Taking Down the Flame

This is a lovely exercise that helps to balance the Fire element.

This element, or rhythm, is comprised of four meridians: Heart, Small Intestine, Circulation-Sex, Triple Warmer. The main stress emotion associated with the Fire element is panic/overwhelm. This exercise is particularly good for moving the energy around the emotion of panic/overwhelm; however, you can use it anytime you’d like to balance your Fire element or the meridians that sit within Fire.

Every time you exhale during this exercise, make the “Haaaaaa” sound associated with the Fire element. The “Haaaaaa” sound is a sigh that sounds a bit like you’re singing.

1.     In a standing position, place your hands on your thighs. Take one or more breaths here and know/visualise energy movement down your legs.

2.     Inhale and bring your arms above your head, reaching up until your fingertips and thumbs are touching (forming a “pyramid”).

3.     As you exhale, lower your hands until your thumbs are touching your crown chakra at the top of your head. Your fingertips should also be touching. Remember to make the “Haaaaaa” sound each time you exhale.

4.     Breathe in and exhale, bringing your thumbs to your third eye.

5.     Breathe in and exhale, bringing your thumbs to your heart.

6.     Breathe in and exhale, bringing your thumbs to your navel. Move your hands so, while your thumbs are at your navel, the pyramid-shape of your fingers is below your navel.

7.     Breathe in and exhale, flattening your hands on your lower abdomen and trace down until your hands are resting at the original position where you placed them on your thighs.

8.     Breathe in and exhale, moving your hands down your legs and allowing your arms to hang down (there is no need to do a stretch here; do what feels comfortable and right for you).

9.     Breathe in and exhale, moving your hands up the insides of your legs until you’re in a standing position, ending with your hands resting at your heart.

10.  With your hands on your heart, take a breath and make one final “Haaaaaa” sound.

You can also make the “Haaaaaa” sound independently, without any movement, which can be a lovely way to balance your Fire energies. It’s something easy you can do while, for example, you’re driving, or doing a guided meditation.