Sense Greater Peace – Sue Dawson

Hi,

Thank you for being here.

During the Sessions, we worked on subtle energies within your asana, my focus for you was to work with the season of Autumn, the shedding the leaves (the outdated STUFF, thoughts, blockages, emotions, baggage) and making space for the energy to flow freely through your body and energy fields. This was all done subtly and with intention, by the words I was offering you through the practice.

The Autumn, is linked with metal in Traditional Chinese Medicine with is linked to the lung and large intestine meridians,

The lung meridian is deeply associated with the process of release and renewal, which aligns beautifully with the essence of autumn—

the season of letting go. Here are some key insights and tips on how engaging the lung meridian can support emotional shedding, release, and nurturing:

Lung Meridian

  •Role in Emotional Balance: In traditional Chinese medicine, the lungs are linked to emotions of grief and sadness. Working with the lung meridian can help facilitate the release of pent-up emotions, making space for renewal and nurturing self-compassion.

  • Pathway: The lung meridian runs from the chest, through the inside of the arm, and down to the thumb. Its activation can bring a sense of openness and clarity to both the physical and emotional body.

Lung

The lung meridian is integral in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for governing breath, energy flow (Qi), and the regulation of the body’s protective functions. It represents both the intake of fresh energy and the release of waste, much like its partner meridian, the large intestine. Here’s what it looks like when the lung meridian is in balance or out of balance:

When the Lung Meridian is Balanced:

•Physical Signs: Healthy respiratory function, clear skin, and a robust immune system. The body responds well to external changes (e.g., weather).

•Emotional Signs: A sense of calm, emotional resilience, and the capacity to handle grief or sadness in a healthy way. A balanced lung meridian fosters a sense of inspiration, connection, and openness to life.

•Mental State: Enhanced focus, clarity, and a positive outlook. There’s a sense of hope and the ability to take deep, nourishing breaths, symbolising the intake of new possibilities

•Energy Levels: Sustained and even energy, as the lungs help distribute Qi throughout the body.

When the Lung Meridian is Out of Balance:

•Physical Symptoms: Issues like chronic cough, shortness of breath, asthma, frequent colds, or respiratory infections. The skin may become dry or develop rashes and other sensitivities.

•Emotional Signs: Prolonged grief, sadness, or a sense of being ‘weighed down.’ There may be difficulty in expressing emotions or an overwhelming sense of isolation and disconnection from others.

•Mental State: Lack of focus, feelings of pessimism, or being uninspired. An imbalanced lung meridian can lead to an inability to embrace life or to let go of deep-seated sadness.

•Energy Levels: Fatigue, low energy, or a sense of heaviness in the body, affecting overall vitality.

Holistic Support for the Lung Meridian:

Balancing the lung meridian involves practices that support breath and emotional release.

Breathing exercises (like diaphragmatic breathing or pranayama), movement practices such as yoga flows and yin, that open the chest and focus on deep breathing, and qigong movements that encourage lung energy are highly beneficial. Embracing grief in a gentle way, such as through mindfulness, journaling, or speaking with a trusted confidant, helps foster emotional balance.

Dietary support can include foods that moisturise and nourish the lungs, such as pears, apples, white radishes, and white fungi. Maintaining good hydration also plays a crucial role in keeping the lungs and skin healthy.

Balancing the lung meridian supports emotional release and the intake of new, revitalising energy, reinforcing a sense of openness and harmony with life’s cyclical nature. 

Somatic Experience of Outstretched Arms

  •Symbolism of Openness and Release: Extending the arms outward is an inherently vulnerable and liberating gesture. It symbolizes an invitation to release held tension and emotional weight. When we stretch our arms wide, we create a physical and emotional opening that mirrors the action of letting go.

  •Breath Connection: The expansion of the chest with outstretched arms enhances lung capacity, allowing for fuller, more nourishing breaths. This action encourages deeper exhalation, which aids in the release of stale energy and emotions, making space for renewal.

