If you are just a little bit like me you’re thoroughly enjoying Christmas and all it has to offer – time off, family and plenty of good food.
I am home in the wee hills of my childhood hometown in Thüringen, Germany to spent Christmas with my family. And every year anew I ignore better judgement, blow caution to the wind and enjoy all those favourite childhood foods. Those of you who have lived abroad will relate I’m sure and know there is a taste called ‘home’, and even more so around Christmas.
That all said, there are almost no regrets here and surely there must be ways of enjoying Christmas guilt-free and avoid that post-indulgence lethargy. How do we help body and spirit alike?
A brisk walk in the fresh morning air will clear the cob webs and super charge your Yang energy. Once you get out of the house that is, I promise. Gowan, you know you want to.
Walking makes us feel awake and refreshes the spirit. We are built for movement and walking in particular moves stagnant energy in Gallbladder and Liver meridians. It activates the sides of our bodies, our hips and tendons. Walking moves our muscles and drives more oxiginated blood through our veins. In Shiatsu terms this benefits the Spleen and our digestion. Taking in the fresh air and releasing the old benefits Lung and Large Intestine meridians, our chest opens up to make space for more and we feel fully alive in no time.
Make sure to wrap up if its frosty and wear good supportive shoes. A half an hour to an hour is all it needs to shift the heavy sluggishness and to take in some of the beauty around.
Help your body with some Acupressure Points
When you are nestled back onto your couch keep your hands busy with some acupressure points (and away from all the temptations).
Large Intestine 4* for foodie hangovers
Looking at the back of your hand, place your other thumb at the webbing between your thumb and index finger. Firmly press into the webbing and towards to index finger. You’ll feel it when you have it. Large Intestine 4 can relieve headaches due to overindul-ging.
Spleen 6* for digestion and relaxation
Spleen 6 improves our digestion and is beautifully relaxing.
Locate it about 4 finger width above the inner ankle bone. Press gently, you will feel it and connect with your KI. Work on both sides.
If you can get somebody to hold this point for you …
Stomach 36 for overall wellbeing and digestion
Stomach 36 is one of the most widely used points and it is good for all things digestion or indigestion as the case may be. It energises you and boost your immune system. It’s English name is Leg Three Mile so it may also help with your wee walk.
Points marked * are contraindicated for pregnancy.
Enjoy the rest of your Christmas days. Head out for your wee walks and let me know how you get on with these points. I’ll be back in my treatment room on Sunday, December 29th and are looking forward to seeing some of you there.
Lot’s of Love from a frosty Germany.
Cindy