Following on from my blog yesterday, about Spring really starting to happen, here is a stretch which is really good for this time of year. It is a strong stretch so take it gently, listen to your body & only do what feels right. 

Shiatsu has six stretches that support the twelve meridians, lines of energy in the body. Each stretch supports a pair of meridians, this stretch relates to the wood energy, within the 5 elements, the form of diagnosis that Shiatsu uses. There can be a tightness within these meridians that can make you feel inflexible. You can feel like you are unclear of what direction to take, or that you are unable to adapt emotionally to situations. You may get headaches or eye issues. Stretching is really helpful. It can get the flow of energy moving thriugh the meridians & can help you feel fluid on thought & emotion too.

Here’s a photo of the stretch. 

It is possible to do this stretch with only one leg straight & the other folded up. Also if you can’t reach your foot, don’t worry just go as far as is comfortable. Hold the stretch for a couple of slow breathes then repeat on other side. Rotations of the shoulders, back twists & inner thigh stretches are also good for these meridians.