Wolfgang doing the meridian yoga exercise tree for the stomach meridian with watchpoint drawn in

Qi Gong exercises

explained

Tree

The stomach energy makes us feel hunger and appetite. The stomach does the pre-digestion of food before it is passed on to the small intestine. The stomach, together with the spleen energy, forms the earth element. This is a key element because an important part of our postnatal energy is formed here.

When this Meridians are out of balance, a wide variety of problems can result. The meridian runs across the front of the thigh, past the kneecap, goes underneath and from there runs down to the second toe.

Exercise description

Through the tree position you have the opportunity to strengthen your leg muscles. This also has a positive effect on the leg meridians. These include among others the Stomach- and the Spleen meridian. Furthermore, with this one-leg stand you train your balance. In the sense that the mind influences the body, we can also assume the reverse. A body that is in balance is the basis for a mind that is in balance.

In this exercise we take an important acupuncture point to help us. It is the St 36 Acupuncture point located on the outside of the lower leg, just below the kneecap. This point is a general strengthening point not only for digestion but for the whole body

For the exercise, stand on one leg and lift the other leg upwards. Grab the Ma 36 point with your fingers and hold it while staying in the position. You can feel if you are on the right point by circling your ankle. You will then feel a muscle moving under your fingers. This is the tibialis muscle.

Frequently asked questions

What can I do if I can't stand on one leg?

If you have problems with your balance, hold on to the back of a chair, for example, and stabilize yourself with it. At first, you hold on with your whole hand, but as time goes on, you only support yourself with one finger on the back of the chair. Do this until your balance gradually improves.

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

Pro tip from Wolfgang

Especially in this exercise it is important to breathe consciously and deeply into the abdomen and chest. Because we want to take in vital oxygen and fresh breath qi with every breath.

Meridian yoga exercise for the stomach: tree

Most common errors

The wrong point is pressed.

If the balance is bad, you should not struggle with it too much and support yourself somewhere.

Training tips

If possible, always exercise in front of a mirror.

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

Make it a habit to do this exercise first thing in the morning after you get up.

Assistance

What can you do if the exercise is too difficult?

If standing on one leg is not possible because of poor balance, you can support yourself. If, on the other hand, the exercise is not possible because standing on one leg causes pain in the knee or hip joint, you can also lift only the heels off the floor.