Ort für Gesundheit und Wohlbefinden, Claudia Oliveri

Winter

In Chinese medicine, the element of water corresponds to winter. Our bodies consist of approximately 78% water – the flow and movement of the various fluids within us, the pulsing of the different rhythms, all of this belongs to the element of water.

The organs associated with water are the kidneys and the bladder. The kidneys are the seat and basis of life energy. They are seen as the treasure house of vital essence. This refers in particular to our earliest beginnings, to the energy we receive from our ancestors. Lethargy indicates a lack of vital essence , which is expressed through inaccurate perception, unclear behavior, or pain in the lower abdomen. They are associated with an imbalance in the kidneys, which store vital essence. The kidneys also regulate the body's water balance. Every cell in the body is surrounded by water; the entire cell system is bathed in fluid. This makes it possible for excess substances to be collected and excreted in the form of urine. Once we become aware of the functions that depend on sufficient flow, we can no longer take the treasure trove of vital essence for granted. Enormous amounts of blood, approximately 57 liters per hour, flow through the kidneys, where it is purified and broken down into its nourishing components. If the blood does not flow through the kidneys as it should, this can result in symptoms such as hypertension (high blood pressure) or signs of poisoning that the body cannot cope with.

The bladder is attributed with similar properties to the kidneys; it is not seen as merely an excretory organ. It is linked to the function of the kidneys and helps to store vital essence. The bladder must store and excrete the body's liquid waste. Its adaptability is a key characteristic. A person who is prone to severe depression, who feels unable to cope with life and is afraid of change, is showing an imbalance in their bladder energy.

The feeling associated with water is fear; excessive fear damages the kidneys. Put simply, we can view fear as holding on —instead of letting go of the things that frighten us or moving on.

When energy flows properly, we experience life as the flow of a river; when it does not flow properly, we experience it as a nightmare, feel overwhelmed or flooded, and sink into despair.

Excerpts from:
From: Dianne Conelli, Traditional Acupuncture: The Law of Five Elements

 

Our vital cervical spine (C-spine):

• Almost all of the body's nerve pathways run through the neck to the brain with the highest priority.
• However, the neck is the thinnest and weakest part of the spine. In addition to the nerve pathways, there are also many fine muscles and vessels that can become tense and disrupted.
• If there is a disturbance in the cervical spine, this can affect the entire body. Therefore, it is particularly important to strengthen and harmonize the cervical spine.
• But even athletic people have little opportunity to train their necks.
• That is why we recommend this MQA neck exercise, which is performed while lying down.

Positive effects:

• Improved blood circulation to the brain
• Better sleep quality
• Better memory
• Helps with migraines/headaches, Tension in the head, neck, and shoulder area,
• Stroke prevention
• slowing down of aging processes,
• increased creativity and alertness,
• improves mental performance,
• improving quality of life,
• brings a lot of joy to life,
• and make new friends when you tell others about it.

Position:

• lying on the bed/mattress (or exercise mat on the floor)
• without a pillow (you can roll up a small towel to support your neck if necessary)
• Arms free, on both sides, e.g., hands next to the body, on the lap, above the head... Different positions have different effects; learn these and use them accordingly.

Execution:

• Roll your head to the left and right until your earlobe touches the mattress.
• Always try this slowly at first, then you can go faster.
• If you feel dizzy, you can take a break until it passes. Then you can continue.

For whom:

• A good daily exercise for you and your partner to help you fall asleep and get up in the morning.
• For your children, it improves concentration and creativity, leading to better school results.
• For your parents or grandparents: improved memory, steady hands, a more confident gait, and a new zest for life.
• For more interpersonal interaction: even on the phone, your friends, relatives, and acquaintances can learn the exercise. Feel free to share this MQA neck exercise as a Christmas gift and help others. You will receive amazing joy in return!