Welcome to the final part of this series which is all about the Spleen and Stomach meridian.
In this series we have looked at an introduction into the 6 lower body meridians (Yin Yoga To Help Inflammation), the Liver and Gall Bladder meridians (Yin Yoga For Frustration) and the Kidney and Urinary Bladder meridians (Yin Yoga For Anxiety).
As a thank you for taking the time to read this series, I have created a Believe Yoga Guide to the Meridians and Yin Yoga which includes 3 x 30 minute yin yoga sequences for each pair of meridians as well as tips to help receive greater benefits in a yin yoga pose. You could also just pick a couple of postures to do and you will still receive the benefits! Just taking 5 minutes a day to take care of yourself is better than nothing!
This guide will be available at the end of this blog post.
The Spleen Meridian
The Spleen meridian is essential for digestion, the distribution of nourishment and also the distribution of water. It also maintains proper hydration of your cells and the elimination of water through your kidneys. Since blood is mostly water the Spleen directly affects the quality of your blood.
When emotionally imbalanced you may experience:
Worry - Worry can weaken the Spleen and create stomach problems.
Dwelling too much on a particular topic
Self-doubt
Regret
Physical imbalances include:
Stomach problems
Vomiting
Bloating
Poor appetite
The Spleen also affects our mental function, so when balanced you may experience:
Willpower
Creativity
More open to possibilities for change
Honesty
Stomach Meridian
Paired with the Spleen meridian, the stomach receives and digests food whilst also storing food and water. Not only is the stomach responsible for digesting food, but it also digests your emotions and thoughts. If you are experiencing chronic worry or are always over thinking things you could damage your stomach and digestive health.
When emotionally imbalanced you may experience:
Worry
Anxiety
Low self-esteem
Self-pity
Physical Imbalances include:
Indigestion
Bloating
Pain in any of the areas the meridian passes through eg mouth, nose, teeth etc.
Mental problems
When your Stomach meridian is balanced you may experience:
Greater self-esteem
Openness
Acceptance
Deep thinking
By practicing specific yin yoga poses you can help reduce some of the discomforts caused by imbalances of the Spleen and Stomach meridians. Yin yoga postures that include spinal or hip extensions may help nourish these meridians, whilst deep twists of the spine can help massage the internal organs.
Below are three yin yoga poses that can help stimulate the Spleen and Stomach meridians. Before you give these a go please remember to only go to an appropriate depth for your body (find your edge) and to enhance the flow of energy along these lines with your breath and attention, as described in the Yin Yoga For Frustration blog.
To help stimulate the Spleen and Stomach meridians it is beneficial to activate the kidney first as the Kidney energy supports all your internal organs. It is also helpful to know that when you are targeting the Spleen meridian in a yin yoga pose, it's not the spleen organ that you are targeting, but rather you are helping to bring harmony within the Spleen system.
Sphinx Pose
Lie on your stomach with your elbows just ahead of your shoulders, propping yourself up.
If you begin to feel strong sensations in your lower back that are uncomfortable, move your elbows slightly more forward, lowering your chest closer towards the floor.
If you notice during the pose your neck is getting sore, you can try resting your head in your hands or on a block.
Once you have found your edge, hold sphinx pose for 3-5 minutes.
To come out of sphinx, slowly lower your chest to the floor. From here you can roll over onto your side, then slowly rise back up to seated.
Childs Pose
This gentle compression of the abdomen and chest may benefit the organs of digestion and provide gentle relief.
Begin by placing your hands and knees on the ground.
Bring your feet together and then gently push your hips back and down as close to your heels as possible.
Slowly fold forward, bringing your chest to your thighs and your forehead to the ground.
You may place your hands back besides your feet or perhaps you prefer your arms stretched out in front of you. Find what feels good for you!
Spend 3-5 minutes here.
To come out of the pose, begin to push into your hands and slowly roll up.
Lying Spinal Twist
Lie on your back and hug both knees in towards your chest.
Open your arms out to the side like a letter T shape and slowly drop your knees over to one side.
You may like to turn your head to face the opposite side of your knees.
Spend 3-5 minutes here focusing on your breath.
Repeat on the other side.
To come out of the pose, bring your knees back in towards your chest then roll over to one side and gently push yourself back up to seated.
I hope you have enjoyed reading this series on meridians and how you can stimulate these energetic lines for better health through yin yoga poses.
As promised earlier in the blog you can download my FREE Believe Yoga Guide to Meridians and Yin Yoga here which includes 3 x 30 minute sequences for each pair of meridians as well as tips to help receive greater benefits in a yin yoga pose.
Please feel free to contact me at amy@believeyoga.com.au if you have any questions or if there is a particular topic/subject that you would like me to write about next.
Sending loving kindness,
Amy. x
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