We held our monthly meditation last night. Thank you to all that attended.
The focus of the meditation this time was to “open the spine”. By opening the spine we are influencing the nervous, endocrine and immune systems.
When opening the spine, I would like to emphasize the importance of the neck area. There are many lymph nodes located here to engulf pathogens that invade the body. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the area of the upper back and neck correlates to respiratory function which influences immunity. By stimulating the energy flow in this area; you allow more lymph drainage and give your immune system a boost.
One of the techniques we used was Qi Gong [pronounced: chee kung]. Qi Gong means “Breath Cultivation” and refers to exercises that increase energy, health and longevity.
Qi Gong is a self-healing art that combines movement and meditation. Regular practice of Qi Gong can prevent and treat illness, has been proven to reduce stress and improve immunity , and can integrate mind/body/spirit.
We started with opening the low back and traveled up the spine towards the neck area. I taught the meditation participants Qi Gong exercises for the neck and shoulder areas and then we explored the meridians along the arms.
The Lung meridian travels from the chest down the inside of your arm to the tip of the thumb. Energy traveling this meridian then moves back up the arm along the Large Intestine meridian on the backside of the arm, over the shoulder, up the side of the neck, and then crosses the face under the nose to just under the cheekbone. Stimulating the points on these meridians stimulates the immune system.
We incorporated face massage to open (drain) the sinuses and used eye exercises to, well, because I like it (they reduce tension in the eyes) and then incorporated Mindfulness Meditation observing our thoughts (mental images and self-talk) and sensations (physical and emotional). After “scanning” the body and mind this way, we transitioned to opening the spine some more with Chakra meditation.
This was a really good meditation. We were able to create a free flow of energy. I am happy I was able to incorporate different techniques from various teachers into a single practice. It proved to be uplifting and energizing for all of us.
Meditation is a great practice for this season. Enjoy your holidays.
_____________________
1
See: Candace Pert “Molecules of Emotion”
2
“Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to prevent relapse in recurrent depression.”
Kuyken, Willem; Byford, Sarah; Taylor, Rod S.; Watkins, Ed; Holden, Emily;
White, Kat; Barrett, Barbara; Byng, Richard; Evans, Alison; Mullan, Eugene;
Teasdale, John D. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. Vol 76(6),
Dec 2008, 966-978.
3
“Assessment Of Immunological Parameters Following A Qigong Training Program.”
Manzaneque, JM; Vera, FM; Maldonado, EF; Carranque, G; Cubero, VM; Morell, M;
Blanca, MJ. Department of Psychobiology and Methodology, Faculty of Psychology,
University of Malaga, Campus de Teatinos, 29071 Malaga, Spain.
Medical Science Monitor. 2004 Jun;10(6):CR264-70. Epub 2004 Jun 1.
4
See: Shinzen Young “Basic Mindfulness”
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