Immune-boosting energy balancing practices
With temperatures dropping, indoor crowds increasing, stress levels spiking, and viruses multiplying, now’s the time of year to pay special attention to the immune system. Below are a few of my go-to practices for keeping blood circulating, lymph moving, and energy flowing. If you have a favorite time-tested practice I would love to hear it!
Sinus Tapping
This exercise helps keep the sinuses clear and strong. Tap each point for twenty seconds while breathing deeply in through the nose, out through the mouth.
Using two fingers on each hand, tap on the brow right above the inner corners of the eyebrows.
Using the middle fingers, drop straight down from those brow points to a spot right under the cheekbones, and tap in an upwards motion.
Using the middle fingers, tap in the divots next to the nostrils.
Using both fists, tap vigorously in the center of the chest.
Shoulder Shrugs**
This exercise increases circulation, bringing warmth and space to the vital area between the shoulders, freeing up stuck energy and tension, and the forceful breath through the nose is said to boost lung capacity and the immune response.
If it's your first time, I recommend doing it while seated with a straight spine. First, inhale through the nose while bringing your shoulders high up towards your ears, then exhale through the nose forcefully while letting them drop down.
Start slowly and then speed up, keeping your breath coordinated with the movement. When moving quickly focus on the exhale, as if you're pumping out air with your shoulders. Repeat for as long as is comfortable, then finish with a few slow deep breaths. Notice warmth seeping in, stress slipping away, and a fresh burst of energy.
Shaking!**
Put on some music or just sing a song in your head and shake it out. Shake it off. Shake it up. Just shake everything, being mindful of what your body can handle. Get everything activated and flowing. Enjoy the movement!
**Always check in with your own body before starting a new practice, and don't do anything that doesn't feel right. We sometimes hold unexpressed emotions in our lungs, throats, and shoulders, so the shrugs and shakes might release some emotion. Be compassionate with yourself and take it slowly.
