Yin Yoga and TCM: Summer season- meridians and postures

(part 1)

Adopt the pace of nature, her secret is patience.

R.W.Emerson

According to TCM, as we transition from spring to summer, the wood energy evolves into the full expression of the Yang energy represented by the symbol of fire. Summer brings a boost of energy, dynamic action, representing a season of expansion, motivation and pure joy. However, sometimes we might dread the hot extreme temperatures of Summer that make us feel less patient, motivated or focused.

The 4 seasons and their elements in Yin Yoga and TCM

Yin Yoga can make a huge difference and allows for the students the perfect conditions for encouraging the liberating experience of opening the heart and letting go. Regarding the meridians targeted by Yin Yoga postures for the summer season, there are two main ones: the Heart meridian and the Small Intestine. Meridians are considered channels where Qi or the basic life force of the body, flows. While each Yin Yoga pose usually affects multiple meridians at a time, the poses can be combined in order to target at least 1 or even more.

The Heart meridian is associated with the Fire element and is linked to emotions like joy and compassion, so think about poses that target the chest and sternum, think about the activation of Anahata or Heart Chakra, uniting the lower and upper chakras, the physical and spiritual components. Putting our bodies into shapes that open the front body can make us feel vulnerable, but if we are in an environment that makes us feel supported enough, then we can easily step into trust and vulnerability. The heart meridian begins in the heart, continues all the way to the armpit and then makes its way down the inner seam of the arm to finish at the little finger.

The Small Intestine meridian is linked to the processing and assimilation of food and nutrients as well as emotions, so think about poses that help release tension in the hips and lower back. This meridian starts in the little finger and travels up the outer seam of the arm, then splits into two: one side runs up past the eye to the ear and a branch goes downwards into the heart, diaphragm and stomach.

So, in a Yin Yoga practice, these energy lines would be primarily affected by backbends, forward bends, twists, and wrist/forearm stretches. According to Chinese Medicine, the Heart and Small Intestine Meridians are related to both circulation and digestion and any imbalances in these processes can lead to inflammation in the body or excess heat, anxiety or overstimulation affecting both the heart rate and digestion. 

In Yin Yoga, summer's association with the Fire element and its related Heart and Small Intestine meridians can be addressed through poses that open the chest and heart and promote grounding, such as Thread the Needle, Twisted Child’s Pose, Open and Closed Heart, Banana or Crescent Moon pose and Melting Heart. These poses, when held for extended durations can help with improving digestion and calming the fire of the heart. Diaphragmatic breathing and Box breath or Square breath are also particularly beneficial during hot summer days, offering some extra physical and mental relaxation.

For the summer season specifically, Yin Yoga theory and principles behind the poses will trigger specific positive influences on the physical, emotional, energetical and mental well-being. Physically, we can consider the practice as of lower intensity, avoiding overheating in those extremely bright and hot summer days. By practicing slower movements and embracing inner stillness, we stimulate the deep connective tissues - fascia and that creates a sense of cooling and soothing as the body slowly unwinds. Moreover, practicing Yin Yoga during the summer can bring many emotional benefits, for example counteracting the stress of summer activities and travelling and offering an opportunity for relaxation and anxiety-relief. From an energetic point of view, Yin Yoga is a wonderful practice to help us take a break, recharge our social batteries, from all the social interactions during summertime. By holding poses for longer periods of time and stimulating specific meridians, Yin Yoga helps to harmonize the flow of energy throughout the body, promoting overall balance and well-being.

In our Yin practices, we always aim to respect the three main principles:

Softness — coming into the pose at an appropriate edge, where sensation is felt but not pain or extreme discomfort

Stillness — maintaining the posture for some time without moving unnecessarily the body

Steadiness — holding the pose for an extended period of time.

In the next part of the article, we will explore a bit more in depth the element of Fire and the emotions associated with the Summer season and how this translates into our Yin Yoga practice.

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