For most of us, heading to the gym can be quite the draining task. As many of us live busy and eventful lives, finding extra time and energy to put into our physical health presents a challenge. One of the reasons we may feel this heaviness when it comes to out workout goals is that the exercise we choose for the most part is geared toward energy expenditure. While this might seem like a good idea for most, it can be harmful for our long term physical and mental health.
Because of the nature of our modern life, there is a great deal of energy that is built up within our bodies and minds throughout the day. This comes from the attentional, emotional and physical energy we must produce to navigate our relationships, and manage the work and family tasks that are required of us. With all of this built up energy we sometimes feel that letting it all go with a sweaty workout session would be good, especially with the endorphin rush that also comes right after a hard training session. But this process of high energy output will often lead us to deplete our physiological resources that promote longevity and a healthy life. And yes, our bodies are very adaptable systems that will build resilience through training. Then the stimulus will have lesser effect the more we adapt, always creating this need to push and go further. However, life outside of our fitness programs rarely offers the appropriate time and space for optimal recovery. So many of us work hard until we over train and our bodies force us to take a break for one reason or another. We all have an idea of what is necessary to make positive changes in our lives, but some feel more is needed than others. I personally abide by the idea of “train smarter” not “train harder”. Since I have no desire to become a competitive athlete, I feel fully successful in my decision, and know that my body will be thanking me for years and years to come. And even for individuals who do want to train like an athlete, it can be recognized that recovery, and proper recovery at that, is necessary for peak performance.
The eastern approach to exercise is one that considers how we can channel and harvest this energy that is present within us without wasting it or unconsciously throwing it away through the buckets of sweat we leave on our gym floors. Rather, in Yoga and Traditional Chinese Medicine, an exercise program is created to help an individual practice the focused control and movement of energy to support one’s life inside and outside of the physical body. So rather than having to live through the crash as our system gets overloaded, or needing to feed ourselves little power ups (pre-workouts, caffeine, etc.) just to push through another sweat session, we can recharge our batteries with movement and breath, every day. We can improve the capacity and the efficiency of our physical systems so they can run better and last longer! And the best part about this approach is that it doesn’t take gallons of sweat or hours of cardio. Only a quiet space is needed, to connect and move within our bodies and with our breath, giving us a space to witness and release our own thoughts and feelings in a conscious way. We can consciously let go of some excess energy without forcing the tank into the red day in and day out. And through this ancient approach, we can create a lasting effect of health that expands into all parts of our lives.
Elemental-Movement has developed a program that guides students awareness through the 15 major “Meridians” or channels of energy that run through the body to maintain the health of the physical tissues and physiological functions that support us in our lives. These channels, also called “nadis” in the system of Yoga, connect to the whole human being: through the physical pathways of movement (Myofascial tracks), internal organs, and modes of mental operation that all work together in integrating our experiences with our desires and actions. When we move unconsciously, certain obstructions or blockages within these pathways may limit our ability to move efficiently. There are many factors that contribute to these blockages, from poor nutrition and insufficient rest to high stress and anxiety in our lives. Even the emotional and physical traumas of our past will affect the flow of energy through our bodies. If we only focus on the goal of completing an exercise program (3 sets, 15 reps, 30 minutes on the treadmill), we limit our attention in its ability to process what is going on in these more subtle energy systems. By opening up our awareness through slow, conscious movement and breath, it is possible for the body and mind to pinpoint and release these blocks and obstructions to the flow of our energy. When the flow of energy can be restored, physiology, form and function will be at an optimal state of operation. So even for the avid trainer, this program can provide much needed neuromuscular recovery from demanding physical training, leading to better results during performance. And with a little time every day, students can work to bring about total efficiency in their own lives by deepening the connections to each pathway that has a specific part to play in the overall health of the body, mind and spirit.
~We find the results to be truly reflective of our best potential when we recognize that we are connected, not separate in our nature, within nature, and beyond it.~
If you are in Chicago, Sign Up for the Balancing Your Energy Through the Meridians Workshop! It’s THIS Saturday (7/27) from 2-4 p.m.
@ REMIX by Giselle Wasfie in the West Loop! Space is limited so make sure you grab your spot ASAP!
The Major Energy Meridian Pairings of the body are:
The Kidney and Urinary Bladder
The Spleen and Stomach
The Liver and Gallbladder
The Pericardium and Triple Warmer
The Heart and Small Intestine
The Lung and Large Intestine
The Governing and Conception Vessels
The Central Channel (Sushumna Nadi)
Stay tuned in the following weeks as I describe these organs, their energy channels, and special movement techniques and yoga practices that help to bring all these parts together into greater alignment and integration. It’s manifestation time, and I’m ready to express all that I have to give in this abundant season of Summer.
Send me a quick message if you are curious about working with yoga, energy or movement to bring more ease and balance into any aspect of your life. As a reminder, I offer private programming in person and online, and you can find out more information about my complete Holistic Health Programming HERE! I would love to connect with you about anything at all, so reach out if you are ready to go deeper!