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 particular action or movement, a contemplative practice, or a Chinese Medicine meridian.
Late summer is when yang starts to turn towards yin. It’s a time of harvest and abundance!
This yin yoga sequence for late summer emphasizes poses that target the quadriceps and the front of the 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 late summer season is associated with the Earth element in Chinese Medicine. To learn more about the earth element and 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 kneecap. The point is located one finger’s width lateral to the tibial crest.
Use this acupressure point before, during, or after the late-summer yin yoga sequence. Use gentle pressure to begin and slowly increase. Hold the point for 30 to 60 seconds, depending on your preference.
This point builds Stomach and Spleen Qi. It supports digestive function and can help alleviate leg pain.
Yin Yoga Sequence for Late Summer:
** Hold poses between 3-5 minutes, depending on your ability.
I hope you enjoyed the sequence! 🙂
