In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the concept of meridians is central to the understanding of the flow of vital energy, or “qi,” throughout the body. The meridians are pathways through which qi flows, & they are often associated with various bodily functions & organ systems. The meridians are categorized into two main groups: yin & yang meridians. The yin meridians are considered more substantial & are associated with the solid organs of the body, while the yang meridians are associated with the hollow organs.
In each arm, there are three yin meridians, each aligning with one of the major yin organs in traditional Chinese medicine.
These meridians play a pivotal role in the holistic understanding of the body’s energetic & functional balance, making them a central concept in TCM & related practices like acupuncture & yin yoga.
The Yin arm meridians are:
Lung Meridian: This meridian begins its journey at the front of the shoulder, tracing a path along both the outer & inner arm, culminating at the outer tip of the thumb. The Lung Meridian is associated with the breath, & it plays a vital role in energy circulation.
Pericardium Meridian: Emerging near the nipple, the Pericardium Meridian ascends around the armpit, travels down the front of the bicep, & ultimately finds its endpoint at the tip of the middle finger. This meridian is closely linked to our emotional well-being & the protection of the heart’s energy.
Heart Meridian: The Heart Meridian’s main branch runs through the armpit & follows a dual path along the midline of the inside upper arm & the inner lower arm. It terminates at the inner tip of the little finger. This meridian holds a special place in the body’s energy system, serving as the ruler of all other organs & emotions. Imbalances here can manifest as high blood pressure, heart palpitations, insomnia, anxiety, & a sense of shallowness in our relationships.
In Yin yoga practice, it’s vital to acknowledge that we indirectly stimulate the meridians through the fascia matrix.
In Yin yoga practice, there is an understanding that when we hold passive poses for extended periods, we indirectly stimulate the meridians by stressing the connective tissue.
- Passive Poses: In Yin yoga, poses are held for an extended duration. These poses target the deep connective tissues in the body, such as ligaments, tendons, & fascia, as opposed to more dynamic & muscular engagement in Yang-style yoga.
- Meridians: Yin yoga is deeply rooted in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which emphasizes the flow of vital energy or “qi” through meridians. These meridians are energy pathways that correspond to various organs & functions in the body. Yin yoga aims to balance & stimulate the flow of qi within these meridians.
- Fascia Matrix: Fascia is a network of connective tissue that envelops & connects muscles, organs, & other structures in the body. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the body’s structural integrity & supporting various bodily functions. In Yin yoga, the prolonged stress applied to the fascia during poses can have a significant impact on this fascial network.
When practicing Yin yoga, it’s important to recognize that by holding poses for an extended period, you are not only stressing the connective tissues but also indirectly affecting the meridians & the flow of qi within the body. The fascia matrix is interconnected with the meridians, & by gently stressing & releasing the fascia through these long-held poses, you can influence the energy flow within the meridians.
This indirect stimulation of the meridians through the fascia matrix is believed to promote balance, harmony, & vitality in the body, aligning with the holistic principles of traditional Chinese medicine & the philosophy of Yin yoga.
You can learn more about the 12 main Meridians & how they interplay with our fascia system. Yin Yoga & Chinese Medicine TTC Bali – see website for details.
Myoyin Pose for Heart Yin Meridian
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akirayogaLTD 13569397
akirayogaLTD 13569397
Copyright © Akira Yoga 2019. All Rights Reserved.