Techniques for yoga and CFS/ME

When working with CFS/ME each case is individual and the manifestations in each body will be different. I have been working through CFS for the past year and have figured out some fundamentals that help with the day to day, and would like to share these with you on a regular basis.

The first point of call for me is my centre. This is an easy and simple technique and reference point that just requires a few minutes to yourself in a quiet spot. Lie in whatever position you like, whether that is in Sivasana (flat on your back, or variations of), or child pose which can also be a nurturing posture. Begin with some slow deep breaths to start calming the mind from the ongoing chatter. Now on each out-breath, as the contours of the body draw inward, imagine everything moving towards your spine. Use the breath to find your pace and don’t just stick to the spine behind your belly, imagine it all, even the bit behind your mouth and jaw! I like to start at the base of my spine on the first part of the out-breath and then work my way up, thinking of each area as the breath comes to a close.

For me this is a useful technique to use first thing in the morning, when feeling overwhelmed or even before sleep. It calms the nervous system and brings you in control of your capabilities for whatever situation. Oh, and if you don’t have a quiet spot to practice in, try it wherever you need it. This is a great meditation practice!

March Spring Cleanse Workshops

In March Levity offered the Spring Cleanse Workshops in Leeds & Brighton. Thanks to those who attended and contributed towards 2 wonderful days of sharing practice.

Spring is the most potent season for cleansing and detoxification and associated with the Wood Element in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In the workshops we focused on rejuvenating and invigorating the Organs and Meridians (energy channels) of the Wood Element – the Liver and Gall Bladder – and the transformation of their negative emotional characteristics…Anger and Frustration to Acceptance and Kindness.

The Wood energy of Spring is an expression of life at its strongest. To balance the Yin nature of the gentle cleansing stretches and breathwork, we explored a variety of Tiger Qi Gong exercises. Tiger Energy is Yang – Expansive and Opening, Vigorous and Stimulating; embodying a surge of rising energy like the dandelion whose growing edge can burst through concrete if it must.

As the days become warmer and brighter, nature rouses from her winter slumber and looks ahead to the new growth of Spring. This is the season to plant seeds for a future harvest, to look ahead and make new plans, formulate new ideas, make decisions, and determine our direction for the coming year…and to take action. It enhances our ability to envision possibilities and weave dreams.

CONTENT…

Introduction
Energetic Qualities of Spring
The Wood Element + Organs & Meridian’s (Liver, Gall Bladder).
Qualities of the Liver and Gall Bladder – Physical: Cleansing, Filtration, Storage. Emotional – Anger, Kindness. Energetic – Visioning, Decision Making.
The nature of ‘intention’. Meditation for setting intentions for spring and the year ahead.
Colours – Green, 3rd chakra – yellow.
Sounds – Oh-Ah, ssssshhhhh (liver healing sound)

Yoga
Asana & Breath with softness and fluidity – exploring movement to open and support the Liver and Gall Bladder and Tendons and Ligaments. Moving from the fluid qualities of movement in the water element (winter) into the more grounding, stronger postures of the wood element. Focus on balance, applying the correct amount of ‘effort’, giving time for deeply held tension and resistance to dissolve, taking the body into deep stretches with an attitude of kindness and acceptance for all that the body reveals. Healing sounds used in the postures.
Yin yoga postures for the Liver and Gall Bladder Meridians.

Qi Gong
Cleansing, rejuvenating and energising the Liver/Gall Bladder organs + meridians.
Transformation of negative emotion – Anger and Frustration to Kindness and Compassion.
Yang Tiger Forms.

Meditations
Recapitulation of Life Force from binding past events involving Anger and Frustration.
Our colleague Gratia Churchill joined us to finish the day in Brighton with a wonderful Yoga Nidra.

SUMMER CLEANSING WORKSHOPS COMING SOON……