An acupressure point to discover and let go of deeply held tension
Yesterday I attended a retreat organized around the theme of letting go. What a rich topic this is to explore! In Autumn nature effortlessly shows us how to let go. As we watch the trees lose their leaves and the flowers slowly dissolve back down into the earth, we’re offed an opportunity to investigate how the powerful, sometimes challenging concept of letting go affects us in body, mind, spirit, or soul. We may even discover where we are resisting this natural process within ourselves.
At yesterday’s retreat, the wonderful facilitator began by teaching an acupressure point for letting go of tension on a deep level: hegu, or Joining Valley. This point helps free up energy being held, perhaps unconsciously, as tension in the head, belly, neck, jaw, face, or arms. (Don’t use this point if you’re pregnant, it’s that powerful!) Massaging this point can help us discover and slowly release deeply held emotional tensions, too. It’s all connected, right?
To find hegu, press your index and thumb together, and notice the highest point of the bulge created. Once you find it, relax the fingers and press hard into that point. You may need to poke around a bit until you feel a sharp sensation. Breathe deeply and massage the point for two or three minutes. Allow it to carry you deep into your center. As John Kirkwood suggests in his seminal book The Way of the Five Elements, spend some time sitting quietly with this point.By doing so you will be “holding hands with yourself in a quiet, contemplative pose.” It can assist you in discovering long held, perhaps even unconscious patterns or habits of tension. Use your breath to softly let go of what no longer serves you, like a breeze gently releasing the leaves from the branches of the trees.
Class Schedule and Upcoming Workshops and Special Events:
Next Millbrook Library In-person/Zoom Qigong: Friday, October 24th, 10 - 11 am. This beginner-friendly class is open to all. Please register at millbrooklibrary.org. You will receive email reminders and the Zoom link and passcode, for those who require it, once you register.
Qigong for Autumn—In-person at Innisfree Garden, Millbrook, NY. Saturday, October 18, 1-2:30 PM. Join me for an all-levels practice in one of the most serene, inspiring gardens in Dutchess County! We’ll build the flexibility and energy to be healthy, relaxed, and prepared to flow through the season ahead! Register at innisfreegarden.org. (Rain date the following Saturday).
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Zoom Qigong Classes Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday at 9:30 am EST