•Sensory Impact: When we spread our arms, it can evoke a feeling of expansion, as if the heart and lungs are opening to the world. This posture fosters a somatic experience of empowerment, freedom, and the shedding of emotional burdens.

Integrating Lung Meridian Practices for Emotional Release

  1.  Arm-Opening Movements: Movements that stretch the arms, such as wide-arm circles, crescent lunge or crescent moon poses, or simply holding arms out in a T-position, stimulate the lung meridian. There are many moves so get creative.

These movements encourage emotional release and help clear the energy associated with grief or stagnation.

2.  Breath Work with Arm Movements: Pairing deep breathing with arm movements can deepen the somatic experience:

  •   Inhale: Sweep the arms outward and up, expanding the chest.

•   Exhale: Slowly lower the arms while focusing on releasing tension from the body and mind.

 3. Hugging Gesture:Move from wide open arms into a gentle self-hug. This motion creates a sense of nurturing and reassurance after release, reinforcing the cycle of letting go and embracing oneself.

Emotional and Physical Benefits

  •  Release of Emotional Weight: Regularly working with the lung meridian helps shed emotional baggage, similar to trees releasing their leaves in autumn. This creates a space for new growth, nurturing emotional resilience.

 •  Sense of Nurturing: The expansive and releasing nature of lung-focused movements not only promotes emotional shedding but also supports a nurturing connection to the self. The arms’ openness can feel like an embrace of life and self-compassion.

•  Enhanced Breathing: Full, mindful breaths support the lung’s physiological and energetic function, promoting vitality and helping reduce anxiety or stress.

Reflective Practice

 Reflect on the feeling of extending your arms wide during a practice. Notice:

•  The sensation in your chest and heart area.

•  The emotional response: Does it bring a feeling of openness, vulnerability, or release?

•  The breath: How does your breath change when the arms are wide versus when they come back into a self-hug or resting position?

 1. Daily Gentle Arm Stretches

• Morning Routine: Begin the day with gentle arm stretches. Stand or sit comfortably, take a deep breath in, and reach the arms out to the sides and overhead. Hold for a moment and slowly exhale while lowering the arms. This practice awakens the body and invites a sense of openness, setting a positive tone for the day.

• Shoulder Rolls: Incorporate backward and forward shoulder rolls to release tension and stimulate the upper chest and lung meridian.

2. Self-Hug for Comfort

• Midday Check-In: If feeling overwhelmed or anxious, take a moment to give yourself a gentle hug. Cross the arms over the chest, placing hands on the shoulders. Close your eyes and take 3-5 deep breaths. This gesture promotes self-soothing and reassures the body, reinforcing nurturing and self-compassion.

3. Lung Meridian Massage

• Acupressure Point Stimulation: Gently press and massage the Lung 1 (Zhongfu) point, located on the chest slightly below the collarbone. This helps clear lung congestion (physical or emotional) and can aid in the process of letting go.

• Forearm Stretch: To activate the lung meridian pathway, extend one arm out in front and gently pull back the fingers with the opposite hand, creating a light stretch along the inner arm.

4. Mindful Breathing with Visualisation

• Breath and Light Practice: Spend a few minutes in a comfortable seated position. On each inhale, imagine drawing in fresh, clear air that fills the lungs and energises the body. On the exhale, visualise releasing any emotional heaviness or tension as dark smoke or leaves being carried away by the wind. This practice reinforces the cycle of receiving and releasing.

• Evening Reflection: Before bed, practice slow, deep breathing to calm the nervous system and clear the mind. Place a hand on your chest and visualise the lungs expanding like wings, symbolising freedom and emotional release.

5. Nature Walks and Outdoor Breathing

• Connect with Autumn Air: Take a walk outdoors and focus on the breath as you move, taking in the crisp, fresh air. The experience of breathing deeply while surrounded by nature enhances the lung meridian’s energy and supports emotional grounding.

• Intentional Pauses: During the walk, stop for a moment, stretch your arms wide, and take a few deep breaths while observing the changing leaves. This simple act connects you to the seasonal energy of letting go.

