Wolfgang doing the meridian yoga exercise arms over head for the small intestine meridian with watchpoints drawn in

Meridian Yoga Exercises

explained

Arms over head

To absorb, to separate the pure from the impure, to absorb and to transform are tasks of the small intestine meridian. With all the impressions that we take in from our environment, the small intestine meridian helps to distinguish what we need and what is unnecessary.

It separates what is useful from what is harmful to us. Thus, it receives the predigested solid and liquid food substances from the stomach, separates and absorbs the usable part for the spleen for further processing. The solid waste goes to the colon, and the impure liquids flow to the bladder.

It begins on the little finger and rises on the forearm close to the outer edge of the ulna. It passes the elbow and runs over the back of the upper arm behind the shoulder joint. From there it passes over the shoulder blade and connects - like all Yang meridians - with the handlebar vessel.

Exercise description

Attention! Do not do this exercise if you suffer from acute neck problems. Then do the alternative exercise for the small intestine - the needle.

Start the exercise in the four-foot stance. Then place your head on the floor with your forehead. Now interlace your fingers behind your body. Very carefully shift your weight forward by lifting your pelvis slightly off the floor.

Now raise your arms up to above your head. This stretches the small intestine meridian and strengthens your neck muscles.

Frequently asked questions

Does this exercise help with bowel problems?

This exercise also helps with intestinal problems. However, depending on the problem, other exercises are also needed. Possibly those for the large intestine meridian. In any case, the depth around conscious abdominal breathing is very important for all forms of intestinal problems.

Portrait of Wolfgang Stemer for my TCM Qi Gong Academy, Simply Live Better

Pro tip from Wolfgang

If this function of the small intestine is disturbed for any reason, it has a direct impact on our energy level. One then feels easily exhausted and listless.

Meridian yoga exercise for the small intestine: arms over the head

Most common errors

The exercise is done even though the neck does not feel good.

The pelvis is pushed too far forward, putting too much strain on the neck.

Training tips

If possible, always exercise in front of a mirror.

Record yourself with your smartphone and then check this video for errors.

Assistance

What can you do if the exercise is too difficult?

If you have problems with this exercise because you are tense in the neck or you have discomfort in that area, do the alternative exercise for the small intestine meridian - needle.