Is negative energy in your life continually bringing you down or causing you to suppress your emotions? If your life seems
to be immersed in a depressing fog and you’re wanting to fill it with more positive energy—there are fun
and exciting ways to do so via large intestine meridian exercises. In this article, we’re going to learn all about
meridian therapy and how balancing energy within the large intestine meridian is key to letting go of negativity in your
life.
What are meridians, and why does the large intestine meridian matter?
According to ancient energy healing traditions, humans have energetic bodies in which vital energy flows. This vital life
force, known as qi, moves through an intelligent network of pathways in our body called meridians. Basically, if blood
vessels are the channels that carry blood and nerves are what carry sensory information...meridians are the channels
that operate in the same way to carry energy. Meridians work within the body and can be mapped through acupuncture points
but are invisible to the naked eye. By understanding how to utilize qi energy in the meridian system, you can open blockages
in the body and recover your health and natural balance.
Many healing traditions such as massage, tai chi, qi gong, yoga, acupuncture, acupressure, and shiatsu are based
upon this energetic principle. In fact, science has finally proven this energy body of ours exists. In this study, CT scans reveal maps of acupuncture points in the body used by Chinese energy practitioners. Another study done by Korean biophysicists found that meridian lines are an actual duct system within the body through which energy flows.
There are 12 main meridians in the human body, each of which corresponds to a major organ. They are named accordingly:
stomach meridian, spleen meridian, heart meridian, lung meridian, liver meridian, pericardium meridian, bladder meridian,
kidney meridians, gallbladder meridian, small intestine meridian, large intestines meridian, and the triple burner
meridian (body temperature regulator).
In this article, we’re focusing specifically on the large intestine meridian. The large intestine
meridian, otherwise known as the ‘minister of transportation,’ carries out many essential bodily
functions and works to purify and balance fluids in the body.
Energy medicine believes the large intestine meridian corresponds to our relationships, moods, and emotions. The
health of our large intestine meridian is dependent upon the health of our emotional well-being and vice-versa.
Suppressed negative emotions may very well result in blockages of life force energy (qi) within the large
intestine meridian. Unprocessed difficult emotions like anger and grief, might manifest in the body as digestive
issues and/or chronic constipation. On the other hand, balanced and free-flowing energy within the large intestine
meridian is reflected in a person’s ability to process his/her difficult emotions in a healthy way. Healthy
digestion ensues, which positively affects the entire bodily system.
What are acupressure points, and how do they relate to meridian therapy?
Acupressure points are located at specific areas along your meridian lines. Think of your body as one big map—meridian
lines are akin to roads, while acupressure points are their traffic lights. There are 12 primary roads (meridians) along
the map of your body, and 365 traffic lights (acupressure points) at various intersections. When energy is blocked, stagnant,
or imbalanced, you’re at higher risk for illness and disease. On the other hand, when it is balanced and fluidly
flowing, health is generally good. Energy healers use the map of the body with its meridians and acupressure points to
unblock stagnant life force energy (qi) within and restore balance in one’s body.
The cool thing is you can learn to heal yourself with specific exercises contained within the system of meridian
therapy. In many cases, energetic balance and disease prevention can happen by your own healing hands, within the comfort
of your own home. You have the healing power to restore health to your mind, body and spirit—all you need are the
proper tools and exercises to do so.
What is meridian therapy?
Meridian therapy is a form of healing that you can do yourself. Taken from the ancient healing system of TCM (Traditional
Chinese Medicine), meridian therapy consists of various exercises and techniques that stimulate, balance, and restore
life force energy (qi) which flows throughout your meridian lines and associated organs.
Meridian exercises combine controlled breathing with tapping, stretching, vibration, stretching, and various rotation
postures. When doing these exercises, it is important to breathe in and out with the intention of releasing tension and
place your conscious attention to the areas of the body that you are trying to help. Another form of meridian therapy
is meridian massage, or acupressure, which consists of applying pressure to certain acupuncture points throughout the
body to release blockages. These can be done on your own body by using your thumbs to press down or your thumbnails for
a stronger stimulation.
Meridian therapy is a truly holistic self-care approach to whole-body health and disease prevention. What’s
more is that there are very few side effects and/or risks involved with the techniques taught in meridian therapy. We
all have an innate healing power, and no one knows your body as well as you do. Believe in yourself to tap into this
healing capacity. Follow your energetic senses to guide you to give your meridians the right amount of stimulation for
the perfect amount of time.
How do meridian exercises benefit your health?
Meridian exercises have been developed in Asia over the course of 5,000 years. As you can imagine, they benefit your health
in many wonderful ways. Imagine opening each meridian line and getting the energy flowing freely within each one. Imagine
balancing the organs that correspond to each meridian, restoring their ability to function properly and do the work they
were designed to do. This is exactly what meridian exercises do. Utilizing various stretching and rotation postures,
acupressure work, self-massage, and vibrational techniques, meridian exercises restore and maintain health on all levels---mind,
body and spirit!
