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Lying down is a natural and important position for the body. Lying down, however, can be done excessively, or in a wrong way. Following are some brief insights on the restorative qualities of lying down, also the potential stress of too much lying down, or as Chinese Medicine calls it — Taxation. A couple of simple recommendations are provided. The exercise at the end can be used by anyone. 

Naturally we lie down for sleep. This horizontal position benefits the Heart and circulation, allowing all the muscles a chance to fully relax while the body is equally supported. Energetically, lying prone permits the natural forces of Heaven and Earth to realign the body’s energies. This harmonization is basic for deep revitalization during rest or sleep.

Naturally we most often lie down to sleep. There are four choices for position in resting: on the back; on the left or right side; or face down on the stomach. Of these, the worst for health is lying on the stomach. This position actually weakens the stomach and digestion. People who want to lie belly down are typically emotionally upset, afraid, anxious or feeling very vulnerable. This is a primal position, a return to infancy with a need for protection.

In case of a tendency to lie on the stomach, try lying on the back instead. Put heat (a hot water bottle) on the abdomen (below the navel). By warming and focusing attention on this area, breathing will deepen and turbulent emotions can be soothed.

Taxation on the body’s energies comes from excessive lying down which injures the Lungs. With prolonged sleeping, especially with shallow breathing, the lungs will accumulate more and more toxins in the form of CO2 along with other wastes that the lungs expel.

How do you recognize this? If the mind is cloudy, sluggish or confused when you awaken, this is a sign of lung stagnation. It may take many minutes to dispel these sensations. Often excess sleep is not serving our healing or revitalization. Instead it can lead to a sluggish day, physically and / or mentally. Further, it can contribute to other Lung symptoms such as sadness, moodiness, disinterest or loneliness.

The single most important “exercise” to do after awakening is deep exhalation. By breathing out more forcefully than inhaling, you can discharge accumulated CO2 from the Lungs and soon feel energized and mentally sharp. When breathing in, lean backward slightly, spreading out the arms to the sides. As you exhale, in a sitting or standing position, lean forward, breathing out through the mouth. The exhalation should last twice as long as the inhalation. Repeat 8 to 10 times and you will feel refreshed. 

Standing seems like a natural thing to do. We are either sitting, standing, moving or lying down. So what could be wrong about standing? The answer is that when we stand in one place for a long span of time, we easily strain the back, especially the lower back. And this can be worsened by poor posture.

Who does this stationery standing? Cashiers, sales people in stores, people waiting at bus stops or in long lines or when giving a talk or presentation. Many people try to compensate for tiring from long-time standing by leaning on walls, handrails or whatever is nearby. Doing this reflects the stain on the back and doesn’t truly alleviate it.

The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine speaks of long time standing harming the Kidneys, which govern the back. In Western science the kidneys control fluids, mineral, acid-alkaline balance in the blood and detoxing the blood. While these functions are vital to life, they are not related strongly to the back or low back.

In Oriental healing the Kidney energy system encompasses a diverse array of functions and processes of the body: from hearing, head hair, memory (brain), teeth, bones, spine low back and hormonal system. Even the knees and the soles of the feet are directly affected by Kidney energy, called the “Gate of Life.” This Gate of Life implies deep constitutional powers and the potentials for longevity.

When we idly stand in one place it helps not to lean on something. Leaning might seem relaxing, but it actually imbalances the back and weakens the natural uprightness of the body. In a similar way, when sitting, remain upright. When someone slouches in a chair—half lying, half upright—it reflects that the Kidney energy is weakened.

Standing for long hours is unhealthy and unnatural. Avoid doing it by alternating between standing and movement or between standing and sitting. If you must stand for a long time, then bend your knees slightly or rise up and down from your heels. These simple techniques can relax the back and strengthen the Kidneys.

It is best that the Kidneys are in basic good health. Here are some keys to helping the Kidneys stay well: (1) no white sugar, soft drinks or extreme sweeteners such as high fructose corn syrup; (2) use salt daily, mostly in cooking, also as pickles or as miso in soup; (3) get good sleep; (4) moderate sexual activity for your age; (5) reduce stress.

​Exercise helps the Kidneys, especially any that use the thigh muscles. Finally, tai chi and qigong are Oriental exercises that were specifically designed to enhance Kidney vitality. There are teachers in nearly every town who teach one or both of these powerful, simple movements.