This Fire Yin class targets four meridian lines in TCM: the Heart, Small Intestine, Pericardium, and Triple Burner meridians. Through long-held, floor-based postures that open the chest, shoulders, arms, and upper back, this class encourages energetic balance and emotional clarity. The sustained poses stimulate these energy lines, helping to release stored tension and enhance the flow of Qi, fostering a sense of warmth, compassion, and internal calm.
Today, I chose to be a bit self-indulgent and practice a Metal-element Yin sequence. Metal is particularly relevant for me, as it corresponds with the lungs and skin, areas where I have issues. I’m also working through some shoulder discomfort, and I’ve found that these asanas have brought relief in the past. I hope this practice offers you the same sense of support and release. Enjoy.
The Earth element is associated with stability, nourishment, and emotional grounding, and is governed by the stomach and spleen meridians. This class focused on the Earth element supports digestion, boosts immunity, and cultivates a sense of inner calm and centeredness. By gently stimulating the stomach and spleen meridians—often through poses that target the front body and inner thighs—this practice helps harmonize the body’s energy, reduce worry and overthinking, and restore balance during times of transition or stress.
The Wood element—linked to the liver and gallbladder meridians—supports growth, creativity, decision-making, and kindness. The asana’s in this class help activate these meridians, releasing stagnation and promoting emotional and energetic flow. It's particularly beneficial for asthmatics, as TCM views asthma as originating in the liver, making Wood element work supportive for easier breathing and overall balance.
The Fire element is linked to four meridians: the heart, small intestine, pericardium, and triple burner. These meridians govern not only physical functions related to circulation, digestion, and regulation of body temperature, but also emotional states such as joy, love, connection, and inner peace. When the Fire element is in balance, it fosters warmth, enthusiasm, and emotional openness; when out of balance, it can lead to restlessness, anxiety, or emotional disconnection. Yin Yoga practices that focus on nourishing the Fire element aim to harmonize the energy flow through these meridians, supporting a sense of clarity, emotional stability, and authentic connection with others and oneself.
In this Yin class, we work with the Metal element by incorporating chest and shoulder-opening postures to stimulate the Lung and Large Intestine meridians, which run along the sides of the arms. Interestingly, Traditional Chinese Medicine aligns beautifully with Indian philosophy here—the arms are also connected to the heart chakra and the lungs, making this practice particularly supportive for respiratory health. If you're navigating grief, working on setting boundaries, or seeking support in letting go, this class offers a deeply therapeutic space for healing.
Enhance physical vitality and inner strength in this Water element-inspired Yin Yoga class. Through grounding, floor-based postures, we target the Kidney and Urinary Bladder meridians to support the body’s natural detoxification pathways. This practice promotes healthy bones, teeth, and hair, while nurturing resilience, self-confidence, and a deep sense of inner willpower and peace.