Some of the primary physical benefits of meridian therapy exercises include:
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Decreased stress levels
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More energy
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Less fatigue
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Improved bodily strength and flexibility
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Better blood circulation
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Enhanced digestive function
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Better spinal alignment
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Improved balance
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Healthier nervous system
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Better lung function (the large intestine meridian is intimately connected to the lungs)
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Smoother waste removal from the body
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Greater muscular function
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Alleviation of typical ailments like chronic headaches, cold, and flu bugs
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Expediency in performing everyday tasks
The primary mental benefits of meridian therapy exercises include:
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Improved memory
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Better concentration and focus
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A more calm and relaxed mind
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Letting go of negative thoughts
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Sounder sleep
Meridian therapy exercises can also target more serious issues like:
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Thyroid disorders
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High blood pressure
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Diabetes
A closer look at the large intestine meridian
This meridian begins by the outside corner of the index fingernail. It runs along the edge of the finger, to the elbow
and to the outside of the shoulder muscle. It continues to the outside of the shoulder muscle, then crosses the shoulder
blade and travels upward over the muscle at the side of the neck to the cheek, passing through the lower gums, then
over the top lip. The large intestine meridian ends beside the nostril.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the large intestine meridian corresponds to ‘organization and transport.’
It’s responsible for not only the digestion of nutrients, but also the digestion of life experiences. The more balanced energy is within this meridian, the better we’re going to be at processing both nutrients
and difficult emotions.
The large intestine meridian corresponds to the colon, which expels waste from the body. When the colon is working
properly, elimination is smooth and effortless. When qi energy becomes blocked within the large intestine meridian,
it won’t function to the best of its ability and cause issues like constipation or diarrhea. Specific meridian
therapy exercises for the large intestine meridian will need to be practiced to restore the energy in the colon for
proper functioning.
Large intestine meridian imbalances revealed
Do you experience sore throats, stuffed up sinuses, yellow-tinted eyes, toothaches, and/or chronic pain in the arm and shoulder
areas? These are signs that the large intestine meridian could be blocked. Some other symptoms are acne, eczema,
rosacea, or overall dryness.
Meridian therapy expert, Chungsuk, says “blocked or diminished qi within any meridian can negatively affect
our physical, emotional, spiritual, and even social health.” He adds, “whenever you’re suffering
from chronic constipation or sluggish digestion, you’ll want to take some time to meditate on your personal
relationships.” Often times, there’s blocked energy in both cases—within the body, and within a
particular relationship that needs healing and harmony.
The large intestine meridian and metal element
In ancient energy healing practices, the
organs are represented by one of five elements that coincide with nature—wood, fire, earth, metal, and
water. These elements represent the cycles and rhythms of nature to explain what happens in the human body.
The large intestine meridian corresponds to the element of metal, as does the lung meridian. Lungs release
metabolic and energetic waste through inhalations and exhalations, while the large intestine and digestive organs
detoxify the body of physical waste.
Going deeper than the physical body, meridian energies connect the body to consciousness. In other words,
metal energy of the large intestine meridian corresponds to matters that rely on the state of our consciousness
such as: money, prosperity, and self-protection. When the energy in this ‘organizer organ’ is balanced,
we practice discernment and discretion in our lives.
Clouded thoughts and behaviors
When the energy in the large intestine is unbalanced, our thought processes may become clouded. We might not practice
good judgment in areas of finance and interpersonal relations. We may be stubborn, resentful, and angry in
relationships. Decision making becomes impaired, as do organizational skills. The stuck energy in the large
intestine meridian further amplifies a kind of emotional holding pattern. In terms of financial matters,
we may hold onto money, hoard material items, and lose our desire to share our resources. As you can imagine,
this results in an overall negative vibe in other areas of our life.
Grief and the large intestine meridian
Because the large intestine meridian is linked to the metal element, it’s also intimately associated with the emotion
of grief. When we become to attached to this
heavy emotion, and fail to work through it in a healthy way, large intestine meridian energy often becomes
blocked and stagnant. Holding onto grief can make it impossible to let go and move on. We all experience
grief from time to time, and we all need to learn how to face it with grace and move through it to heal.
If we don’t, we may become stuck and ‘constipated’ in more ways than one. But with
the help of meridian therapy, we can release blockages in our emotions to take the load off and live
a lighter life!
Luckily, meridian therapy can lift the veil of negativity and help you release negative emotions
once and for all. Once you’ve balanced the energy within the large intestine meridian, life flows
much more fluidly, especially when it comes to money, relationships, clarity of thought, and digestive
functioning.
What are the best exercises to release negativity via large intestine meridian exercises?
According to our meridian therapy teacher Chungsuk, the two most effective exercises to release negativity and restore qi within the large intestine meridian are:
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Abdominal breathing massage
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Lower dahn-jon tapping
These two meridian therapy exercises are available to you whenever you’re grieving, feeling depressed, overcome by
negative thoughts and belief patterns, indecisive, or stuck in a relationship or other life situation that
needs to be released. Once you learn them, they’re both easy to practice anytime, anywhere. All you
need are your own two healing hands!
How to do abdominal breathing massage
To perform abdominal belly breathing massage, you’ll want to find a comfortable space somewhere to relax. Find a position
that makes you feel at ease. This could be sitting, standing, or lying down---as long as you’re
comfortable and relaxed.
