Traditional Chinese Medicine and Yin Yoga for the Winter
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 possibilities really are endless!
Winter is the most “yin” time of year. It’s a time when the natural world slows down and the days are generally darker. This yin yoga sequence for the winter emphasizes forward folding, which helps one to turn inward.
It also targets the Kidney and Urinary Bladder meridians in Chinese medicine. Meridians are considered channels through which 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 Kidney and Bladder meridians are associated with winter, so targeting these channels helps create balance during winter.
Learn more about meridians with this video: What are meridians? How do meridians work?
The winter season is also associated with the water element in Chinese Medicine. If you’d like to learn more about the water element and winter, you can read this article.
Acupressure Point Kidney 7 (Fu Liu)
This point is located on the inside of the lower leg. First, find the middle point between the inner ankle and the Achilles tendon. From there, measure two thumb widths above that point. Kidney 7 is located at that spot on the anterior border of the Achilles tendon.
Use this acupressure point before, during, or after the winter 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 benefits the Kidneys, building what is called Kidney Yang. According to Chinese Medicine, Kidney Yang helps one feel warm in winter, which benefits various body processes, including immunity, water metabolism, and digestion.
Yin Yoga Sequence for Winter:
** Hold poses between 3-5 min. depending on your ability.
I hope you enjoy the sequence! Let me know in the comments if you used this yin yoga sequence for winter 🙂
