Meet Leila, Tenji, Leo and a host of other well-meaning and hardworking individuals who are featured in the book ‘The Energy Code.’ These people are medical students, business owners, entrepreneurs, parents and so on. At the heart of it, they are you and me. This is not a fictional story lest I misguide you. Dr Ela Manga’s revolutionary book is a powerful book which draws on many spectrums of the human experience and offers them an opportunity to truly interrogate their current state of being and how to cultivate a more energized and fulfilling life. With techno stress and sleep deprivation common in our daily conversations, this book is a relevant addition to your book shelves to help cultivate authentic power in human beings.

Dr Manga begins by introducing her readers to the seven laws of energy which include the law of stillpoint and the law of three centres. In the introductory section of the book, a detailed diagram is provided in which readers can map themselves (optimum zone, danger zone and burnout zone). We are invited to find where we are operating on this map in order to become more self-aware and make any necessary changes to improve our state of being. The third law of energy which is the law of three channels states that source energy is expressed through three channels which are the body, the mind and the heart. Each source energy is then explained in powerful detail to show readers how they can cultivate power in these three different sources. 

In the ‘Body Intelligence’ section the author writes “Every single cell in the body is working tirelessly to keep the system functioning optimally according to the perfect blueprint of health with which we were born.” In this section, our relationship with food and our eating habits are interrogated. She shows us how to eat for our bodies, the best times to eat and how to meal prep with intention. Healthy hydration is also spoken of in this section; and for the caffeine lovers do not disappear, tips and tricks on how to manage your caffeine consumption is clearly spelt out and also how to consume water along with your other favourite drinks. Of course one of the most important remedies to our burnout is sleep and rest. Research has shown that a quick ten minute power nap is the most effective recovery loop during the day, she also gives us good sleep hygiene and ways to wind down at the end of a day. Where you aware that sighs and yawns are important in helping the body recover during the day? Often society makes these actions acceptable though research has found that they serve important use to the body. Conscious breathing and exercise are also highlighted in this section. We humans have a greater dependency on nature than we could have ever thought. Exposure to twenty minutes of sunshine per day, walking on grass and spending time in the garden can do wonders for our bodies and also our immune systems. 

The ‘Mind Intelligence’ section, she touches on the effect technology has had on our brain and the way our brains work. “While the brain has adapted to split attention and instant gratification, as well as always being on, the body is suffering.” Readers are encouraged to live more mindfully, becoming conscious of our thoughts and having mindful moments in life (walking to your car, washing your hands). Research has also found that twelve minutes of mindfulness can increase thickening of grey matter by 30% in the prefrontal cortex (grey matter processes information, controls movement, memory and emotions). Conscious breaks from technology are also encouraged while she also offers a seven steps guide towards change in the book. Our belief systems also play an important part in our engagement with the world and ultimately what we get out of our human experience. 

In the ‘Heart Intelligence’ section, Dr Manga offers a guide on how we can reflect on our default emotions and how we can tend to our emotional landscape in order to manage our energy state. In one powerful chapter we are invited to exercise a Boundfree life as opposed to setting boundaries. While boundaries may often become rigid and inflexible, a Boundfree life are choices and decisions that are respectful to yourself and others while also remaining true to your values systems. A healthy expression of emotions is encouraged as “chronic suppression of our emotions creates a massive disruption to the balance of our physiology and can have potentially devastating effects on our immune system and ability to dampen inflammatory process in the tissue.” Ever notice a tightness in your neck or chest or even chronic back pain? This could be the result of constantly supressed feelings and emotions that are now damaging your body. The book closes off with lessons on how to create an energised life and thanksgiving. 

“The Energy Code” is not only good book, it is essential reading for all of humankind which has now become victims of chronic fatigue, short attention spans, increased illnesses and ultimately burnout. Dr Ela Manga reintroduces us to the beauty of our bodies and minds and how ultimately we have the power to control our energy. A highly recommended read for you all. 

Dr Ela Manga is a medical doctor by profession. She is also a speaker and the founder of ‘Breath Work Africa’. Dr Manga is also a well sought after speaker who has shared her insights on platforms such as Eve Africa Program. She also the author of a second titled named ‘Umoya.’