As 2021 begins, one way to start the year off right is to adopt some new habits that can keep us healthy and resilient throughout the year. Eden Energy Medicine (EEM) is one natural way to do that. EEM works with simple techniques and exercises to balance the energies of the body for maximum health and wellbeing. This month’s topic is about the Wind Points and how to balance them using EEM techniques.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), “The Five Winds” or “The Five Devils” are outside forces, or raw energies, that can enter our body through something called the Wind Points. Just as a house may have cracks in windows or doors where the wind or cold can enter, our body has similar places where these forces can cause disruption in our energies and can ultimately be one of the reasons we develop illness.

Depending on the types of external energies or “Disruptive Forces” that enter through our Wind Points, we can experience a variety of symptoms including sudden chills, colds, fever, the flu, joint pain, and stomach aches and pains. We can also develop fatigue, mood swings, sudden anxiety or depression, and skin eruptions among other things. Our goal is to maintain them and keep them strong and resilient so that these energies do not have a place to enter the body.

There are ways that an EEM Practitioner can test the body to find any weaknesses in these Wind Points, but there is also a way for you to work with them yourself. You can simply hold or rub the area on the skin over the locations, and even better, trace figure eights on the skin over the points described below (some are also noted in the diagram). You can imagine that you are sealing them up as you work with each area, and you may notice that it feels pretty good to work with them.

The bone below the ear is one spot (both sides of the body), as well as some points behind the head where the neck and head meet. You can access these points by rubbing behind the ear (near the bottom) and along the entire occipital edge at the base of the skull. A point called the PowerPoint is another spot. This point is located in the middle of the back of the head at the top of the neck. If you like to wear scarves, you are also doing double duty by protecting these points on the neck from external energies entering your energy field.

Other points are located on the top of the head (a good reason to wear a hat in the winter), on the top of the shoulders, and in the middle of the base of the neck at the bottom of the cervical vertebrae. The entire Latissimus Dorsi muscle can also be a place where external energies can enter, along with the front, back, and sides of the knees.

The bottom of the feet and toes, as well as the inside of the hands and fingers can be other spots to work with. You may also want to rub or figure eight any scars on the body, as well.

(Originally published in Front Porch Magazine, January 2021)

There is no denying that we all are feeling some added stress these days, but hopefully we are also finding some ways to calm ourselves and relieve any anxiety that pops up. I find ways to cope using a few Eden Energy Medicine (EEM) techniques and thought that this would be a good month to share some of my favorite EEM techniques that help me to find a sense of calm in my life.

Taking Down the Flame is an exercise that can help ground us, relieve stress and anxiety, and is great to do before bed for a better night’s sleep. 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 them above your head so that your fingers and thumbs meet.   Bring them down to your head, touching your thumbs to the top of your head, and exhale. Inhale and bring your thumbs to the middle of your forehead, exhale. Inhale and bring your thumbs to your heart, exhale. Inhale and bring your thumbs to your naval, exhale. 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.

Heaven Rushing In helps us to tap into the bigger picture of the moment and find a sense of gratitude in our lives. Place your hands on your thighs and take a few deep breaths to ground yourself. Then on an inhale, raise your hands to your sides and over your head, touching your hands above it. On an exhale, bring them down to a prayer position in front of your chest. On the next deep breath, open them 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 a few times feeling a loving, peaceful energy in your heart area and throughout your entire body.

Calming the Triple Warmer Neurovascular Points helps relieve anxiety and worry and is one of my favorite go-to exercises for a quick reset. Place your thumb, first and middle fingers in a cluster together, called a 3-finger notch. Then put those fingers at the “V” at the bottom of your throat above your collarbone. If this feels funny, you can use a flat hand over this spot. 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. 

When we get overwhelmed, we lose blood from our brain which can make it hard to think straight. Holding points on your forehead, called the Main or Frontal Neurovascular Reflex Points can draw blood and oxygen back into your head so that you can find a sense of calm. You hold these points by placing your hand over your forehead. I like to hold these points with one hand and place my other hand over my heart, at the back of my head, or below the area under my belly button. Hold and breathe deeply for as long as it takes to feel calmer.

