We’re building a new habit in our Qigong classes these days: beginning the class by massaging the Kidney I acupressure point, also known as “Bubbling Springs.” It’s located just inside and below the pad of the ball of the big toe. It’s where the energy of the earth--the sense of being grounded, centered, and in balance—rises upward, through the Yin channels of the legs. The massage effectively warms up, softens, and wakes up the feet’s proprioception and enables us to feel just how, exactly, we are standing on the earth. This is essential feedback for balance, both physical and emotional.
Physically, by building awareness and sensation in the soles of the feet, we can feel where our weight is (or isn’t) connecting into the ground. (Ideally, it should be distributed between 3 points: this point, the outer foot just below the last two toes, and the heel.) As circulation and flexibility returns to the foot we are massaging, we can then begin to move the big toe back and forth more freely, too. That toe acts like a foot pedal, directing and adjusting where our weight goes as we stand and walk.
In terms of emotional balance, being able to feel your feet on the ground is a powerful way to get centered and stabilized during stressful times. Stand. Breathe. Know you are here now, on the Earth, in the present moment. This really helps when life gets hectic or causes anxiety.
Try it now: Massage the strong, often stiff fascial tissue deep in the center of the front of the foot. Find a rhythm and pace that feels good and right to you. Spend at least two minutes per foot. When you replace your foot on the floor, it’ll feel different: wider, softer, more able to stabilize you when you stand. The more often you practice this self-massage, the stronger and steadier on your feet you will become. It’s the important first step that allows Yin energy to begin to flow upward, through the body. As we cultivate this energy of centeredness and stability, our entire nervous system gets more relaxed and grounded as well.
Class Schedule for September:
Next Millbrook Library In-person/Zoom Qigong: Friday, September 19, 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--Hotchkiss Library, Sharon CT: Saturday, October 4, 10:30 am-12 pm. Please contact the library to register for this free event (860) 364-5041
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Zoom Qigong Classes Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday at 9:30 am EST
