For the "A" stretch, stand with the legs slightly wider than norm Keeping long in the front of your spine, lock thumbs behind you and lean forward as far as is comfortable. While breathing slowly and deeply, notice the lines of tension that form on the inhale, and release on exhale. These lines are the lung/large intestine meridians, related to the emotion of grief.
The "B" stretch is a problem for many people in our culture since we don't keep our knee joints very flexible. It gets easier though, faster than you would think. To start, just sit on your heels, and then sit between them. Lean back as far as is comfortable without pushing it. You'll notice the lines along the front of the legs and body; these are the stomach/spleen meridians, related to compassion or peacefulness.
The "C" stretch is for the heart/small intestine meridians, related to joy, and is done sitting with the soles of the feet together, the hands grasping the toes, elbows out and leaning forward as comfort permits, again keeping the front of the spine open. As you do the stretches you begin to notice which ones are easier. Do these stretches longer: the ease represents a lack of energy and focusing attention brings energy to the depleted areas.
The bladder/kidney pair is engaged in the "D" stretch, running the entire length of the back and legs. If you let your front stay long you can feel the stretch along the front of the spine also (the front of the back). These energies have to do with fear, or if you prefer, respect.
One of the mysteries of five element theory is the triple heater/heart protector meridian pair, which have no corresponding organs. Sit cross-legged and notice which leg is on top. Cross your arms as well, and put the same arm on top. Grab the knees as you relax forward. The "E" stretch is related to joy, or the fire element. May be repeated with arms/legs switched.
Our final stretch is "F," the liver/gallbladder, related to the powerful emotion of anger. Spread the legs as far as comfortable. Clasp your hands with pams facing out and bend to the side. Do this stretch on both sides, feeling the inside and outside of the legs and torso opening as you breathe.