(Originally published in Front Porch Magazine, February 2021)

As we come to the last month of 2020, Lung Meridian closes out our year-long journey through the Meridians. It is a fitting Meridian to end on, as we breath out the old year and ready ourselves to breath in a new one (hopefully with brighter days ahead).

From a physical standpoint, our lungs are the chief part of the respiratory system and along with the  heart, help with the circulatory system including the distribution of oxygen throughout our body.  The Lung Meridian (LU) also governs the skin and sweat glands which means it plays a large role in the detoxification process. Our sinuses, nose, throat, and the ability to speak with a clear voice also owe it to the lung system for their proper function.

 Physical imbalances in LU can show up as a sore throat, shortness of breath, catching colds easily, overall tiredness, pain in the chest area, and even asthma. Emotionally, we can feel depressed, sad, anxious, and have feelings of grief. We can have trouble letting go of what we no longer need and lose faith in what is to come. LU imbalances can also lead to us cutting off and withdrawing from others and becoming detached from our greater purpose.

However, when LU is balanced, we are full of integrity, reverence, and awe. We are tender to ourselves and others, and we are inspired. Just as our lungs release what we no longer need in terms of respiration, we can release what we no longer need, and have faith in the bigger picture. Luckily, there are few techniques that The Eden Method offers to help balance LU, so we can achieve greater wellbeing.

 The Lung Source Point, LU 9, helps support the lung organs directly. Simply massage or press on this point and hold it as long as you like. It is located at the crease in your wrist right under the pad of the thumb (see diagram).

Together with the Large Intestine Meridian, LU helps make up what Traditional Chinese Medicine calls the Metal Element. To balance the Metal Element, and therefore LU, place one hand over your forehead and the other over the top of your head near where the baby soft used to be. Lightly hold these two areas together and take some deep breathes. This can help us to balance the emotional aspects of both of these meridians, which involves not being able to release that which we no longer need. 

Tracing a Meridian can infuse it with energy. To trace LU, start with a flat hand over the opposite side of the body over the lung area. Move your hand over your shoulder, down the inside of the arm and off of the thumb. Do this on both sides. You can also ‘flush’ a meridian for a deeper balancing technique by tracing it backwards one time and forward three times (see diagram for the Meridian pathway).

Working with the Lung Neurolymphatic Points helps to balance LU by releasing toxins associated with it. With pressure massage the points at the middle of your chest (see diagram).

(Originally published in Front Porch Magazine, December 2020)

Exercises to Balance Lung Meridian

As we near the end of our year-long journey through the Meridians, the season of Autumn is the perfect time to talk about Large Intestine Meridian. Just as the trees let go of their leaves this season, our Large Intestine Meridian (LI) is also about letting go and releasing that which we no longer need.

The Large Intestine organ has a huge role to play in the digestive process by storing, and then releasing and eliminating waste. It is also extremely important in the metabolism of water. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Lung and LI Meridians make up the Metal Element, and LI assists the lungs in controlling the skin’s pores and perspiration.

When LI is imbalanced, we can experience digestive issues, abdominal pain, and even issues with the mouth, teeth, nose and throat. Because LI is all about detoxifying and cleansing the body of things we do not need, skin issues can also be associated with an imbalance in this Meridian, as well as inflammation and a lack of energy.

LI is not only about releasing physical toxins from the body, though. When it is not working optimally, we can feel a toxicity in the mental, emotional and spiritual areas of our lives. Emotionally, we can feel depression, grief, irritability, discouragement, and a sense of emptiness. We can also act stubbornly, be dismissive toward others, feel a need to be right all the time, resist change, and feel a sense that we need to control and hold onto things that may not be healthy for us.

However, when we have a Balanced LI, we display a sense of integrity, can release what we no longer need, show a tenderness toward others, and have a sense of reverence and an awe for life. Luckily, there are some easy ways to balance LI energy using acupoints and Eden Energy Medicine techniques.  All of the following points are located on each side of your body, so be sure to work them both.

 The Large Intestine Source Point can not only balance LI to help with digestion, but also can help relieve pain, and calm a headache or sore throat. Please note however, that you DO NOT want to use this point if you are pregnant, as it has the potential to induce labor.  LI 4, or The Joining of the Valleys, is located in the webbing on the back of your hand where your thumb and index finger meet (see diagram). Massage it deeply as you work with it.

