Autumn has arrived here in Melbourne, fallen leaves paving the streets and it gets dark earlier. I can feel this change from Yang to Yin energy as I want to sit at home with a cup of tea rather than running around out there. This is the time when I truly cherish my Yin practice, as it resembles the energetic nature of autumn: it helps me to turn inwards, eliminate what is no longer needed and to reveal what is precious in my life.
Looking at autumn from a TCM perspective
The element associated with the season of autumn is Metal and the organ systems are Lung (Yin) and Large intestine (Yang). The lungs are the organ system to take in the new - fresh oxygen, an inspiration. To be able to do so, you needed to release the old - your exhalation, the ‘used’ breath.
The Yang partner of the Lungs, the large intestine, is about elimination of food our body can’t use and when empty, it can take up more to finalise our digestive process.
This just illustrates the concept of this season: letting go of what is no longer needed (or what is not serving you) to be able to create space - that can eventually be filled with what is needed or what really nourishes you. At the same time we consolidate, that what is truly important to us. Similar to the formation of metal in the earth, which is a consolidation process.
Yin Yoga themed around the metal element
Yin yoga poses that open the chest space and enable better breathing can be really beneficial at this time (example is supported fish) as well as poses that add a gentle tug or stimulation along back of the arms, shoulders and neck (example twisted child) below. These are the areas we find the energetic pathways of Lung and Large intestine amongst others.
On a physical level:
as with most Yin Yoga poses, we intend to let go of effort and tension: you progressively release tension through breathing as you are softening into a shape. In these longer holds, can you also let go of the need to push yourself into a certain shape as well as let go of unnecessary tension?
When we are in a pose for a while, we can realise how much tension we actually hold, something we don’t tend to notice when we are busy. Our practice helps us to realise this and to facilitate the process of letting go.
On an Emotional level:
the concept of letting go is equally as important for our minds, to release undigested, unhelpful thoughts and beliefs, to create space and clarity to really know what it is we need to live our best lives.
The rebound pose in Yin Yoga is a beautiful space and time to explore this concept, allowing time to let go of what has just been to then embark to practice the next pose.
When you think about nature, metals such as gold, silver or minerals give value to the earth. So the metal element within us gives ourselves the sense of self-worth. We can emphasise the aspect of allowing that what is precious and important to us, to deeply sink into your being. Talking about self-worth can be confronting for some people, but the essence of our uniqueness and the parts we wish to consolidate can be emphasised.
Like looking at your very own gold that is found in the depth of your being.
If you like to explore acupressure with Yin Yoga, this
free ACU-Yin Yoga mini-course
might be for you!
Give your nervous system a rest with three short Acu-Yin Yoga flows, delivered to your inbox along with some information on the class, intention and acupressure point used.
Looking after our energy levels is crucial, so we don’t exhaust ourselves.
TAPPING along meridian lines: Qi massage
Tapping + Makka Ho for the metal element
In my Shiatsu training, a modality that builds substantially on concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine, we used tapping to invigorate and build Qi along the energetic channels in the body followed by a stretch. This is called Makka Ho.
In autumn, I like to incorporate my tapping practice to harmonise and stimulate the energy of lungs and large intestine.
Try this in the morning, to prepare the lungs for a fresh new day. A great way of looking after yourself as the days are getting shorter.
Simone x