In Eastern Medicine, each of the vital organs is responsible for storing different emotions. Fear, for example, is stored in the kidneys and love (surprise, surprise) is stored in the heart. The kidneys, along with the adrenal glands sitting atop them, play a large role in the response to fear and secretion of hormones which engage our fight-or-flight response.
Our lives can be quite stressful, and managing the day-to-day stresses can sometimes create even more stress. Making it to yoga on time, getting to the gym to run it out and then home to make dinner, carving out even just an hour for your personal care while kids bang on the bathroom door or the dogs need to be walked—this can easily place more pressure on us than necessary. Funny isn’t it, that relieving stress can be stressful? But it’s true and it’s something we all have to navigate.
In addition to the mental strain, all this stress also takes a massive toll on our physical and energetic bodies. Trying to “just get through the day” and not addressing the stress we are experiencing is not doing our bodies or minds any good. These emotions are stored in the kidneys and leaving them there can manifest serious illness.
We can relieve the stored fear in our bodies, rebalance our hormones and better manage stress as it arises with an ancient energy exercise called Qigong meditation. Qigong is an ancient practice of aligning breath with movement and mindfulness. Awakening the ki energy (vital life force energy) through movement and breath is akin to hitting the “reset” button for your energy. This clears energetic blockages, balances your energy body and releases what is toxic, heavy or unnecessary within your body.
In order to change your energy you must first sense it, and Qigong is one powerful way to do that.
Qigong for Releasing Fear
There are multiple movements and poses in Qigong, but a wonderful and effective starting point is to align movement with breath.
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In a comfortable and quiet space, stand with your feet hip distance apart and begin to bounce softly on the balls of your feet (lifting your heels without touching the ground) as you inhale and exhale deeply and relax your body from head to toe.
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As you bounce and breathe, shake your hands gently down by your side and establish a simple rhythm between your breathing and this total body movement.
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Count to 30 as you bounce. This will help you focus your attention on the movement as you continue to inhale and exhale steadily.
This exercise is multi-faceted and there are many movements available to you in a traditional Qigong sequence. However, even just these three simple steps can greatly help you recenter and release fear and stress in the moment.
For the complete Qigong Rhythm and Movement exercise, watch this video (free with a CYE free membership). Through this video you will gain a deep understanding of the impact your breath and physical movement have on your energy and your mind. Afterwards, you may feel a slight tingling sensation or like your whole body is surging with energy.
Emotions, like fear, don't reside long in a conscious, connected and fluid energy body.
Empower yourself with natural healing like Qigong and see how your life, mood, relationships and energy level change!
Here are some great videos and courses to get started with if you’re new to Qigong or just want to add something new to your current practice:
Qigong for Balance and Energy
Deep Stretch with Hanwoori
Awaken Your Energy Body with Michelle
Core Yoga & Qigong with Adahae
To your radiant health!