The Spirit of Spring - Yin Yoga Practice

Element: Wood

Meridians: Liver & Gall Bladder

Emotion: Anger

The practice of yin yoga can be a reflection of the world around us. Our human bodies are connected to this earth and it is like there is an entire universe working inside of us.

It is currently Spring where I am in Shanghai, in my yin practice + teachings for the past couple of months, I have been moving through the element of Wood for Spring. There are two meridian (energetic) lines that are associated with Spring - the liver and the gallbladder. I find that focusing on the element for each season helps me navigate through the days with more ease and more connection with what’s around me.

The Wood element is about renewal, rebirth, growth and expansion. I like to imagine a little seed in the earth, lying dormant, waiting for that time to bloom and shine. This is reflected in us during this time - just as nature enters a cycle of renewal we can consciously choose to do this too. Though sometimes we may feel anger or frustration during this time – this is the emotion of wood - think of it like growing pains that we need to move through in order to change.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the liver is in charge of the smooth flow of Qi through the body as well as storing and distributing blood. The gallbladder produces and stores bile to metabolise fats. The liver and gallbladder work together - the liver has a plan for the body’s operations and the gallbladder has a means for carrying it out. By working through these meridian lines in a yin yoga practice, the energy will circulate through the body and be distributed to where its most needed. Moving through the Wood element isn’t just exclusive to Spring but also in times when you feel like there are changes coming through in your life, that you lack clarity or direction to help you feel balanced and grounded.

Below you will find some postures that support the Wood element and tap into the liver and gallbladder meridian lines and a video explaining how to enter into them. You can practice these postures as a short sequence or add them to your yoga practice. When practicing see if you can make your space cosy, warm, quiet and comfortable + be free from distractions. Each posture can be held for 2-3 minutes on each side with a rest of 1-2 minutes after each asana to feel the effects.

Whilst practicing, keep mindful of the principles of Yin Yoga:

•   Come into the pose to an appropriate depth

•   Resolve to remain still

•   Hold the pose for time

Please modify as needed for your body. Whilst practicing, see if you can move slowly, observe the sensations you feel, breathe deeply and enjoy!