What is a body scan meditation and how do you do it?


 

What is a body scan meditation and how do you do it?
 
We live in what can be a chaotic world at times and often without even realizing it we do one of three things , numb our bodies down to cope with trauma, ignore the bodies need for rest and feel achy and exhausted all over, or attempt to maintain internal balance but still feel areas of tension caused by Stress within the body. 
 
When was the last time you really checked into your body to see how you really felt? 
 
A body scan meditation is when you become fully mindful of where tension may be present within each part of the body and use conscious breathing to release it focusing on one area at a time and working from the toes to the top of the head. 
 
Begin by finding a comfortable place to sit or ideally lie down on your back.
Bring your attention first of all too the toes, you will be working upwards covering the entire body from the toes to the head inclusive. 
 
Take a few deep breathes to center yourself and then become aware of how your toes feel ...are they cold, hot, tingling, sore ...really focus your attention on this area and then inhale deeply into this area and scrunch up your toes, tensing and hold for 5 seconds, after which take a long exhale for 5 seconds and feel the tension release and the toes relax fully. Take a moment to recenter then continue. 
 
Work upwards covering every area feet, legs, buttocks, back, belly, arms, hands, face and scalp. Be fully conscious and aware and treat your body with love and be non judgemental towards it, breathe into the tension and allow it too release. 
 
I can assure you, this is the best way to de stress at the end of the day and often we have no idea how much tension we hold onto especially in places you would not normally consider, such as the hands or the jaw.
 
Try it for yourself and see how much better you can feel in only 5 - 10 minutes every day , if it works for you try to incorporate it into your daily routine if you can.
 
Elizabeth Lock      Holistic Therapist 
www.yourcuddletherapy.co.uk   heal@yourcuddletherapy.co.ukwww.yourinnerglow.co.uk         heal@yourinnerglow.co.ukwww.yourtantrictouch.co.uk      heal@yourtantrictouch.co.uk

 
 
 

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