The LI Neurolymphatic Points are located on the outside of your thighs (see diagram). Massage these points up and down deeply to help with digestive health and release toxins from LI.            

Working with LI 11 at the elbow can help with digestion, releasing feelings that are no longer needed, and calm an upset stomach. Located at the crease of the elbow in line with your index finger, you can place a finger on it and massage it deeply or cross your arms and place your thumbs on the point on each arm to get the benefit of crossing your energies at the same time.

(Originally published in Front Porch Magazine, November 2020)

Exercises to Balance Large Intestine Meridian

Stomach Meridian, the next stop on our yearlong Meridian journey, plays an important digestive role in our lives, but also is an important part of our emotional well-being.  If you have ever had the feeling of knots in your stomach, you have felt the manifestation of stomach’s emotional aspect when imbalanced: worry.

The Stomach organ’s job is to digest foods and fluids and move them along the digestive tract. An imbalance in the organ or the Stomach Meridian (ST) can show up as a result of any type of reversal of the downward flow of digestion, such as acid reflux, hiccups, or vomiting. We can also feel discomfort such as bloating and cramping.

Just as the organ is responsible for digestion of food, ST is also responsible for the digestion and assimilation of ideas and the absorption of information. An imbalance in ST can result in excessive worry, and feelings of gloom and fear. We can also become stagnate and resist change, feel a sense of anxiety, and doubt ourselves.  

A balanced ST can help us honor and nurture ourselves, trust in the larger picture, feel a sense of healthy compassion for ourselves and others, and have feelings of openness, caring, and fairness. Luckily there are some ways to balance ST using Eden Energy Medicine techniques.

The Stomach Thump, or Grounding Thump, is one way to balance ST and can help us feel more grounded. Simply tap on your cheekbones with your fingertips. To ground even more and even help to alleviate nausea, instead of tapping, place your thumbs right below your cheekbones and press in and up with deep pressure.

Stomach 36 is an acupoint that can help balance ST energy. It can also help strengthen the immune system, alleviate digestive issues, and balance our overall energy. It is about four finger widths down from the bottom of your knee on the outside area of your shin bone. Work this point on both sides of the body by massaging it or simply holding it with a little bit of pressure.   

The Source Point of ST, Stomach 42, is another point that can be massaged or held. This point also helps to balance the organ itself and can help to send energy throughout the body. Work the point on both sides of the foot (see diagram for location).       

Working with the Neurolymphatic points (NL) of a meridian helps to release toxins from the energy system and balances the Meridian as well. To work with the ST NLs, deeply massage the points on the outside of your collarbone on both sides of the body (see diagram).

 ST is a part of the Earth Element and one way to balance the Meridian as well as the element itself is by doing a Neurovascular Hold. With light pressure place your thumbs on your cheekbones and the rest of your fingers above your eyebrows on your forehead. Hold this for a minute or two taking some deep breaths to balance the emotional response of worry that is related to the Earth Element (and ST too).

(Originally published in Front Porch Magazine, October 2020)           

Exercises to Try

As we continue our yearlong journey through the Meridians (energy pathways in the body), this month brings us to the Spleen Meridian. The Spleen Meridian (SP), according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, has a tremendous role to play in the area of metabolism. It not only metabolizes our food, but also helps to process our emotions, thoughts, and experiences.

The Spleen, as an energy system, is also associated with the Pancreas, and together these two organs help to breakdown food and worn out tissue, such as red blood cells. An imbalanced SP can lead to digestion issues, exhaustion, stress, and even chronic fatigue because of the role it plays in helping to keep our immune system functioning optimally. Emotionally, we can feel worry, have an inability to understand our experiences and recognize the good in them, and over-think things. We can also have trouble concentrating, be overly concerned with how others view us, and can have low self-esteem.

However, when we use techniques to balance SP (like the Eden Energy Medicine exercises listed below), we can feel a fairness toward ourselves and others, be open to our experiences and view them in a positive way, and are open to the possibilities ahead of us. In essence, we can experience compassion and joy toward ourselves and others when SP is balanced.

