

As has been noted, a complete health science must take into account the content of and interrelations between the physical, emotional and mental planes of existence. In addition, the complex relationship of man with his environment demands attention in the healing arts. Consequently, any truly holistic approach to health should not only pay heed to the physical, mental and emotional planes, but should also consider:

1. The correct intake of nourishing, properly grown food (food quality, combination and quantity)

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2. The correct method of breathing (respiratory habits and