Just as food is different in each culture it is still basically food. Likewise life force is known by many different names and used different in various cultures, but it is still basically the same energy - the energy of life.
- Japan: - Ki
- China: Chi
- Greece: -Pneuma
- Polynesian: - Mana
- Hebrew :- The Old Testament - Ruah - Breath of Life
- USA: - Orgone (Willhelm Reich)
'Prana' is what the Indians call the energy that is called 'Chi' in China and by many other names in different cultures. Naturally there are various 'densities' of energy, from the higher more subtle realms to the heavier, easier to feel denser levels.
Yoga, Tantra, and many other meditation traditions work with life force energy, with Prana. if you can already feel 'prana' energy, then you will find the Chi-Plates interesting to work with, enjoy ! :-)
Some links are given below:
Prana information http://healing.about.com/od/pranichealing/
Motoyama Hiroshi https://www.cihs.edu
if you find other good links dealing with 'Chi', feel free to send them along.