Yin yogis and Autumn Equinox evening attendees will know that we are now stepping into the season of the metal element in TCM (Traditional Chinese medicine.) Autumns bright chill brings with it a freshness, and a sense of release from a summer of go go go and living in the Yang/doing half of the year. The attributes of metal are decisiveness, and a clear cut attitude, helping us to let go of what we no longer need to dwell on as we head into the yin seasons of rest, recovery and replenishment.
The meridians or energy channels associated with this season are the Lungs and large intestine. You can see where they run through the body below-both in the arms and shoulders. So we will be focusing on these spaces throughout autumn, helping to keep Chi (energy) flowing through these meridians as the cooler weather comes. Not only enabling us to stay healthy-keeping colds and respiratory conditions at bay, but also easing any anxiety over the autumn and helping us to keep an open heart space (anahata chakra) giving, and receiving compassion from others and ourselves. It is a beautiful time of year to venture inwards. Poses you can do at home to support your intentions and practice could be: Puppy dog pose, dangling/forward fold, and supine/lying twists with arms open. In addition to massaging the accu points below too! I look forward to practicing with you all this autumn and exploring these themes of self care and letting go.
