Page 27 - Sonoma County Gazette January 2016

Out with the Old, In with the New Mind and Body
By Lauren Gordon-Fahn, L.Ac.
While this is the season to be freely giving of love and good cheer, there
may be other parts of our system that are feeling constrained, sluggish, and well, constipated! Not a usual topic for the season, but this word, be it only mentioned in a whisper, has a few meanings and can be limiting our joyous movement forward into the new year.
In Chinese Medicine, the inability to sort through things and let them go often falls under the domain of three Meridians: the Small Intestine, the Large Intestine, and the Liver. Emotional and Physical constraint are dominated by these three energy channels. These are a few fixes merging Acupressure and Meditation that may make- if I may be so bold- more room in your system for welcoming the new year.
For a little New Year’s Resolution Self-Care, test this system daily for three weeks. Do each set in the ordered listed: massage and then the meditative mantra!
Small Intestine Massage: Massage the soft muscle on the pinky side
of your palm that drags across the paper when you right. Be gentle with sore spots, and never work over wounds, 30 seconds is plenty. Massage both hands and then place the massaged side of your hands to meet your low abdominal muscle over your bladder area. Breathe comfortably repeating the mantra below. Try for relaxation of your shoulders.
Meditation Mantra: I have a right to feel confusion and I am capable of finding space for clarity.
Large Intestine Massage: Massage the soft triangle of muscle on the back
of your hand between thumb and pointer finger. Be gentle with sore spots, and never work over wounds, 30 seconds is plenty. Massage both hands and then place your palms on either side of your belly button. Breathe comfortably repeating the mantra below. Try for relaxation of your low abdomen.
Meditation Mantra: May I trust my body keeps what I need and releases what no longer serves me
Liver Massage: Massage the upper inner aspect of your thigh, never do this if you have lymph drainage issues or painful pumps in this area. Be gentle with sore spots, never work over wounds, 30 seconds is plenty. Massage both inner thighs. Then cross your hands over your chest, resting your palms under your breast tissue so that your palms are holding the opposite rib cage, like a low hug. Breathe comfortably repeating the mantra below. Try for relaxation in your chest and possibly knees.
I am born with enough space for healthy movement, may I offer my self the right to move freely.
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