Stretch your Lung channel
Makko-ho are Japanese stretches and exercices, similar to yoga (from India’s Ayurvedic medicine) and Qi-Gong (one of the five branches of traditional Chinese medicine).
They are meant to stretch the energetic channels running along the body, the same channels that are used in acupuncture and TCM. Each channel has its own stretch with specific benefits.
Because Fall is associated with the Lung in TCM, let’s start with this one.
Start with both feet flat on the floor, hip distance appart.
Bring hands behind your back and interlace the thumbs, as if you wanted to create a hook or lock. Your index fingers point towards one another, their tips almost touching, while you other fingers are folded towards the palm of your hands.
Make sure your chest is open, your arms are away from your body, your shoulders are pushed back, your knees are slightly bent to prevent over extending.
Take a large inhale and exhale while bending forwards at the hips. Keep your back straight if you can, head down towards your feet or hand but without bending or forcing the neck. Your hands and index fingers are now pointing towards the sky (or ceiling!), as high as you can.
Feel the stretch in your shoulders, your chest, your arms. Relax the head.
Take five long inhale through your nose, exhaling slowly through the mouth. After the fifth exhale, inhale raising your upper body up slowly (avoid a head rush) and bring your hands down.
Switch sides : change the hook of your thumbs. Repeat for five breath.
Lay down on your back and take a few breaths. In this position, the Qi of the Lung is stimulated, boosting your immune system and resistance to pathogenic factors.
The benefits of Lung makko-ho include :
improving posture and reducing caved chests and hunchback problems by opening up the chest and pushing shoulders backwards
reducing intercostal muscle pain
promoting the ability of letting go (of toxic situations, relationships, emotions…)
a better ability to recognize boundaries, limits and personal space, ‘‘where the me ends and you start’’
helping with skin problems (eczema, psoriasis, acne…) ‘‘your skin is your third lung’’
helping with respiratory problems (asthma, bronchitis, shortness of breath, cough and respiratory allergies…) and other problems of the nose area such as sinusitis and rhinitis
boosting the immune system
halting defeatism and nostalgia
*Do not use this stretch as a substitute from medications and consult your doctor before trying if you have any concerns*
