Traditional Chinese Medicine and Yin Yoga for the Spring
There are many possibilities when sequencing or theming a yin yoga practice. Some examples of themes include an area of the body, a specific action or movement, a contemplative practice, or a Chinese Medicine meridian.
According to Chinese Medicine, spring is a time when yin is turning into yang. It’s a time when the natural world is waking up from its slumber and there’s new growth everywhere!
Below you’ll find a yin yoga sequence for the spring and the wood element (to learn more about the wood element and the spring watch this video).
This yin yoga sequence for the spring emphasizes hips and groin work and twisting. It also targets the Liver and Gallbladder 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 channels. The Liver and Gallbladder meridians are related to spring, so targeting these channels helps to create balance this time of year.
Learn more about meridians with this video: What are meridians? How do meridians work?
Acupressure Point Liver 13 (Zhang Men)
This point is located on the torso anterior and inferior to the free end of the eleventh rib.
Use this acupressure point before, during, or after the yin yoga sequence for spring. Use your thumb or finger and use gentle pressure to begin. Slowly increase the pressure if you’d like. Hold the point between 30 seconds and a minute dependant on your preference.
This point benefits the Liver and Spleen in Chinese Medicine. It helps to smooth and regulate Liver Qi.
Yin Yoga Sequence for Spring:
** Hold poses between 3-5 min. depending on your ability
Go Back and do Dragon and Sleeping Swan on other side
I hope you enjoy the sequence! Let me know in the comments if you used this yin yoga sequence for spring 🙂
Looking for a few other posts about spring? Check out these resources:
