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As the five transformations cycle through us, Fire extends above our bodies into the world and Water below our bodies to root in the ground. The internal transformations cycle through our torsos circulating qi and allowing our bodies to function. Fire extends above our torso into the head, which is a wonderful way for us to receive information from the world. Water extends below our torsos into our knees and legs.
When the Water element is dysfunctional, we may experience it as knee pain. If water qi doesn't descend properly, the knees can be in a state of deficiency. Or they may disconnect from the body and their motions become improper. Or the lack of flow causes the knees to lose lubrication which leads to problems. In all cases, part of the cure is helping the transformation of Water extend below itself and into the knees.
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How does one help the transformaton of water below itself and into the knees?
ReplyDeleteThe post was originally written in response to the question of why knee pain is always associated with the Kidneys in Chinese Medicine.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of home care, my best recommendation is to do basic qi gung exercises focusing entirely on your feet. When you exhale, focus on feeling your energy sink in the body. As your feet sink into the floor with every exhale, feel the floor pushing back into you. This is the transformation of metal descent into wood ascent. The moment of the transformation is water.
As you start to feel that moment, hold your breath after the exhale and wait until you feel your energy rising before you inhale. When you hold your breath after the inhale, you will feel the opposite and then your energy will sink back into your knees and the floor.
Gaining awareness of the energy flows can go a long way to helping the qi flow freely.