From a western medicine perspective, proper circulation is key for maintaining optimal health. It ensures that blood and oxygen continuously flow throughout the body, allowing every organ to function properly. It helps to heal wounds faster, it keeps your brain sharp, it keeps your heart healthy, and it even gives your complexion a natural flush. The circulatory system also helps your body get rid of waste products and boosts your immune system. Some general recommendations from our doctors might include:

• Increase cardiovascular exercise

• Drink black or green tea

• If you are anemic, take iron supplements or eat iron-rich food

• Dry brush your body

• Decrease stress

• Include more omega-3 fatty acids

• Wear compression socks and elevate your legs

And, while all of that is great advice, with a little help from Eastern medicine, we can have an even more well-rounded perspective.

The type of stretching generally done in qigong is known as meridian stretching. In this type of stretching, we are focused on the energetic meridian system that is outlined in Chinese medicine to help to move energy through specific energetic pathways related to the organs and central channel. When meridians are blocked you can feel tired, sluggish and even emotional.

When doing this kind of stretching, it is important to move slowly and smoothly, because we are trying to unblock energy and get it to move. Coordinating the breath with this movement is also important as the breath is one of our primary sources of energy and is contributive to getting energy to flow more easily when we stretch.

Benefits:

• Feel refreshed and invigorated

• Feel more open

• Feel calmer