Makko-Ho

Meridian stretches to support energy flow and whole‑body balance.

Makko‑ho stretches help release tightness along the meridians, encourage smoother breath, and invite your nervous system to settle. This combination naturally restores energy balance — leaving you feeling more centred, relaxed, and gently revitalised.

Move slowly, breathe deeply, and soften into each stretch without pushing.

Breathe out as you enter the pose, relax a little more with each slow exhale.

Go only as far as comfortable — steady breath is what matters most.

Metal Element

Metal is about connection, inner brightness, and purity.

It relates to the Lung and Large Intestine meridians, which shape our physical boundaries and how we interact with the outside world.

Metal governs the rhythm of breathing in and out — taking in Ki, and letting go through release and elimination.

Stand with your feet hip‑width apart and link your thumbs behind your back (one thumb over the other).

Breathe in. As you breathe out, bend forward from your hips, let your head drop, and lift your arms toward the sky. Keep your knees softly bent unless you’re used to similar stretches.

Take three slow breaths, relaxing a little more with each exhale. Then take a deep breath in, and on the out‑breath slowly return upright.

Change the way your thumbs are linked — swap which one rests on top — and repeat the stretch.

If you have slight back problems, keep your knees bent. If you have severe back issues or very low blood pressure, avoid bending forward.

next Earth Element

Earth Element

Earth symbolises nurturing, support, and sympathetic care, but also the tendency to worry.

It relates to the Stomach and Spleen meridians, which influence the whole front of the body.

Earth governs our instinct to grasp and take in — food, nourishment, and knowledge.

Kneel with your feet apart and sit back on the floor or on a cushion.

As you exhale, lean back gently and place your hands on the floor behind you.

If it feels okay, lower onto your elbows. If you’re very flexible, you can lower all the way back until your spine touches the floor — only if it feels completely safe.

Stay for three slow breaths.

To come up: hold your ankles, tuck your chin in, and press through your elbows to lift your back. Then bend forward to balance the stretch.

Alternative Earth Stretch (gentle option)

Stand on your right leg. Bend your left leg and hold your left foot behind you, drawing it gently toward the back of your pelvis.

Lift your right arm up toward the sky to feel the opening across the front of your body.

If balance is tricky, hold on to a wall or chair with your free hand.

Then switch sides and repeat.

next Primary Fire

Primary Fire Element

Primary Fire expresses enthusiasm, drive, desire, and passion.

It relates to the Heart and Small Intestine meridians, which connect with our inner self.

The Heart is the centre of awareness and spirituality.

The Small Intestine supports assimilation — sorting and absorbing what we take in, especially mental concepts and information.

Sit with the soles of your feet together and hold your feet with your hands.

As you breathe out, let your torso soften forward, keeping your forearms in front of your shins.

Stay for three slow breaths, keeping your chest and Hara open and your attention at the centre of your body.

next Water Element

Water Element

Water represents fluidity — the ability to go with the flow.

It relates to the Bladder and Kidney meridians, which support and hold up the back.

Water gives us the confidence to move forward in life, supported by the purifying action of the Bladder and the driving force of the Kidney.

Sit with your legs straight in front of you. Lift your arms up and lengthen your spine as you breathe in.

As you breathe out, fold forward from your hips, keeping your back and legs as straight as feels comfortable. If you can reach, hold your ankles.

For the first two breaths, look forward between your feet. On the third, gently lower your head toward your knees and let your arms relax.

next Secondary Fire

Secondary Fire Element

Secondary Fire relates to the Heart Protector and Triple Heater meridians, which influence the surface of the body, our personal space, and temperature regulation.

The Heart Protector shields the Heart physically and emotionally.

The Triple Heater gives a broader sense of protection from external influences.

Sit cross‑legged and cross your arms the opposite way, clasping your knees.

As you breathe out and stretch forward, gently push your knees down and draw in through your centre. Stay for three breaths.

Then reverse your legs and arms.

Repeat the same movement, but this time with your palms facing up. As you breathe out, expand and open through your chest and core.

next Wood Element

Wood Element

Wood represents life and the ongoing renewal of life.

It relates to the Gall Bladder and Liver meridians, which run along the sides of the body and support bending and twisting.

The Liver is the planner and leader.

The Gall Bladder is the decision maker.

An imbalance may show up as difficulty thinking, planning, or taking action.

Sit with your legs as wide apart as possible.

Lift your right arm overhead and place your left arm across your ribs. As you exhale, soften into the stretch toward your left leg.

Repeat on the other side.

Then lean forward with both arms stretched in front of you.

Relax. With practice, the positions become easier.