A Closer Look at the AM Routine

Release Stored Energy with the Spinal Twist

After sleeping, the lower back can become stiff and tight. The spinal twist, one of the first movements in the AM routine, will elongate the spine, restore flexibility, and release stored energy. After our teenage years, the only way to increase the flow of spinal fluid in the joints is to do the appropriate stretching. This is one of the best stretches you can perform.

Visualize a Successful Day with the Mind Flow

Setting our intentions for the day might be the most important part of this seven-minute routine. Just as a quarterback visualizes his receiver catching the ball, or a businessperson visualizes delivering a successful presentation, your day also depends on you seeing it unfold in your mind's eye. This short meditation will help you visualize a wonderful and rewarding day.

Among the other highlights of the morning routine:

• A natural boost of energy: learn how to massage your kidneys and adrenal glands for more energy than a double latte - and without the caffeine crash
• "Door of Life": how this pressure point can be stimulated to release dormant energy - in the morning or at any time of the day
• Tingling and buzzing: See how the morning movements unlock stored energy, so much so that you can feel it coursing through your body
• Learn one of the best exercises for abdominal strength: it will give you the maximum benefit in the shortest amount of time
• Maintaining emotional balance: how deep breathing exercises are a fundamental key to healthy emotional balance
• Understand why deep breathing in the morning affects your breathing pattern for the rest of the day

A Closer Look at the PM Routine

Clear Mental Tension by Massaging the "Bubbling Springs"

Massaging the feet helps relax the mind and prepare the body for deep, restful sleep. The Bubbling Springs is a specific pressure point located just below the ball of the foot. Massaging it alleviates any tension and stress that has built up throughout the day.

Open the Hips for a Full-Body Release of Tension

This is an especially good movement to do at the end of the day because the large muscles near the hips can carry an unusual amount of tension. This stretch is perfect for those that have spent much of the day sitting in a chair, car, or airplane.

Additional highlights of the evening routine:

• Spinal cord breathing: the most effective way to remove stress and tension at the end of the day
• The magic sound: what special sound you can repeat to yourself in the evening (or any time of the day) to wash away tension, worry, and negative energy
• Calm the central nervous system: because we are so stimulated throughout the day (often subconsciously), this gentle yoga pose is necessary to flush out anxiety and calm the nervous system
• "Dog Wagging the Tail": This fun movement helps release tension in the large muscles that run up the back and support the spine
• Seated Flow: a simple, yet dynamic, series of seated stretching movements that not only increases flexibility, but also flushes out repetitive thought patterns

Put Some Magic Into Your Life

The 7 Minutes of Magic DVD contains:

• Two AM routines (the standard 7-minute routine, and a longer, 15-minute version with added instruction)
• Two PM routines (both the standard and extended versions)
• An additional 7-minute routine of gentle, standing movements, great for taking it easy or adding variety
• A handy pocket routine guide that lists the movements and benefits of each routine - perfect for traveling
• An informative 34-minute interview with the DVD's instructor and Qi Gong master, Lee Holden
• Behind-the-scenes video on the making of 7 Minutes of Magic
• Introductory segment