The Spleen Radiant Circuit Activation exercise can help to boost SP as well as an energy system associated with keeping us in a joy filled place. Place your thumb, first and middle fingers in a cluster together (called a 3-finger notch) at the center of your chest and with the other hand, place a three-finger notch on any side of your body toward the bottom of the ribcage, about four inches from the armpit. Hold these points and take deep breaths for as long as it feels good.

The Triple Warmer/ Spleen Hug can be done without anyone noticing, and can also calm us down, center us, and balance SP. Place your right hand on the left side of the rib cage, and the left hand on the other arm with the pinky finger at the tip of the elbow. Wrap your hand around the elbow and take three deep breaths. Switch sides and repeat.

The Spleen Thump can aid a healthy metabolism and is also part of the Eden Energy Medicine Daily Energy Routine (see my website for this routine). Simply, tap the areas located on both sides of your body at the base of your ribs (see diagram).

Working with the Source Point of Spleen can help balance the organ, as well as the Meridian. Rub or press on the point on your foot near your bunion area that is noted in the diagram above. Work this point on both feet. You can also place your hand around your foot and squeeze the sides of it, being sure to cover this point.

(Originally published in Front Porch Magazine, September 2020)
Exercises to Try

We are in the heat of summer, and that means that the Fire Element is in full swing. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Fire Element is associated with Summer, and also connected with the Heart Meridian. Meridians are energy pathways in our body and when we balance them, we can achieve emotional and physical well-being and good health. 

Heart is often called “The Emperor” in TCM because it rules over all of our organs. It is responsible for the circulation of blood, and is associated with laughter, enthusiasm, and love. When the Heart Meridian (HT) is out of balance, we can experience shortness of breath, palpitations, tiredness, cold sweats, and restless sleep or insomnia, among other things.  

Heart is also the ruler of our emotions. When we experience intense feelings, they go to HT and it sets the mood for the other organs in the body. An imbalance can find us feeling sad or depressed, anxious, or even experiencing erratic behavior. We can also become overwhelmed with pain or grief. However, a balanced HT offers us tranquility, optimism, a zest for life, joy, and love for ourselves and for others.

Working with the Heart Meridian’s Source Point is one way to balance it. Simply press on or massage HT 7, located on the palm side of the hand at the wrist crease, in line with the pinky finger. Balancing this point can aid with issues related to sleep, blood pressure, and help us feel more connected and less anxious. 

Tracing the pathway of Heart Meridian is another way to balance it. Place your right hand under your left armpit and trace straight down the inside of your arm in line with your little finger, and then off of your little finger. Do the same thing on the other side. I like to pull with pressure and twist my little fingers to really activate Heart energy.

Simply massaging your palms is another way to help balance HT and other meridians, as well. Sometimes, I will also hold my little finger with the opposite hand for a bit and then pull the energy off my little finger.

The Chest Stretch Protocol for the Heart helps to balance HT, as well as the organ itself. While sitting on the edge of a chair, place your palms over your kidneys on your back. On a deep breath in, lift your chest and try to pull your elbows together. Hold this pose for ten to fifteen seconds, and then release your breath. Repeat this a few times.

Placing one flat hand over your heart area and the other hand over the area beneath your belly button can also help balance HT. Breathe deeply for about two to five minutes, and you should feel calmer and more centered. You can also place one hand on your heart area and the other on the top of your head over what used to be your baby soft spot. Hold this for a few breaths and see if it doesn’t help to calm you as well. 

(originally published in Front Porch Magazine, August 2020)

Exercises to Balance Heart Meridian

Do you have a hard time making decisions or do you ever question decisions that you have already made? If so, working with the Small Intestine Meridian (SI) might be one way to make those decisions a little easier to make.

The Small Intestine organ is an important part of the digestive system and makes constant decisions about what nutrients the body needs and what should be separated and eliminated. An unhealthy Small Intestine can affect the decisions it makes, which can result in poor absorption of nutrients that are important for our health.

Just like the Small Intestine organ, the Small Intestine Meridian (Meridians are energy pathways in the body) is all about decision making. A balanced SI allows us to be decisive and discern what is important and what is not. However, an imbalanced SI can lead to panic or the inability to make decisions, feeling divided and pulled in many directions, irritability, and indecisiveness about our life’s direction. Physically, we can experience among other things cramping, bloating, poor circulation and digestion, weakness in the legs, and sore or stiff shoulders. Luckily, there are some ways to bring SI into balance using Eden Method techniques and Traditional Chinese Medicine wisdom.

