Traditional Chinese Medicine and Yin Yoga for Late Summer
When sequencing a yin yoga practice you can plan a series of postures that relate to a specific theme. Some examples of themes include an area of the body, a specific action or movement, a contemplative practice, or a Chinese Medicine meridian.
The late summer is when yang starts to turn towards yin. It’s a time of harvest and abundance!
This yin yoga sequence for the late summer emphasizes poses that target the quadriceps and the front body. This sequence also targets the Spleen and Stomach meridians in Chinese medicine. Meridians are considered channels where Qi or the basic life force of the body flows. While each yin yoga pose usually affects multiple meridians at a time, you can combine the poses in a sequence to emphasize one or two meridians. The Spleen and Stomach meridians are related to the earth element. Targeting these channels can help create balance in the late summer.
Learn more about meridians with this video: What are meridians? How do meridians work?
The season of late summer is related to the earth element in Chinese Medicine. To learn more about the earth element and the late summer read this article or check out this self care course: Seasonal Self Care for Late Summer.
Acupressure Point Stomach 36 (Zu San Li)
This point is on the leg below the knee. Place three fingers at the lower edge of the knee cap. The point is located at that place 1 finger width lateral to the crest of the tibia.
Use this acupressure point before, during, or after the yin yoga sequence for late summer. Use gentle pressure to begin and slowly increase. Hold the point anywhere between 30 seconds to a minute or so dependant on your preference.
This point builds Stomach and Spleen Qi. It supports digestive function and can alleviate pain in the leg.
Yin Yoga Sequence for Late Summer:
** Hold poses between 3-5 min. depending on your ability
I hope you enjoyed the sequence! 🙂