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As soon as you’re situated, take a few deep breaths, then place your hands gently on your belly, with your fingers
forming a triangular shape over your navel center. The thumbs face inward to touch while the pointer
fingers point downward to touch. The triangle should cover the area from your navel to your pubic
bone.
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On a deep inhale, push your belly outward, as if your stomach is a balloon and you’re blowing it up with your breath.
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On a deep exhale, pull your tummy inward towards your back body.
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Now, you’re going to do several repetitions of this exercise, holding each inhalation and exhalation for 2-3 seconds.
As you do this, you may want to simultaneously tighten and then relax your rectal muscles. This action
helps gather additional warmth and energy.
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To get the full benefit from abdominal breathing massage, you’ll want to do this breathing repetition 100 times. As
you become more experienced, you can increase your abdominal breathing session to up to 300 breath
cycles.
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When you’ve finished the practice, take the time to take in what you’ve just experienced. This could mean simply
lying there completely relaxed for several minutes. In doing so, you’ll balance your energy
and feel the soothing and centering effects of the practice.
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While this is a relaxing exercise, it’s also stimulating in nature. Drink plenty of filtered water once you’ve
finished. Filtered water contains less harmful contaminants, and helps in digestion. Consider investing in a good water filter system like the iSpring RCC7, which comes with a 7 stage UV filter that removes chlorine and other harmful chemicals.
The more you do this practice, the more you’ll see positive changes and release negativity on many levels. Added benefits
include glowing skin, increased energy, and overall feelings of health and well being. Try to integrate
the abdominal breathing massage technique into your daily routine. Regularity is needed to experience
the myriad of benefits this form of energy healing offers.
How to do lower dahn-jon tapping
The energy center that rests in your abdominal center is known as the lower dahn-jon. Tapping the lower dahn-jon is the perfect
compliment to abdominal breathing massage in order to get the qi flowing freely throughout the large
intestine meridian. When these two exercises are practiced together, you’ll experience flexible
and well-toned intestines. What’s more, your circulation will improve, and your intestines will
become stronger, softer, and infinitely more supple.
To perform lower dahn-jon tapping, simply follow these step-by-step instructions:
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Stand tall with your feet directly beneath your shoulders. Your knees should be slightly bent. Roll your shoulders up and
down the back so that your neck is long and your shoulders, arms and spine supple and relaxed.
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Place your hands gently on your belly. With the hands open and relaxed, begin tapping the belly in a rhythmic motion. Gradually
increase the intensity of your tapping until the pressure becomes almost like a striking motion.
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Use your tummy muscles to resist the palms. This tones the abdominal muscles even further.
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When you first get started with lower dahn-jon tapping, you’ll want to repeat the tapping 100 times. After you’ve
practiced for a while, gradually increase the tapping to 300 repetitions as your abs grow stronger.
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When you’ve finished tapping, relax for several minutes to take in the benefits of the practice.
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Drink plenty of filtered water to help flush out any toxins that need to be released.
Self-healing via meridian therapy is in your own hands
As you can see, meridian therapy is a powerful healing modality that’s accessible to anyone and everyone. It’s
an inexpensive healing technique that once harnessed, has the power to impact your health and vitality
in truly amazing ways.
If you’re feeling stuck in an unhealthy relationship, make these exercises a regular part
of your daily health routine. If you’ve been constipated lately, and know for a fact your digestion
could use a boost, these exercises will no doubt get those digestive juices flowing. If you sense
you’re having a hard time processing your grieving emotions after the loss of a loved one or
perhaps after a traumatic breakup, these practices will help you move through the hard times.
If you feel
financially stuck, as if you’re having a hard time earning money and then sharing your
resources, the large intestine meridian exercises will help you get unstuck. If you’ve
been getting acne, or your skin has blemishes it’s never had before, turn to these practice
to push the toxins out and clear your skin for good.
Once you’re ready to dive into the wide world of energy healing, and meridian therapy
resonates with your head, your heart, and your soul, consider purchasing Ilchi Lee’s definitive
beginner’s guidebook
Meridian Exercise for Self Healing. It’s the perfect book with step-by-step
instructions combined with colorful photos to get you started.
If you’re looking to dive even deeper into the practice, you’ll want to
check out Chung Suk’s
Basic Meridian Therapy Online Course. This online video course will allow for
a truly comprehensive education in meridian therapy. Through 5 ½ hours of instruction,
this course will take you on a journey through each of the 12 primary energy body meridians.
You’ll learn which exercises benefit the lung meridian, heart meridian, kidney
meridian, and small and large intestine meridians. You can watch this course by becoming a
Premium Member of Change Your Energy.
With a bit of instruction, and a desire to heal, you’ll be a regular meridian
therapy practitioner in no time. All you need are the tools and techniques to carry out
the natural powers of your own healing hands, in tandem with your body’s innate
capacity for self-healing. You’ll save time, money, and stress by taking your health
into your own hands. Our meridian therapy teachers will show you exactly how to live
a healthy, happy life—on your own terms!
To tap into the power of meridian therapy,
become a member of Change Your Energy today!