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Whether we are ready or not, the holiday season is upon us. That means seasonal parties, shopping, and outings may take up more of our time, and it can be easy to get off track both physically and emotionally. Eden Energy Medicine exercises can help us stay balanced throughout the month of December and help us stay on track in the new year. Try some of these techniques and see if they help you avoid any hiccups during the holiday season.

Crowds, gatherings, and even family can add to feelings of overwhelm and make us feel off center, and it is important to stay grounded to avoid getting off balance. The Grounding Thump is a quick way to get back on track, and can also help relieve any feelings of worry. Simply tap on your cheekbones while taking two to three deep breaths.

Taking Down the Flame can help us sleep better and lower blood pressure. Take a deep breath in and out with your hands on your thighs. On the next inhale, raise your hands on either side of your body and connect your fingers and thumbs above your head. Bring them down and touch the top of your head with your thumbs on an exhale. Inhale and bring your thumbs to the middle of your forehead, and exhale. As you continue this pattern of breathing, bring your thumbs to your heart, and then to your naval. On the next inhale, flatten your hands on your thighs and move them down your legs, and off your toes. Then trace your hands up the inside of your legs, finishing in the same spot you started.

Holding points on your forehead, called the Main Neurovasculars, can also help us find a sense of calm. Simply hold your hand over your forehead and breathe. You can also try holding the back of your head at the same time, either directly behind your eyes or further down where your neck and head meet. Be sure to breathe and hold this as long as you like.

It seems that December can often be a month of overindulging and as we partake in food and spirits, our body may have a tough time processing those things. To help your body metabolize, try the Spleen Tap. Tap or rub the points on each side of your ribcage at the base of your ribs to activate the Spleen Meridian.

Working your Ileocecal and Houston Valves can also help process what you take in and aid in digestion. Place both hands on your hip bones with your little fingers at the edges of them. With pressure, push in and drag your hands up about six or seven inches on a deep in-breath. Shake off your hands, and repeat this four more times. Finally, drag your thumbs downward from the waist to the hip bone.

Oftentimes amid all the holiday hub-bub, we forget that this is supposed to be a season of joy. Heaven Rushing In is one technique that can help us tap into the real reason for the season. Place your hands on your thighs and take a few deep breaths to ground yourself. Raise your hands to your sides and over your head, touching your hands above it, and then bring them down to a prayer position in front of your chest. On the next deep breath, open your hands wide to the sky above your head and stay there as long as you need to. When you are ready, bring your hands to your heart and breathe knowing that all is well and you have all that you need.

Happy Holidays!

(Published in Front Porch Magazine- Dec. 2017)