Why I do Qi Gong, Makko-Ho stretches and self-Shiatsu !

Makko-ho are a series of movements which are part of the Zen Shiatsu system of health. They are useful not just because they stretch each pair of meridians and fascial systems, but because they can help me monitor the state of my health by the ease and flexibility with which I can get into each position.

One of the many benefits of the Makko-Ho is to help me feel the state of balance and flow in my body. Depending on the degree of ease and flexibility I experience with each stretch, I can learn a lot about my body both structurally and psychologically. It truly is a self actualisation process.

A deeper dive ….

The Makko Ho consists of 6 stretches that are designed to both strengthen and improve organ function while opening the 12 major meridians, or energy pathways in the body. This group of stretches comes from the Zen Shiatsu health practices. Each meridian is associated with a particular pair of organs in the body, associated emotions, elements and colours. Practicing the Makko ho will balance your physical, emotional and spiritual energy. The practice of Makko ho will also aid immunity and general well-being. You will see that some stretches resemble standard yoga poses, but the added knowledge and focus on the meridians makes that the practices has a slight different feel to it

Warming up with some basic Qi Gong and self-Shiatsu increases your heart rate and therefore your blood flow. This enables more oxygen to reach your muscles. A warm-up also activates and primes the connections between your nerve and muscles, which improves the efficiency of movement.

What are the benefits of warming up before a workout?
• Increased flexibility
• Lower risk of injury
• Increased blood flow and oxygen
• Better range of motion
• Less muscle tension and pain.
• Your body temperature increases.
• Your brain engages with the body.

If you’d like to learn more why not book onto one of my workshops ?