Are you the type of person who likes the summer heat, but feels chilled all winter long? Or does summer make you feel tired and irritated, while the cooler weather seems to revive your energy? If either of these cases sounds like you, you could probably benefit from better energy circulation.
One of three fundamental principles from Body & Brain practice, Water Up/Fire Down refers to the proper circulation of energy in the body: Water-energy flows up, allowing you to keep a cool head, and Fire-energy flows down, making your abdomen comfortable. In an optimal condition, we are less likely to be ‘hot-headed’ and more likely to feel a comfortable sense of warmth and energy. Conversely, people suffering from stress and fatigue may feel weak, stiff, or irritated in the abdomen and lower back.
Body & Brain practices are uniquely designed to maximize the Water Up/Fire Down effect. To promote Water Up/Fire Down, we stretch the spine, relax the chest, strengthen the core and leg muscles, and deepen the breath. Meditation can also affect Water Up/Fire Down energy circulation. By calming the mind and gradually bringing awareness to the center of the body, a healthy sense of relaxation and centeredness arises.
For an easy way to improve your energy circulation, try Ilchi position. Stretch out on your back and extend your arms over your head. Make fists and extend your index fingers (Ilchi means 'one finger'). Breathe comfortably, focusing on the feeling of your shoulders, spine, and legs 'getting longer'. Spend 2-3 minutes in this position and then return your arms to your sides. You should feel a gentle sense of Water Up/Fire Down. As you get used to it, you can increase your practice time to 5 minutes.
Experience Water Up/Fire Down in a 50-minute private introductory session at your local Body & Brain Center. Check it out!
In addition to helping keep your head cool, Ilchi Position can be a good way to make your spine and shoulders more flexible. At first, you might find that your arms don't reach all the way to the floor over your head. With time, however, you should see by doing Ilchi position that your shoulder flexibility has increased. Your chest and back can also feel more comfortable, with better posture.