6 BADDHA
KONASANA
Bound Angle PoseFrom Staff Pose, bend both knees, bring
the soles of your feet together, and allow
your knees to open out to the sides. If
your knees are above your hips, support
them by propping blocks or pillows
underneath each. Keeping your elbows
close to your body, hold your feet. If your
knees are close to the floor, the soles of
your feet may be able to open up toward
the ceiling. Keep your low back lifted by
pressing your sitting bones into the floor.
Keep your chest broad and reach up
through the top of your head. Stay for
5–10 breaths.1A REN 17Chest CentreOR
1B PERICARDIUM 6Inner Gate
Where to find them:Find the bottom tip
of your sternum and slowly move your
finger up; Ren 17 is on the centre of your
fourth intercostal space. Pericardium 6 is
on the medial aspect of your forearm,
between the two prominent tendons and
about three finger-widths distance from
your wrist crease.
BENEFITS:These are calming points that
settle the heart. By opening up the chest,
it helps alleviate anxiety or breathing
difficulties.2 SPLEEN 6
Three Yin Intersection
Where to find it:Spleen 6 is located about
4 fingers–width distance above the tip
of your medial malleolus (bony part of
your inner ankle), behind the tibia.
BENEFITS:Because this is a crossing point
of the Spleen, Kidney, and Liver, which
are three major organs in TCM that
govern the menstrual cycle and hormones,
working with Spleen 6 helps counteract
imbalances.3 LARGE INTESTINE 4
Joining Valley
Where to find it:Place a finger where
your thumb (first) and pointer finger
(second) metacarpals meet. Maintaining
contact with the area just inside your
second metacarpal, slide your finger
toward the knuckle, stopping about
halfway to find Large Intestine 4.
BENEFITS:Because this is a strong point
for moving Qi (vital energy), it can greatly
reduce pain, headaches, digestive
issues, and stress.1 A 1 B 2 3
60
april 2019yogajournal.com.auAcupressure Meditations
These acupressure points are some of the most common points I use in working with women’s health. They move
energy and blood and help relax the mind. Start in a comfortable seated position, sitting on blankets if needed. With
either your index or middle finger, apply light pressure as you make contact with the point. Then try to see how lightly
you can touch it while still maintaining a connection. Don’t push hard! Rather than using muscular force, it is better to
focus on sensing your subtle energy. Some people may feel a tingling sensation, be aware of luminosity, or hear a
slightly high-pitched tone. Once you find the point, hold for 3–5 minutes.