6. Hydration with Warm Teas

• Lung-Nourishing Herbal Teas: Sip on warm teas made with herbs like ginger, licorice root, or white tea. These ingredients can help keep the lungs warm and supported, which is especially beneficial during colder autumn months.

• Mindful Tea Ritual: Take a moment each day to savour a cup of tea with mindful breaths, letting the warmth of the tea spread through your chest and create a sense of comfort.

7. Journaling Prompts for Emotional Release

• Reflective Writing: At the end of the day, jot down three things you felt grateful for and one thing you’re ready to release. This process helps solidify the intention of letting go and promotes emotional balance.

• Symbolic Writing: Write down any worries or burdens and, if comfortable, tear up or safely burn the paper as a symbolic act of emotional shedding.

8. Body Awareness Practice

• Midday or Evening Scan: Lie down or sit comfortably and do a brief body scan. Pay particular attention to the chest and arms. Acknowledge any tightness or openness and send your breath into those areas, releasing tension on each exhale.

thank you for being here, and I wish you a peaceful Journey into releasing and evolving

The large intestine meridian

plays a vital role in the body’s processes of elimination and letting go—both physically and emotionally. When balanced, it promotes vitality, a healthy flow of energy, and emotional well-being. Here’s how imbalances and balance manifest:

When the Large Intestine Meridian is Balanced

•Physical Signs: Regular and healthy bowel movements, clear skin, and a strong immune response.

•Emotional Signs: The ability to let go of negative emotions, past grievances, or outdated beliefs, fostering an overall sense of freedom and lightness.

•Mental State: Clarity of thought, decisiveness, and adaptability in facing life’s challenges.

•Energy Levels: Steady energy throughout the day and a harmonious sense of physical and emotional resilience.

When the Large Intestine Meridian is Out of Balance:

•Physical Symptoms: Issues like constipation, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, bloating, and skin problems (e.g., eczema or acne). A weakened immune system may also be a concern.

•Emotional Signs: Difficulty letting go of grudges, feeling emotionally ‘stuck’, or experiencing grief and sadness that lingers. This can lead to irritability or emotional numbness.

•Mental State: Rigid thinking, perfectionism, or an inability to adapt to change. There may be a sense of overwhelm or feeling burdened by minor issues.

•Energy Levels: Fluctuations in energy, often manifesting as fatigue or a heavy, lethargic feeling.

Holistic Support for the Large Intestine Meridian:

To balance this meridian, practices like breath work, gentle movement (e.g., qigong or yoga flows focused on twisting and stretching the torso), and dietary adjustments that promote regular digestion can be beneficial. Emotionally, mindful journaling or practices focusing on release, such as forgiveness meditations, may help shift energy and restore equilibrium.

Integrating these practices nurtures a sense of renewal and connection, aligning with the natural cycles of holding on and letting go—an essential process for both physical and emotional health.

Last word & Discounts

I would love to see you at Yoga, Yin or Sound Bath soon where practices go beyond to deeper levels of working with the subtle energies and intention, Schedule

or if you would like your own bespoke session or bespoke treatment please get in touch for your £20 discount for your first private session,. examples- Thai Massage, Thai with Sound Bowls, Thai and Acupressure, Tuning Fork Healing, Restorative Yoga for healing with Hot Stones and Reiki) please check out page link below, sessions are bespoke so we would create your perfect treatment.

Your body holds your stories, blockages, traumas, thoughts etc and I can help by showing you how you can releasing them through movement, touch, sound and neuro cognitive work. I have built up a practice over 34 years working with the links between mind, body and spirit and would love to help you.

Sue Bespoke Treatments / Sessions ideas £20 off your first bespoke treatment

To make a booking or discuss, plan a therapy session

Sami for Hope Holistic Therapy would like to offer you 10% off your first Aromatherapy Treatment please contact Sami Direct

Please contact Hazel at The Verve Clinic for 10% off your first appointment

Thank you

Have the best day

Sue xx

Meditations were for your day. please check out Insight Timer for more meditations from Sue Dawson