Seasonal Mindfulness: Late summer is a time to nourish

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) there are five elements – metal, wood, water, fire and earth. Each of these elements is linked to a season. If you're wondering how it can be when there are only four seasons, then in TCM there is a fifth season: late summer. This is the season of the earth element.

This short season, which begins in late August and ends in September at the autumnal equinox, is particularly significant as it marks the transition from the yang to the yin time of the year. We can often feel this shift ourselves with noticeable changes in the light and air, and even in the types of foods our bodies crave.

Each season also corresponds to certain Yin/Yang pairings of organs and according to TCM, the balance (or imbalance) of the Qi of our organs influences not only our physical health but also our mental health, with our internal organs also being connected to our emotions.

Qi (life force or energy) flows through our body via meridians (energy channels). The organs (and their health) are connected to the meridians flowing through them. We can influence our Qi through our movements or exercise, our diet, our environment and our lifestyle in general. The organs of late summer are the stomach and spleen. The food we eat is one of the ways Qi enters the body (known as grain Qi). The stomach (yang organ) is known as the “sea of ​​nutrition” due to its crucial role in digestion, working in conjunction with the spleen (yin organ). In TCM, the stomach and spleen also provide our minds with nourishment and emotional and physical stability. (For those of us who may have had our spleen removed, it is worth noting that even if a specific organ is removed, the meridians and energetic qualities of the organ are preserved.)

We also receive Qi from our parents (prenatal Qi) and our breath (natural air Qi). You've probably heard of acupuncture to promote the healthy flow of Qi through the meridians. When it comes to improving natural air Qi, exercises such as Qigong, Tai Chi and yoga can help.Yin yogawith its particular focus on organs, fascia and meridians, is a way to influence the flow of Qi that is worth trying, especially if it is an exercise you are new to.

What is Yin Yoga?

The word 'Yin' comes from the Chinese philosophy of Taoism, where everything is made up of the complementary elements Yang and Yin. While Yang is hotter, faster and more active, Yin is comparatively cooler, slower and more passive.

Yin yoga is a predominantly floor-based meditative practice in which each pose is held for an extended period of time (usually around three to five minutes). Physically, the focus is on getting deeper into the body's connective tissue (think fascia - the sticky film-like tissue that holds our muscles and actually our entire body together under the skin), while energetically stimulating the meridians. The meridians are thought to be located in the fascia, which, when we consider TCM's philosophy that our organs are connected to our emotions, and the intricate network that the meridians form in our bodies, gives particular resonance to the phrase "problems in our tissues."

Yin yoga teaches us to find a place of acceptance and ease by adopting poses that access these deeper places. The use ofpropslike for exampleBlocks,padded,CoverandBeltcan facilitate this ease and allow us to let go of the temptation to approach our yin posture with a yang posture. This slow exercise also calms the nervous system and promotes a calm state.

The stomach and spleen meridians

The stomach meridian lines run from the head through the diaphragm, stomach, spleen, pelvis, and down the front of the legs, ending at the tip of the second toe. Meanwhile, the spleen lines begin in the feet, travel up the legs, past the groin into the spleen and stomach before moving through the diaphragm and along the side of the esophagus, ending at the base of the tongue. Yin poses that stretch the abdominal area in particular stimulate these meridians.

When Stomach, Spleen, and Earth Qi are imbalanced, we are more prone to excessive worry, anxiety, lack of boundaries, and lethargy. When we are balanced, we can feel more grounded, have more compassion for others, and move better in the flow of life.

So this late summer, think about how you nourish yourself physically, mentally and emotionally and consider incorporating Yin Yoga into your life. This is not to say that Yang or more active practices are bad. We need both Yang and Yin to be in harmony in our body and mind. When we have this harmony, contentment, better health and happiness can follow.

Yin Yoga for Stomach and Spleen – Dragon Pose

Dragon is also an effective hip and groin opener. Aim for one to three minutes if you're new to Yin, or three to five minutes if you're more experienced. Allow your breathing to be even and calm.

On all fours, step one foot forward into a lunge position. You can pad your back knee with oneCeiling. Place your hands on one side of your front leg or both hands on your front leg. You can bring the floor to you by abrickunder each hand. Alternatively, if both arms are inside your front leg, you can rest your hands or forearms on oneBolster.