Water and Metal Element Qigong

Water and Metal element Qigong is a continuation of my last blog: Five Element Qigong. Probably a good idea to read that blog first.

Yin and Yang

I didn’t discuss Yin and Yang in the first part of this series, so Let’s do that now.

Yin and Yang are opposing aspects of the whole used to describe how things function in relationship with each other and to the Universe. They are used to express and explain the continuous flow of nature, of which we are an intricate part of rather than separate. They also represent a system of thought: Everything, ourselves included, are a part of as well as simultaneously one with the whole. No being or thing can exist isolated or separate from its relationship to everything else. Yin and Yang therefore must contain within itself the inevitability of change and opposition.

Everything contains both Yin and Yang aspects, and they manifest in a continuous dance of the flow of Qi. At the darkest moment of nighttime, the next moment begins the shift to daylight. When a glass is full, it is ready to be emptied. Inside opens to the outside, a raised glass will then be lowered, these opposite qualities simply describe relative aspects of the same experience. Yin and Yang exemplify a relationship between two aspects of the One.

How to apply Yin and Yang

We will use Yin and Yang in our Qigong practice for breath, movement and balance. When the breath is fully exhaled (Yin) then it is ready to inhale (Yang) and that change initiates movement in the body. A fully extended limb begins to contract, shifting weightiness from one side to the other.

Even in stillness, the breath moves energy, beckoning the body to join in the waltz of life’s experiences.

Yet, before we begin the dance, we need the seed which sparks the process, Imagination. In Qigong we have a saying: “Imagination inspires the mind, and the mind directs the flow of Qi.” With visualizations, we imagine the flow of Qi with color, perhaps texture and temperature. To assign colors, we look to Five Element Theory,

Water Element of Five Element Theory

Water Element’s season is Winter. Yin organs in this system are the Kidneys. The Yang organ is the Bladder. The more solid something s, the more Yin it is. A Bladder is hollow, so it can hold urine. In comparison, the Kidney is more solid, thus it is deemed the in organ.

Water is Yin in character, its energy moves downward, constantly seeking source, patiently following the path of the least resistance. In balance, the water element nurtures abundance and stores our primordial energy, like a battery. Winter, the Water Element’s season is the time of stillness and rest. Take time to rest and rejuvenate yourself. It is in the Water element that all great innovations and ideas are birthed. Without the rest, the inspiration may get blocked.

Water Element Qigong -Stand with legs slightly wider than shoulder width apart visualizing yourself standing knee-deep in water – place the back of your left hand behind your right kidney – inhale as you bend the knees. Dipping into the water with your right hand, scoop the water and lift it up to the left of the body – turn the hand at chest height and visualize the blue water transforming into a blue mist – exhale while bringing hand and mist across the front of your face, palm out – listen intently for the sound of its movement. Repeat nine times. Change hands and do the opposite side, changing the water color to a darker blue. Repeat nine times. See it on this Water Element YouTube Video

Metal Element of Five Element Theory

Metal Element’s season is Autumn. Yin organs in this system are the Lungs. The Yang organ is the Large Intestine, which is more hollow than the Lungs, the Yin organs.

Qualities associated with metal when in balance are persistence, strength and determination. Inflexibility indicates imbalance. Metal as a character archetype depicts organization, cleanliness, and minimalism. Metal is very strong; and the element cultivation promotes self-reliance. The imbalanced metal emotions are grief, sadness and betrayal, while the constructive emotions are trustworthiness, caring and devotion.

Metal Element Qigong – Stand with legs shoulder width apart. Hands start in a prayer position. Inhale slowly and deeply while slowly extending both arms out to your sides, palms facing forward, visualizing pure white light flowing up the arms and into the chest. As you exhale, bring your arms and palms back towards your solar plexus, visualizing yellow thick sludge exiting the arms and collecting in the palms. With all the rest of your breath, make a strong hissing sound while raining up the hands and tossing the yellow sludge out from your hands. Repeat 9 times See this exercise on The Metal Element Qigong YouTube video.

In Conclusion

When we practice Water and Metal Element Qigong, we are able to realize balance, health, joy, inner peace, and longevity in our physical body, by the cultivation of increased flow in the energetic body. Together with these traits we are able to remain the Observer when confronted by any challenge, so as not to personalize any issue. We thrive while remaining continuously present in each moment. This brings us peace of mind and emotional grounding. Of great Unconditional Love. It nourishes our spirit in the deepest manner, well beyond the bounds of this physical realm in both time and place. I hope this was helpful. See my YouTube Channel for more Qigong videos, and my Qiworks Blog for more information on Qigong. Thanks for reading. To Your Health!