As the days shorten and the leaves fall from the trees, autumn arrives. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), autumn is a time to harvest our energy, pause, slow down, and be still.
Embracing Autumn Wisdom from TCM
What wisdom does TCM offer us this time of year? How can we maintain our physical and emotional balance during the changing seasons?
Autumn is associated with the lung and large intestine meridian channels. The healthy cycle involves the lungs drawing in chi and the large intestines letting go of what we no longer need. These partner organs may go out of balance during autumn. If we don’t honor these natural rhythms, on and off the mat, we may feel sad, disconnected, and out of touch with our feelings.
Reflecting on the Lung and Large Intestine Cycles
Aligning with the cycle of ingestion (lungs) and letting go (large intestines), here are some insightful questions to ask ourselves:
What is holding me back?
What am I afraid to let go of?
For me, this insight relates to the changing nature of life. I tend to cling to the good things and resist change, whether in my romantic relationship or my corporate job. These rigid desires and unrealistic expectations set me up for disappointment. A wise woman once said to me, "The higher your expectations, the lower your serenity." How true!
I often ponder the impermanence of life and find serenity in remembering that change is part of the master plan. Acceptance, however, is like peeling an onion—the layers continue to unfold.
The Healing Power of Yin Yoga
Yin yoga has been instrumental in helping me slow down and reflect on life and my misguided beliefs. My yin classes provide a safe container for internal inquiry. Holding poses for extended periods allows us to explore sensations, emotions, and feelings that surface. We practice inner listening and often realize the untrue stories we tell ourselves that keep us in discomfort. Each yin pose can be like a mini-exploratory and healing session.
Supporting the Lungs with Yin Yoga
A simple Yin Yoga sequence can support the tender lungs this autumn. Check out my 10-minute sequence here.
The target tissue is the upper arms and shoulders, where the lung and large intestine meridians intersect the connective tissue. See the picture below outlining the lung and large intestine meridians.
The sequence brings fresh, life-giving chi to the upper body and helps the lungs receive pure chi from the heavens on the inhale. Practice this 10-minute sequence a few times a week to help these organic processes flourish within you. Or join me in class for a deeper dive.
This picture shows the quarter dog pose, which stimulates the lung and large intestine meridians. It's medicine for this time of year, supporting the cycle of ingestion (lungs) and letting go (large intestines). See how-to here.
This pic shows quarter dog pose to stimulate the lung and large intestines meridians. Medicine for this time of year to support the cycle of ingestion (lungs) and letting go (large intestines). See how-to here.
Wishing You an Insightful Harvest Season
May you uncover the hidden barriers within, embrace the wisdom of setting gentle intentions, and bask in the serene embrace of autumn's tranquility.
I look forward to welcoming you in class or at my upcoming Yin Yoga workshops to balance the body for autumn. Registration now open.
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