The meridian influence that is associated with the transition between seasons is the meridian of the stomach and spleen-pancreas.
DThe upcoming transition between summer and autumn is called the autumn equinox. It is a difficult transition for many people from the warm summer to the wet and colder autumn. Regularly doing these meridian alignments helps you with this.
The stomach and spleen-pancreas meridians belong to the Earth phase. The Earth phase is a special phase. It fulfills a central function, a transitional phase.
In nature, you see this recurring between each season. During this period of transition from one season to another, the Earth’s energy is at its most active. The late summer is the transition from summer to autumn and is the most characteristic and also the most difficult transition. Therefore, the Earth phase is often referred to as belonging to late summer.
For all meridians, but especially for the stomach and spleen meridians, the stretching should be held for a long time. When you feel mentally immunity ready to stop the exercise, stay in the exercise for just a little longer. That is when the Ki begins to flow!
This exercise won’t be easy for everyone. Do this exercise (and all the Do-In exercises) as it suits you best. If you experience discomfort in your lower back or knees, adjust the exercise and especially don’t go any further! Then use more props or go a little further down. Scroll to the bottom of this post for the video and instructions with pillows.
Meridian stretching is done to allow Ki to flow, which is different for everyone and is not primarily about competition. Not even with yourself.
You can do the stomach and spleen stretch if you are relaxed without any equipment.
In this video you can see the movement without any aids. >>>
As a preparation, make sure your thigh muscles are warmed up. You can do various exercises for this. Start by rubbing. Do this longer if you have more rigid thigh muscles.
Next, bring your left foot first and then your right foot bent at an angle that feels comfortable to you. Then sit on your heels. If you still can’t do it, take a meditation cushion and place it between your heels and your shinbone.
Raise your knees one at a time so that you get a stretch in your upper thigh and your lower leg all the way to your foot. Do this a few times.
If you don't need any equipment, after warming up, sit on your heels. Place your hands behind your back and lean back.
Then place your forearms on the ground and lean further back. Your feet are next to your hips or possibly under your pelvic bones. Your pelvis is tilted because you extend the tailbone towards your feet.
Create space in your chest by lifting the vertebrae towards the ceiling. If it feels comfortable, you can place your arms along your head on the mat.
When you return, make sure you get back up again with the strength of your arms. With your back straight, bend forward and place your head and hands on the mat to relax your back.
This meridian alignment can be difficult for many people. You can then adapt the exercise by placing meditation cushions behind you.
Watch the video of the stretch with pillows for support here >>>
After you have warmed up, sit on your heels. Now place 1, 2, or if necessary 3 meditation cushions behind you. Place the meditation cushions so that they provide support in the upper back. Not higher or lower.
You then lean back and use your arms to slowly move backwards. If at this stage you notice that you need more support behind you, place an extra meditation cushion behind you. Also make sure that you extend your sitting bones towards your feet so that your pelvis tilts and your lower back is protected. You can, if you wish, leave the arms along your body.
The stomach and spleen meridians run along the front of the body. From your foot all the way to your torso (and your face). During this stretch, you feel a strong stretch in the front of your body. If you experience any discomfort, please remain in this position for a while! Unless you experience discomfort in your lower back. Then adjust the exercise by moving further or tilting your pelvis better.
Take the time to relax, stretch, and move with Do-In, and enjoy the positive effects it can have on your body and mind!
Do you want to experience Do-In yourself? Come to one of our open days in our studios in Amsterdam, Amersfoort or Delft. During our open days/evenings you will get to know our teachers, students and graduated Iokai Shiatsu therapists. You will also experience the practice through common Do-In exercises and Shiatsu treatments.