April Diagram

Originally Published in Front Porch Magazine, April 2017

We live in a society where anxiety seems to rule the day, but luckily there is a way out of the stressful loop that can easily become a regular part of our lives. Eden Energy Medicine (EEM) combines ancient Chinese techniques with other modalities and offers exercises to combat the everyday stressors that we encounter.

When we get overwhelmed, we lose blood from our brain which can make it hard to focus. Holding points on your forehead, called the Main or Frontal Neurovascular Reflex Points can draw blood and oxygen back into your head so that you can think clearly again. Placing your hand over the points right above each eyebrow does wonders to regain clarity and balance.

To train your brain to better respond to stressful situations, you can bring a worried thought to your mind while holding your hand over these points for about three to five minutes or until thinking about the thought brings you to a state of calm instead of anxiety. To get even more bang for your buck, place the palms of each hand on your cheekbones and your fingers over the Main Neurovascular points. You will be holding points that can calm feelings of worry, as well as stress.

Another combination is to place your hand across your forehead covering those Main Neurovascular points and place your other hand on the back of your head directly behind your eyes. This “hook-up” helps with any thoughts of fear, as well as anxiety.

Triple Warmer Meridian governs our flight, freeze, and fight response, and is often the underlying cause of stress related issues. Meridians are energy pathways in the body which were mapped out thousands of years ago by the Chinese. When stress and anxiety show up, it is almost always related to an imbalance in our Triple Warmer Meridian.

This meridian supports our ability to handle the demands of life, and bringing it into balance can create a sense of safety and calm. Luckily, there are quite a few EEM techniques that can help. One, the Triple Warmer Smoothie not only calms anxiety, but can also work with hot flashes experienced during menopause.

Rest your face in your hands with your palms at your chin, fingers at your temples and take two breaths. As you breathe in deeply lift your fingers a few inches above the ears. On an exhale, circle behind your ears and press down the sides of your neck to your shoulders. As you hang your hands on your shoulders, press in and breath for two breaths. Finally, drag your hands down to cover your heart and take a deep breath.

Sometimes we need a little something in the moment, and the following exercises can be done ‘under the radar’ without anyone knowing what you are doing. The Triple Warmer/ Spleen Hug is done by placing your right hand on the left side of the rib cage, and the left hand on the other arm with the pinky finger at the tip of the elbow. Wrap your hand around the elbow and take three deep breaths. Switch sides and repeat.

Whatever technique you use, know that you are not alone. All of us are presented with opportunities for stress daily, but with these simple exercises, hopefully we react to those stressors in a healthier way.