Body - Mind Health

There was an excellent recent posting on chakras leading us to understand more about the activity centers that “produce life force energy” in the body.

Other Eastern studies discuss meridians / meridian channels through which energy, or ki flows. When inhaling, ki enters the body through acupressure points (called kyong-hyol in Korean) and moves through the meridians to vital organs of the body.

In a healthy state one’s circulation is optimal, the person dynamic and lively. Symptoms of health include sweet saliva in the mouth, warm hands and feet, cool and refreshed head, warm abdomen filled with energy, regular bowel movements. This is referred to as the “water up, fire down” state where perception is clear and the senses opened. Typically, one feels positive, relaxed and both creativity and imagination are enhanced.

In the “water down, fire up” condition a person may feel disconnected, static, lifeless; experience dry mouth or bitter taste. One might have cold hands and feet, experience heat and pain in the head and the abdomen will lack warmth and energy. The individual may be constipated and have digestive problems. Finally, one feels tired and uncomfortable.

So, how do we help bring ourselves to a healthy state? First, it is important to acknowledge and recognize the body-mind connection. For many of us, in our dojangs, we often hear about this and may even have some practices or exercises that relate to this connection. For example, sometimes a class may begin and finish with simple relaxation, breathing practice, and/or meditation. There are many different styles and purposes of these actions – including gaining focus, losing stress, and increasing circulation by oxygenating the blood.

Initially, there are a number of simple things one may do on one’s own each dayto stimulate and the body in preparation for the day ahead.

• Stretch before getting out of bed. Waken the sleeping muscles gently and  carefully.

• Try to take time for a simple meditation practice, preferably in a quiet place.

• During this period, focus only on breathing. There is a variety of postures and the key here is to find one that is comfortable for you.  If you are too rigid about form that will almost certainly erase the benefit.

• Stand with shoulders relaxed, tailbone curled slightly inward, knees soft,  llegs shoulder-width apart, feet parallel, weight evenly balanced on soles of the feet. To revive the body, tap along the meridians.

• In the same posture, bounce gently relaxing all muscle groups for a few  minutes.  You may wish to listen to enjoyable music while doing this. You will find that the activity releases endorphins - those feel-good chemicals in the body - that will help set you up to have a productive, focused day.

 

In the end, the investment in time to make these body-mind connections will bear healthy dividends that last a lifetime. If practiced regularly, they will help you toward balance - su-seung-hwa-gang or the complete cycle of energy circulation. 

P.S.  While these practices are beneficial at the start of your day, it is also 

       true that performing them at the end of your day may release stress

       and allow you to have the restful sleep you deserve.
 

[Thank you Master Erica Linthorst for this contribution to the blog]