Kati doing the meridian yoga exercise Torso Twist for the liver meridian with drawn stretch line

Meridian Yoga Exercises

explained

Torso twist

The liver energy has a very important meaning in TCM. The liver is responsible for the storage of the blood, but also for the quality of the blood, in which it cleans it regularly. It is also responsible for the overall flow of Qi in the body. The liver energy reacts to stress and pressure with stagnation. This is then called liver qi stagnation in TCM. One of the most common diagnoses in people in industrialized countries, as we are very often faced with stress.

In this exercise, you may even feel the stress and pressure in your life on the inside of your thighs and legs as you get into the straddled position. You may find this exercise particularly difficult and feel stiff and immobile.

Ask yourself how stressed you are, how much pressure you have in your life right now. Are you living your full potential? This is also the responsibility of the liver energy. You may be able to find a connection between your life and the exercise.

Exercise description

The liver meridian runs up the inside of the legs to the costal arch. By bending one leg, you create a stretch in the stretched leg, exactly where the liver meridian runs. In addition, the rotation in the torso (torso twist) also causes the organ itself to compress and then relax.

This creates an effect similar to a massage and causes blockages to release even better. Especially if you inhale and exhale deeply and consciously while staying in the position. The diaphragm massages the liver with each breath.

Do this exercise regularly, also in between and also as a single exercise and observe how you feel after 1-2 minutes with this exercise. Has your stress level perhaps already dropped a bit?

Frequently asked questions

What can I do if I find it difficult to turn my upper body?

In this case, rotate your upper body only until you reach the limit of your mobility. Stay there for a few breaths and then return. The flexibility will improve over time.

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

Pro tip from Wolfgang

Do this exercise regularly, also in between and also as a single exercise and observe how you feel after 1-2 minutes with this exercise. Has your stress level perhaps already dropped a bit?

Meridian Yoga Exercise for the Liver: Torso Twist for the Liver

Most common errors

The straddled position of the legs is too narrow.

The head is not turned all the way back.

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?

This exercise requires a certain degree of mobility of the hip joints and strength in the thighs. If this is difficult, you can help yourself by going less low and thus bending the knees only a little.