I love the energy of spring- after the dark and cold months there is that sprinkle of green, that excitement that the days are getting longer and everything coming to life. This upward moving energy of nature in spring is infectious, I feel it too. So how can I adjust my Yoga practice to support my body & mind in spring?
concepts of Traditional Chinese medicine for our Yin practice
The areas in the body we address with our Yin poses do impact the connective tissue and the energetic pathways that run along those lines.
If you like to incorporate some of the TCM concepts into your practice, start by thinking about the qualities of this season, the energy and associated activities happening in nature at this time of year: growth, expansion, vision.
We feel more energetic once spring starts, the days get longer, everything comes back to life- we start to make plans and have a vision of the direction we would like to grow.
Wood is the element of spring according to Traditional Chinese medicine.
Wood begins its life as a shoot, representing growth and direction upward. The liver and its’ partner the gallbladder are the organs associated with the wood element. These organs ensure that our vital forces flow in harmony and according to plan. The liver is often called the ‘strategic planner’ and is assisted by its paired Yang organ the gallbladder, which is the decision maker, it contributes to our courage and initiative.
Some of the functions of liver and gallbladder:
ensuring the smooth flow of Qi through the body
storing blood and regulating healthy circulation
open into the eyes for good vision and manifest in the nails
controls ligaments and tendons.
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Looking after our energy levels is crucial, so we don’t exhaust ourselves.
Unbalanced wood element can show symptoms such as:
eye/ vision problems, blurred vision, red and dry eyes
weak or stiff ligaments
irregular or painful menstruation, pain, cramps etc.
headaches and migraines
difficulty in making decisions
anger, frustration, irritability or resentfulness when things don’t go as planned
The Wood element on an emotional level:
The emotion associated with spring is anger or frustration. If things don’t go according to plan, if we are hindered to grow in a certain way (although we planned it) we get frustrated or angry. We have the feeling of being blocked, of hitting the wall.
If the liver energy is balanced, our response to challenges enables us to re-think and re-evaluate the things that don’t work as planned. We remain flexible in looking for alternative ways - instead of hitting the wall in front of us we go sideways, exploring other routes.
In case there is liver stagnation, we will feel anger or frustration, sometimes resentment which brings with it a destructive energy.
A harmonious liver will help with virtues like kindness, forgiveness and tolerance.
Yin Yoga poses that harmonise the wood element
To address the energy lines associated with this season and the element of wood, we focus on the outer seam of the body as well as groin and inner thigh area.
I have recorded a short, 15min Yin Yoga sequence to harmonise the wood element for you:
Happy spring everyone, remember to sway with the wind like bamboo.
I hope you enjoy your Yin practice and this insight was valuable for you.
Best,
Simmy X