Have you been feeling sluggish and tired? When you wake up in the morning, do your joints and muscles feel sore? Are you someone who gets up and immediately starts moving through your morning routine? If any of these describe you, consider starting your day with a simple Energy Medicine exercise.
“Connecting Heaven and Earth” is an exercise that opens the meridians, brings oxygen to the cells, and activates mood-boosting endorphins as well as the immune system. Try this stretch for the waist, hips, and torso at the start of your morning or whenever you need to feel refreshed throughout the day.
Stand up, and put your hands on your thighs, fingers spread.
Inhale through your nose while bringing your arms out and together in a prayer position. Exhale through your mouth.
Inhale again, stretching one arm up and one arm down, pushing with flat palms. Hold, exhale through your mouth, and place your hands back in prayer position. Switch arms and repeat.
Let your arms fall at your sides, fold your body forward at the waist, and bend your knees slightly. Take two full breaths before slowly rising back to a standing position.
References
Eden, D. (2012). The Little Book of Energy Medicine: The Essential Guide to Balancing Your Body’s Energies. New York: Penguin Group.