Meridian Exercises and Acupressure Points for High Blood Pressure

Enjoy these gentle exercises and breathing techniques that support heart health by helping to manage high blood pressure.

Taking care of our heart health is more important than ever, especially as high blood pressure, or hypertension, continues to impact so many lives. In Eastern medicine, hypertension is viewed as an imbalance of Ki energy, which can create tension and stress in the body. Through mindful breathing, relaxation, and meridian exercises, we can help calm and balance this energy to support heart health and reduce high blood pressure.

Here are some gentle, effective techniques from my book, Meridian Exercise for Self-Healing, that are designed to ease tension, promote circulation, and encourage overall wellness.

1. Whole Body Tapping

Whole Body Tapping is a simple but powerful way to release stagnant energy and increase blood and Ki circulation. For beginners, start by gently patting the body. Gradually increase the pressure as you become comfortable. This technique supports relaxation and may help release emotional tension, encouraging energy to flow freely.

2. Palm and Sole Breathing

This mindful practice can help ease tension and promote relaxation.

1. Sit with your feet flat on the floor and your arms relaxed at your sides.
2. Close your eyes and focus on the centers of your palms and soles.
3. Imagine a flow of Ki energy through these points as you breathe naturally for 15–20 minutes.

3. Deep Relaxation Breathing

Breathing exercises offer profound benefits for heart health and overall energy flow. Deep Relaxation Breathing invites you to lie comfortably and visualize your body transforming from a block of ice into a flowing stream. This practice enhances Ki and blood circulation, strengthens the immune system, and fosters a sense of deep relaxation.

1. Lie on your back with your feet shoulder-width apart and hands relaxed at your sides.
2. Imagine warmth melting away any tension, starting at your head and moving down your body.
3. Feel your breath grow deeper and slower as you focus on your heart and lower abdomen.

4. Strengthening the Heart Meridian Exercise

To directly stimulate and strengthen the heart, try Heart Meridian Exercises. Lying on your back with your knees raised and focusing on your lower abdomen while practicing abdominal breathing can help balance energy around the heart.

1. Lie on your back, bring your knees above your hips and flex your ankles 90 degrees. Place your hands on your lower abdomen, forming a triangle with your thumbs and index fingers.
2. Scan your body with your minds eye going from your face to your neck, chest, upper abdomen, shoulders, arms, lower abdomen, thighs, legs, toes, soles, knees, and again to thighs.
3. Breathe gently and visualize energy moving through the center of the soles of your feet to your abdomen with your inhale. Release any stagnant energy through the soles of your feet with your exhale.

5. Acupressure Points for Hypertension Relief

For those experiencing high blood pressure, acupressure can provide relief from tension. By applying gentle pressure to specific points, such as the Ki 1 (Yongchun) point on the sole of the foot, you may relieve discomfort and help relax the blood vessels. Regular practice of acupressure can support better circulation and reduce symptoms of hypertension.

Through these gentle exercises, we can work to release stagnant energy, improve circulation, and support a healthy heart. By fostering inner calm and balanced energy, we can create a foundation for long-lasting wellness. Give these techniques a try, and feel how small, mindful changes can bring more peace, joy, and vitality into life.

Note: If you have other health issues for which you would like to manage your energy, you can find specific exercises in Meridian Exercises for Self-Healing: Classified by Common Symptoms here.

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