Video links
Donna Eden energy routine
This daily energy routine has literally changed my life! I feel more grounded, energised and focussed. Many of these I do whilst still in bed as I wake up, whilst listening to a guided meditation and then the others once I get up. I try to do them before I start anything else, otherwise the day does have a tendency to get in the way!
The video link below shows them really clearly, but I do feel it's important to note:
- when she does the thumps / taps, you don't have to be quite as vigorous if you're feeling fragile, you can use much lighter pressure.
- do linger longer on any that feel delicious to your body and do them more than once a day, should you feel the need. You can pause at any time and work at your own pace.
- you can omit the section covering all the neuro-lymphatic rubbing points (from 7minutes - 11mins 30secs) but do finish the last exercises on the video after that. I do think it's worth covering the neuro-lymphatic section another time and seeing where there are points of congestion and tenderness, as these would definitely benefit from daily rubbing too.
Supporting the Vagus nerve
The Vagus nerve is the longest and most important nerve in the body, controlling so many crucial bodily functions such as immune response, hormonal balance, breathing, digestion and heart rate / blood pressure. It is also crucial in our body's parasympathetic system response - i.e. bringing the body out of the emergency 'fight or flight" state to the soothing, calming 'rest and digest'.
Find out more about the Vagus nerve here: https://www.verywellhealth.com/vagus-nerve-anatomy-1746123
More and more often, my clients" Vagus nerves are severely compromised and the work that we do in the session is a start, but it needs to be supported by a daily routine in order for lasting change to be maintained.
Here is what is needed:
- Lying for ten minutes with a rolled up towel (so it's tight and firm in pressure) under the neck, with the chin and forehead level, or chin even slightly higher (so the chin quite raised). This can be a lovely time to listen to a meditation and practice deep slow breaths - also both hugely supportive in bringing the body back into parasympathetic state.
- Regularly massage the muscles at the base of the skull into the top of the neck. These can be very tight and tender and try to do this with compassion. This area is often where we hold the tension of trying too hard, of over-stretching ourselves, so really take a moment to soften and be kind to yourself as you ease out the tension.
- Place your index (pointer) finger behind the ear and the other fingers in front of the ear and really gently rub up and down. Again, take the opportunity to soften and breeeaaathe... Stretch out the ears, unfurling all the folds and the ear lobes.
- Lying down, interlock the fingers behind the head and allow the head to rest heavy in your hands. Without moving the head, move the eyes slowly to the left and then to the right. Do this for a minute or so, or until you feel a yawn / sigh / some kind of release. See this video for a short demo: https://youtu.be/rbowIy6kONY?si=k9drpn0Jf5Rrrzvw
Here are some additional Vagus nerve exercises:
https://youtu.be/LnV3Q2xIb1U?si=WG7yqvC15rO0NKw2 especially good for easing stress and anxiety
https://youtu.be/hxoRoOUHkfk?si=sjbHoAbDkE98iruC for those that enjoy yoga
There are countless others out there on YouTube so have an explore for the ones that feel great for you.
During the pandemic, I made a few short videos with some health tips and techniques.
Here they are:
Here they are:
Reducing stress (the 'triple warmer smoothie" to soothe the adrenals is two minutes in)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&feature=youtu.be&v=V6xQ-fsDLRg
The importance of exercise (including a cross crawl demonstration)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=pHPMz1QHR98
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=pHPMz1QHR98
Grounding and protecting (the cloacal corrections are minutes 1.30 minutes in)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&feature=youtu.be&v=0J4qkMbSla8
Emotional strength and stability
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&feature=youtu.be&v=-k61g3uFWrg
And here are some other resources which will hopefully be of use:
Meditation suggestions:
Insight Timer is a free ap with thousands of meditations and music tracks. You can filter according to theme, duration, time of day etc
The contributors that I am really enjoying listening to at the moment are Sarah Blondin and David Ji.
The contributors that I am really enjoying listening to at the moment are Sarah Blondin and David Ji.
Steve Nobel Soul Matrix meditations (quite 'out there!')
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9pPBB3LyiB1aTeHCabcMlw
Wu Wei Wisdom meditation playlist
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zIA12P7BftG6a18lIWFDjL35
Wu Wei Wisdom podcasts - dozens of videos on different self-help topics -gets right to the core of the matter!
https://www.wuweiwisdom.com/our-show-blog/
