In many traditional societies sound is used to harmonise and restore the balance of the body as well as have a specific effect upon the emotions. Sounds can be pitched to different frequencies which produce characteristic pulses of electromagnetic energy which are said to have a beneficial effect on certain tissues, glands and organs of the body. The vibrating energy is conducted via the bones and connective tissues. This exercise comes from the Chinese practice of Qigong.

A qigong exercise

Find a quiet place away from those who might look at you oddly. You can choose one of the sounds described which relates to how you are feeling now, or go through them in sequence.

Traditionally the sounds are produced in three sets of eight breathes for each. Don’t be afraid to play with the quality of the sound until you get something which feels right. The sound will vary with your own physical, emotional and energetic characteristics at the time.

Spend a few minutes sitting quietly before each just looking at how you relate to the emotions associated with the sound. What might you want to come to terms with, develop, or let go of.

To maximise the effect you can visualise the colour, element and the season associated with the sound.

LIVER

Yin emotion: anger, aggression

Yang emotion: kindness, identity

Colour: green

Element: wood

Season: spring

Sound: SHUUUUU

HEART

Yin emotion: impatience, arrogance, cruelty

Yang emotion: joy, humour, sincerity

Colour: red

Element: fire

Season: summer

Sound: KHEEEEEE

SPLEEN

Yin emotion: worry, sympathy, pity

Yang emotion: fairness, compassion

Colour: yellow

Element: earth

Season: late summer

Sound: WHOOOOO

LUNG

Yin emotion: sadness, grief, sorrow

Yang emotion: righteousness, surrender, courage

Colour: white

Element: metal

Season: autumn

Sound: SSSSSSS

KIDNEY

Yin emotion: fear

Yang emotion: gentleness, alertness, stillness

Colour: dark blue

Element: water

Season: winter

Sound: CHWAY

RIPLE HEATER

Associated with 3 energy centres of the body, used to disperse blockages and restore the flow of chi

Sound: SHEEEEEE