Wolfgang doing the meridian yoga exercise pigeon for the gallbladder meridian with stretch line drawn in

Meridian Yoga Exercises

explained

Pigeon

This exercise stretches a very specific area of the gallbladder meridian. This is the area of the hips and buttocks. Tension very often occurs here, which is then often referred to as sciatic pain.

If there are blockages on this meridian, it can actually cause painful problems in the area of the hips, buttocks but also the lower back. The pigeon is a wonderful exercise to solve or prevent this problem.

The position should be taken only if there are no problems in the knee area. If there is an injury to the menisci, arthritis in the knee joint, injury to the cruciate ligaments or other knee problems, it is advisable to use one of the other exercises for the gallbladder meridian. For this exercise, your knee joint must be mobile and healthy.

Exercise description

It's best to start from the quadruped position as shown. Bring one knee forward to your hands and then place your lower leg at a slight angle. Now slowly and carefully put the weight down.

Thereby, depending on the tension in this muscle area, a relatively intense stretching occurs in the area of the buttocks. This corresponds to the meridian course of the gall bladder. To be more comfortable in the position, you can lower the upper body and place the head on the hands.

In this position, breathe deeply in and out a few times. As you exhale, imagine how the tension gradually begins to "melt away". So the tension slowly but steadily dissolves.

Do not expect the tension to completely dissolve the first time. Patience is the order of the day in this area!

Frequently asked questions

Does this exercise help with gallbladder problems?

If you are suffering from gallbladder problems, it is important to check with a doctor. This exercise is also not intended to remove gallstones. This problem also belongs in professional hands.

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

Pro tip from Wolfgang

With each exhalation, you can release emotional burdens during this exercise. Especially the liver and the gall bladder are organs where negative and stressful emotions are stored.

Meridian yoga exercise for the gallbladder - meridian: dove

Most common errors

The position is taken, even when the knees hurt.

The bent knee should be outside the supporting hand.

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 this exercise is too difficult because of a knee or hip problem, you can try putting a pillow under your butt. This way you are higher in the position. If that doesn't help either, I recommend doing the alternative exercise "Angle" instead.