Spring is on the way. The need to come out of hibernation and bloom is becoming more evident. Have you noticed the change? I certainly have.
Traditionally in Western culture this is the time of the year to break out the razors and shave the legs, detox the body and make our bodies’ beach ready. In Traditional Oriental terms Spring is governed by the wood element. Wood is about growth, cooperation and about free moving Ki (energy). The Wood Ki moves in all directions blending in harmony but after Winter where we have been lying a bit dominant our Ki may be a bit sluggish. So I have developed a plan on how to help you get your Ki moving and ways to “detox” your body.
Firstly how do you know if your Ki is sluggish? In Oriental Therapies we refer to Ki as being deficient, rebellious, sinking, in excess or stagnant. The process of detoxification focuses on Ki stagnation or “sluggish” Ki.
Common Signs of Ki Stagnation
Ki is considered to be in everything and everyone and in my opinion perpetuates the production of more Ki when it flows freely and in a healthy way. When Ki is in disharmony we start to feel sluggish and if we do not address these first symptoms as an early sign of Ki stagnation further symptoms start to appear. The further in Ki stagnation we full the more these symptoms are compounded and we find it harder to pull ourselves out of the energy slump. Signs you are reaching a major Ki crisis include:
- A sense of fullness, discomfort or pain – this may be transient and come and go based on how you are feeling
- You may have swellings in your body – when there is no movement there tends to be a sense of a swelling or pooling. This may manifest as hardness or even a soft swelling and could be associated with oedema around joints or be in the abdomen, breast or other soft tissue areas of the body
- Blockage of the throat – you may even have difficulty swallowing
- Irritability or mood swings – these may correspond with the menstrual cycle in women or may take a cyclic pattern in men
- Slightly Purple Tongue – this can be associated with blood deficiency or blood stasis. Menstruating women or women post child birth may present with this more commonly
- Some digestive upsets may be present – nausea, hiccups and bowel changes such as constipation and diarrhoea could be signs of Ki stagnation affecting organs
- Chest discomfort and even unconscious sighing could indicate Ki stagnation affecting the upper Jiao.
- Headaches caused by rebellious Ki may indicate a Liver Qi Stagnation that is moving in the wrong direction
What can I do to move my Ki?
The good news is Ki respond very well to several things. Get moving is the number one prescription in my armament of weaponry against Ki Stagnation. In this day and age we too frequently sit or stand for long periods of time. Living a sedentary life is the main reason for Ki Stagnation. Other things you can do include:
- Consulting a Shiatsu Practitioner, Acupuncturist or Oriental Therapist who understands Ki Stagnation is a good start
- Regular Massage can assist with moving Ki
- Exercise or being consciously more active
- Detoxing your life by changing your habits
- Waking up early
- Reducing social media time
- Escape to Nature
- Learn to say No
- Eat foods for moving Ki
- Practicing Yoga specific for moving Ki
Today’s modern living has definitely perpetuated some disharmonies in the body just as the seasons effect our energy levels. However by having awareness of our physical, emotional and energetic body we can detect changes in our Ki flow before the symptoms get to a point of crisis. Thankfully if we do reach a point of crisis we can work with different professionals to assist us in moving our Ki. Personal Trainers, Acupuncturists and Shiatsu Practitioners can all work with you to get you moving with free flowing Ki again.
To book an appointment with a Shiatsu Practitioner contact Deb on 0438 264 354.