YOGA SHIATSU AND THE CHINESE FIVE ELEMENT CYCLE WORKSHOP SERIES - ANNA BLACKMORE

- Water: Emerging from Winter: Restoring and Replenishing Energy, Sun 5th April 2009 (2.00 pm to 4.00 pm):

The water element in Chinese medicine governs the Kidney and Bladder meridians, which are so named because their internal pathways pass through these organs, but their sphere of influence includes other areas of the of the body and mind including the mental capacity for will power and the emotion of fear. The surface meridians support the spine and the back of the body and are associated with the nervous system, and storing and replenishing the vital energy, known as chi (or prana in yoga).

In the five element cycle, Winter is the time of the water element when the energy withdraws to the core to keep the vital organs warm, and we go into a state of semi hibernation to conserve our resources. This allows time for contemplation and reflection. As winter ends we need to stretch out, as if after a longs nights sleep, to release the energy locked in the muscles as tension or stiffness and clear the channels to enable energy to flow freely again.

This workshop will include :
-postures and partner work to stretch these meridians and clear them of obstructions,
releasing the hamstrings, back muscles, spine and neck,
-acupressure points, mantra and breathing exercises to calm and focus the mind
restorative techniques to help replenish energy levels.

For more information: www.thelifecentre.co.uk