4 Acu Yoga Poses to Improve Energy Flow
Meridian Yoga or Acu Yoga is a form of yoga that actively works with the same meridian system as acupuncture. This form of yoga uses poses to activate and balance energy (Qi) in the 14 meridian pathways. These meridian paths are known as the energy pathways in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), they allow your body and energy to flow and function properly. Qi flows along the pathways, but sometimes can get stuck, via trauma, stress, or unhealthy lifestyle. Moving the Qi through exercise and breath is a great way to regulate the flow of Qi and come back to balance. Since meridians flow to internal organs, Acu Yoga can improve the function of organs and allow your body to be in its healthiest state physically and mentally.
Below are a few of many yoga poses that can increase your energy or Qi flow.
Downward Dog
In your yoga practice, downward dog can always be a home base pose. It is a staple that can be used in almost every yoga practice.
This pose focuses on the arms and shoulder meridians, which can improve heart, small intestine and lung function. Increased function of these organs can help fight against allergies, viruses, anxiety and trouble sleeping. Downward dog can also help digestion and allows for increased blood flow of the whole body.
Warrior II
Warrior II focuses on the lymphatic system and the hips and knees. The emphasis on these joints are related to the gall bladder, spleen and stomach meridians. These organs help the lymphatic system by increasing digestion and immune fluid.
Wheel and Other Backbends
Wheel and other backbends can effectively and sometimes very intensely stretch the stomach and spleen meridians. This pose can help prevent your body from acid reflux, heartburn and other stomach issues.
Tree Pose
Tree pose is a standard balancing pose that can be adapted based on your skill level. It focuses on the small intestine and urinary bladder meridians, it increases abdominal circulation. Tree pose can also calm and relax the mind and nervous system, bringing more self-awareness.
Sources:
http://www.oceanflowyoga.co.uk/news/pose-of-the-month-vrksasana-tree-pose/
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-5679/4-Yoga-Poses-That-Pair-Perfectly-with-Acupuncture.html
http://www.yogaofenergyflow.com/about-2/meridian-yoga/
Topical Pain Products For Your Yoga Bag
Keep these in your yoga bag!
Quick access to topical, herbal pain products may reduce a yoga injury. We recommend plasters for use during exercise. Our topical pain plasters are bandages that are medicated with herbs for reducing swelling and pain. They can be used up to 12 hours on areas of pain. Patients love them at starting at just $1 each, they’re worth a try.
Our topical linaments, like Zheng Gu Shui, Po Sum On, and White Flower Oils, are traditional Chinese medical liquids to put on to painful areas. These strong pain relieving ointments can provide results for 3-4 hours. Get in touch with us to find out which ointment is best for your injury.
How To Heal Your Yoga Injury
Kerry teaching AcuYoga at Burlington’s Yoga Festival
Unfortunately, sometimes injuries occur while attempting a yoga pose. It can be due to a repetitive motion, like raising your arms up too many times, or building while building strength, like when practicing arm balances and your wrists feel pain. When injury strikes, there’s a few things that can help.
Rest- When you’re in your groove practicing yoga regularly, it can be difficult to take a pause and rest. Take this opportunity to focus on the other limbs of yoga by focusing your regular asana time on meditation, pranayama or breath-work.
Heat- Most yoga injuries do well with a hot water bottle or heating pad. If there is swelling and an acute injury, ice may be helpful, but other injuries respond to the Qi moving pattern of heat.
Acupuncture and massage- Come see us when you have an injury, the sooner the better! Acupuncture and/or massage therapy can likely help move stuck and stubborn Qi.
For More Information check out previous blog posts:
Back pain blog https://acupunctureinvermont.com/2019/01/research-update-acupuncture-and-low-back-pain-management/
Shoulder pain https://acupunctureinvermont.com/2015/07/joint-pain-2/
