Written for Front Porch Magazine- May 2020
As we move through this unprecedented time, most of us are having to deal with changes and challenges, as well as an upending of the way we function on a daily basis. For many of us, this can result in anxiety, worry, and stress, which is the reason I have chosen this month’s highlighted Meridian: Triple Warmer.
Triple Warmer (TW- also known as Triple Burner or Heater) is the Meridian in charge of our survival instinct. Meridians are energy pathways in the body usually related to an organ system, however TW is not directly related to any particular organ in the body. Instead, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it has the massive task of regulating our fight-flight-freeze response when we feel threatened or in danger. It also has much to do with chronic physical issues, such as allergies and autoimmune diseases, adrenal exhaustion, feelings of overwhelm and anxiety, and is the keeper of habits.
Because of the demands of society and our lifestyles (even before COVID-19), TW is often in an overactive state because it perceives dangers all around us. There might not be any saber-toothed tigers that TW needs to protect us from, but there are environmental challenges with pollution, excessive noise, electromagnetic energy, and lifestyles that are full of different stressors that we place on ourselves.
However, when we work with techniques that calm this meridian, TW can help us to feel safe, meet the demands of life, and even support us in ways that help us to thrive in all that we do. The following are just a few Eden Energy Medicine exercises that can calm TW and balance our stress response.
One easy way to “Harmonize TW” is to place one hand on your forehead and the other hand above your naval. Hold this for at least a minute and breathe.
Another way to balance TW is by tapping on what is called the TW “Gamut” Point. Place one hand over your heart area and tap on the back of your hand between your ring finger and little finger. Breathe deeply as you do this and tap for 10 taps, pause, take a deep breath and then tap about 30 more times. Repeat on the other side.
The Mellow Mudra is another good exercise to bring TW back into balance. Make an “OK” sign with both hands with the thumb covering the nail of your first finger. Place your thumbs on your temples and lay the rest of your fingers over your forehead. Chances are, you will feel a sense of calm after a few deep breathes holding this position.
Calming the TW Neurovascular Points can help to calm our stress response and help to bring a sense of joy into the energy of TW. Place your thumb, first and middle fingers in a cluster together (called a 3-finger notch). Put those fingers at the “V” at the bottom of your throat above your collarbone (you can use a flat hand if that is more comfortable). Then, place the other hand on the side of your face with your fingers flat at your temples. Take some deep breaths and then switch sides.
(Published in Front Porch Magazine- May 2020)
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