Insomnia arises from an imbalance of Ki energy and blood circulation
throughout the body. The Ki and blood
accumulate in the head and press on the brain.
Vulnerability to insomnia is commonly the result of continual stress,
excessive worry, trauma or shock.
Insomnia can compromise the body’s immune system and invite further
ailments.
According to adherents of Eastern Medicine, the principle of Water Up,
Fire Down is the requisite condition for a healthy body, mind and spirit. When the body is not adequately rested or is
undergoing intense stress, Water Up, Fire Down is thwarted and the reverse
occurs: fire energy goes up toward the head and water energy travels down
toward the lower abdomen.
Some of the symptoms that may occur with this are redness in the face,
shoulder pain and pain in the middle of the chest along the Conception Vessel
(Im-maek), signaling a blockage of Ki energy in this area.
The recommended meditation and relaxation method in this section
emphasize relaxation and optimize the Water Up, Fire Down flow, which is
crucial in alleviating insomnia.
1. ENERGY MEDITATION:
Benefits: Helps to bring fire energy toward the lower abdomen for
further relaxation of the body and mind.
1) Sit in
a half-lotus position. Bring your palms
in front of your chest, facing each other about 3 inches apart. Focus on the space between the hands.
2) Move
your hands very slowly toward each other, without touching them together, and
then apart. Repeat several times. You may experience warmness or a magnetic
sensation between your hands. This is Ki
energy.
2. WHOLE BODY RELAXATION:
Benefits: Alleviates symptoms of heart disease, hypertension, insomnia
and headache.
1) Lie
comfortably on your back, feet shoulder width apart and arms 45 degrees from
the body. Close your eyes.
2) Inhale
slowly, deeply and comfortably. Exhale
slowly and release tension from the body.
Repeat 3 times.
3) As
your eyes remain closed, begin to imagine in your mind’s eye that you are
observing yourself with a clear focus.
You see all the parts of your body from the top of your head down to the
tips of your toes.
4) Continue
to imagine that your head is becoming more and more clear and cool.
5) Relax
your facial muscles and begin to form a gentle smile. With your mind’s eye, observe your smiling
face.
6) Relax
your neck and shoulders completely.
Imagine that stagnant energy is moving from your neck and shoulders out
through your fingertips.
7) Focus
on your chest. Feel your chest expand
with your breathing. Imagine your chest
feeling cool and comfortable.
8) With
your mind’s eye, observe your waist and abdominal area, thighs, knees, legs,
ankles and toes. As you continue to
focus on your breathing, feel the calm, relaxed sensation throughout your body.
9) As you
become increasingly relaxed, imagine your body becoming heavier and heavier
with each breath.
10) Continue
to breathe normally. Now, as you exhale,
feel your body begin to sink deeper into the earth as you become more and more
relaxed.
11) Imagine
a very special place of peace, tranquility and comfort just for you, provided
by the whole universe.
To learn more about Water Up, Fire Down for a better nights sleep, contact the EarthMind Wellness Center at 845.210.3143.