Why This is Important All physical and emotional states depend
on a well functioning and rejuvenated brain. The blood flow to
our brain brings oxygen, nutrients, hormones, antibodies and as
it leaves removes toxins and waste products of cell metabolism.
Sufficient blood flow to our brain is essential for 1. Good
memory 2. Clarity of thought 3. Freedom from headaches 4.
Overcoming psychosomatic illnesses 5. Getting free from negative
emotions 6. Greater concentration 7. Hormonal Balance 8. A
relaxed nervous system 9. A stronger immune system 10. More
energy and vitality
Most people do not have enough clean oxygenated blood flowing
into their brains because: 1. They have low blood pressure. 2.
They have tense - contracted arteries. 3. Their arteries are
clogged with waste products. 4. They do not breathe deeply and
completely enough. 5. They are standing or sitting many hours
and blood flow down into the legs (also creating problems such
as varicose veins) 6. They hunch over and do not sit or stand
straight so that the blood can flow freely.
The following exercise, which we call the half-shoulder stand,
is an excellent way to replenish the brain with blood, oxygen
and nutrients while also cleaning up the veins of the legs.
Persons with high blood pressure of detached retina or other
serious eye problems should consult their doctor before
performing it.
HALF-SHOULDER STAND
Place a mat close to the wall and lie down on your back with
your buttocks very close to the wall and your legs resting up on
the wall. If you like, you can place a large pillow underneath
your buttocks so as to create a greater incline (this will also
make it more comfortable for the lower back). Make sure that
your back, shoulders and neck are in a comfortable position. (If
you have high blood pressure, you may find this position a
little difficult in the beginning as you will feel the pressure
in your head. You should check with your doctor to see if he
agrees for you to do it). Now there are four stages to this
exercise:
a) While lying in this position, inhale slowly while raising
your arms up over your head until they rest on the floor behind
your head. Hold your breath in this position for a few seconds
and then lower your hands back by your side as you exhale. This
movement may be practiced in harmony with the breath from five
to ten times at the rhythm, which you feel most comfortable. A
good rhythm is to have an equal inhalation, retention and
exhalation. Thus one could inhale for a count of three, hold for
three, and exhale for three.
b) In the next stage, you take a deep inhalation and then turn
your head to the right while keeping the head in contact with
the mat and holding your breath. Hold your breath for a few
seconds and then exhale returning the head to the center again.
Then take another deep inhalation and turn your head to the
left, hold a few seconds and return it to the center exhaling.
This exercise too may be practiced with the breathing ratio
inhaling for three, holding for three, and exhaling for three.
One should always breathe as slowly and deeply as one can,
without forcing the breath.
c) In the third stage we simply breathe slowly and deeply with
concentration on the inhalation and exhalation. Never force the
breath, but breathe as slowly and deeply as comfortably
possible. On every exhalation allow the neck, shoulders and eyes
relax. Take from 5 to 20 such deep breaths according to your
capacity. The breath is more effective when it is rhythmic with
the ratio of breathing in which the inhalation, retention and
exhalation are of equal length.
d) In the final stage we simply remain in this position with the
legs up on the wall and allow our shoulders, neck and head to
relax as much as possible. Special attention should be given to
the area of the eyes and the center of the forehead. If there is
tension in the eyes, we can place the palms over the eyes in a
gentle manner and allow the peaceful energy of the hands to flow
into and relax the eyes and the forehead. The palms can be left
in this position for as long as ten minutes if we have the
inclination and time. We can also relax in this position with or
without the hands in this position for as long as we feel
comfortable.
Benefits: It is obvious that this exercise helps to bring blood
to the head, shoulders, neck and eyes. The twisting of the neck
from side to side opens up the neck and stimulates the thyroid
glands. This is a wonderful position to relax in and is as good
for the legs as it is for the head. The deep rhythmic breathing
allows for greater oxygenation and relaxation and rejuvenation
of the nervous, endocrine and immune systems as well as the mind.
It is an invaluable tool for renewing our body, energy and mind.
(Adapted from the forthcoming "Self Healing" by Robert Elias
Najemy. His book "The Psychology of Happiness" (ISBN
0-9710116-0-5) is available at
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect-home/holisticharmo-20
and http://www.HolisticHarmony.com/psychofhappiness.html. His
writings can be viewed at http://www.HolisticHarmony.com where
you can also download FREE articles and e-books.
About the author:
Robert Elias Najemy is the author of over 600 articles, 400
lecture cassettes on Human Harmony and 20 books, which have sold
over 100,000 copies. He is the Founder and director of the
Center for Harmonious Living in Greece with 3700 members. His
book The Psychology of Happiness; ISBN 0-9710116-0-5 is
available at www.amazon.com and http://www.HolisticHarmony.com.
where you can view and download FREE articles and e-books.
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