Yin yoga is a gentle form of yoga that incorporates long, deep stretches and a meditative focus. In yin yoga we hold each pose for a longer period of time than in traditional yoga styles. This allows for a deep release of tension in the body and provides an opportunity for introspection and meditation.
The Five Element theory is an ancient concept in traditional Chinese medicine that describes the five elements of nature – wood fire, earth, metal and water – and their corresponding organs and meridians in the body.
These elements are believed to be the fundamental building blocks of the natural world and when we combine the principles of yin yoga and the five element theory, we create a holistic approach to wellness that can help us to cultivate balance in our physical and emotional bodies.
By focusing on a specific meridian / part of the body we can work on balancing and strengthening it.
Wood
Wood Element
Focuses on the liver and gallbladder meridians, which run along the sides of the body. Poses that stretch the inner thighs, hips and sides of the body, like dragonfly pose, help to stimulate the liver and gallbladder meridians. This can help to improve digestion and relieve tension in the hips.
The wood element is associated with growth and expansion. When we focus on the element of wood we can cultivate a sense of ambition and abundance in our bodies and minds.
Fire
Fire Element
Focuses on the heart and small intestine meridians, which run along the chest and arms. Poses that stretch the chest, like sphinx and seal pose, help to open the heart and stimulate the energy flow in the chest and arms. This can help with circulation and blood pressure.
The fire element is associated with transformation and energy. When we focus on the element of fire we can cultivate a sense of passion and vitality in our bodies and minds.
Earth
Earth Element
Focuses on the stomach and spleen meridians, which run along the midline of the body. Poses that stretch the hips and lower back like child’s pose and caterpillar pose, help to activate the stomach and spleen meridians. This can help with immune support and digestion.
The Earth element is associated with stability and grounding. When we focus on the earth element we can cultivate a sense of security and calmness in our bodies and minds.
Metal
Metal Element
Focuses on the lung and large intestine meridians which run along the arms and upper body. Poses that focus on the arms and upper body like thread the needle and puppy pose, help to stimulate the lung and large intestine meridians. This can help with respiratory health and immune support.
The metal element is associated with clarity and precision. When we focus on the element of metal we can cultivate a sense of clarity and resilience in our bodies and minds.
Water
Water Element
Focuses on the kidney and bladder meridians, which run along the back of the body. Poses that focus on the lower back and hips like butterfly and dragonfly pose help to activate the kidney and bladder meridians. This can help lower back pain, urinary support and overall vitality.
The water element is associated with fluidity and adaptability. When we focus on the element of water, we can cultivate a sense of ease and creativity in our bodies and minds.
Holistic Lifestyle
By incorporating these poses and focusing on the corresponding meridians and elements, we can create a yin yoga practice that targets specific areas of the body and promotes whole-body wellness. Combine this with a healthy diet, regular exercise and mindfulness practices and you will be well on your way to a holistically healthy lifestyle!