The Small Intestine Meridian, along with a few other Meridians, is part of an element called the Fire Element. The Fire Element is associated with the season of Summer, so the following exercise is a great one to do throughout the season. Place your hand on your forehead being sure to cover the area above each of your eyebrows, and place your other hand on the back of your head directly behind your eyebrows. Breath into this a few times as you hold these two areas with a light touch.

Small Intestine Meridian runs on both sides of our body from our little finger, up our arm and neck and ends near the ear. You can massage or press on points along the meridian to balance them and the meridian itself. The eleventh point on Small Intestine (aptly called SI-11) is located in the middle of our shoulder blade (see graphic) and is an extremely powerful point that can clear mental congestion and bring awareness to what we want out of life. It can also help to relieve anxiety so that we can discover what is ours to do. 

Another point that can help balance SI energy is SI-4. It is located on the outside area near the wrist on the back of the hand in line with the pinky finger. This point is the Source Point for SI, which means that it directly helps the SI organ when you work with it. It is also indicated as a good point to work with if you have diabetes, tinnitus, or pain in the wrist. With any of these points, work them on both sides of the body, and please don’t get hung up on exact location. Just have the intention that you are on the point as you work with it. You can sometimes feel a soreness as you work with them and that is one way to tell you are in the right spot.

Working with our Neurolymphatic Points helps to release toxins from our body and can balance the associated Meridian. Deeply massage and rub the points underneath the ribs (see graphic) to work with the Small Intestine Meridian.

(Published in Front Porch Magazine- July 2020)

Exercises to Balance Small Intestine

Summer is upon us, and in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), that means the Fire Element is also in full swing. Triple Warmer Meridian is one of four meridians (energy pathways in the body) associated with the Fire Element, and while Triple Warmer protects us from our outside environment, his sister Pericardium or Circulation/Sex Meridian, (C/S) protects our inner world including our heart.

Sometimes called the “King’s Bodyguard,” the job of the C/S Meridian is to keep our heart safe, physically and emotionally. The pericardium is the area surrounding the heart, protecting it, and removing excess energy from it. It is associated with the hormones and chemical messages related to reproduction and relates to the muscular function of the heart and blood vessels.

Emotionally, an unbalanced C/S Meridian can make it hard for us to open our heart to others and can impact our experiences with intimacy and love. We can become overwhelmed with our choices and the demands placed on us, and neglect our desires and what our heart truly needs. When it is in balance, however, C/S prioritizes the joy of the heart, and we are true to ourselves. We can then make good decisions that support our heart’s needs, whether those decisions have to do with our relationship with others or ourselves. Self-acceptance, resilience, radiance, joy, and openness are all supported by a balanced C/S.

Taking Down the Flame is one exercise that can balance C/S, as well as the other Fire Element Meridians. Take a deep breath in and bring your fingers and thumbs together in a pyramid type position above your head. Rest your thumbs on the top of your head and exhale. Inhale and on an exhale, bring your thumbs to the middle of your forehead. Inhale and on the next exhale, bring your thumbs to your heart area. Inhale and on the exhale, bring your thumbs to your naval and flatten your hands. Inhale, and on the next exhale, sweep the energy down and off of your legs. If you really want to add even more balance to this exercise, you can exhale each time with the “Haaaaaa” sound.

The Source Point of C/S (C/S 7) balances energy within the Meridian but also supports the pericardium itself. I have even used this point to successfully stop hiccups. Working with C/S 7 can also help balance emotions related to a relationship and help you to access the heart’s joy and fun. It is directly in line with your middle finger where your wrist and hand meet. Simply press or massage it (see diagram).

C/S 6 (see diagram) can help to calm the heart and relieve any congestion associated with holding onto too many emotions and not expressing them. It is also commonly used to help relieve nausea, motion sickness, and headaches. It is located on the inside of the arm about three finger widths down from the wrist between the two tendons. Massage and press on this point for a few moments to balance the point and the meridian.

(Published in Front Porch Magazine- June 2020)

Exercises to Balance Pericardium

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)

Exercises to Balance Triple Warmer