Written by Amanda Dzengeleski
Explore the intersection of yin/yang meridians, emotions, wellness, and YOUR yoga practice in our February Lunchtime Learning Series.
February 7th, Meridian Theory and Yoga Poses, A Foundation with Sam
February 14th Heart and Small Intestine: Restoring Your Vital Rhythm with Amanda
Sign Up Online
February 21st Nourishing Balance with the Kidney and Urinary Bladder Meridians with Ainslee
February 28th Maintaining Liver Meridian Harmony with Aviva
Meridian theory is a fundamental aspect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which views the body as an interconnected system of energy “rivers”. These rivers, known as meridians, facilitate the flow of vital energy or Qi (pronounced “chi”) throughout the body. Each meridian corresponds to specific organs and functions, contributing to the overall balance of energy. Qi circulates through the body along the meridians, forming a complex network that connects various organs, tissues, and physiological functions. The Qi of each organ serves specific functions within the body and is associated with distinct elements and emotions. Imbalances in emotions may signal an imbalance of Qi.
The health of our organs is essential to our wellbeing. Each organ has a distinctive presence in our physical and emotional lives. Connecting to and caring for each organ’s unique qualities contributes to their function and balance. Each yin organ has a direct relationship with a complementary yang organ, and together they regulate our physical, mental and emotional functions. According to Sarah Powers, the five organ pairs are connected to the basic emotions that directly affect our experience of the world. Each of our emotions directly affect our organs and meridians, impacting how they function. Powers explains “unbalanced and excessive emotions lead to illness and disease just as undernourished organs and depleted Qi promote disturbing emotions.” Balancing the five pairs moves us toward greater well-being.
The five organ pairs include:
Kidneys & Urinary Bladder
Liver & Gallbladder
Spleen & Stomach
Lungs & Large Intestine
Heart & Small Intestine
When comparing the organs to one another, they can be characterized as either yin or yang based on their qualities or characteristics. However, it’s important to note that yin and yang exist simultaneously - every organ has both a supportive, nourishing yin element and an active yang element - it’s that one tends to be more dominant when looking at specific organs. Muscles, yang tissues, have a positive response to rhythmic movement while yin tissues, bones, joints, ligaments and fascia, respond to long held, low load postures. Reduced mobility in the joints can act as an energetic roadblock in the meridians and limits the free flow of Qi.
Yoga asana, specifically yin yoga, is an "energy bath" for our bodies. Yoga flushes the meridians and facilitates the movement of stagnant energy. As we move through various postures, we engage with the subtle aspects of our being, inviting the flow of Qi to move freely. In yin yoga, we invite awareness to a particular organ pair through longer held postures and breathwork that stimulates the pair. Powers suggests “with its quiet atmosphere unstained by striving, a yin practice allows us the space to fully metabolize emotions we often ingest but cannot completely digest.” A healthy balance of yin and yang, in practice and in life, stimulates the flow of Qi and relieves energetic and emotional blockages in the meridians, bringing vibrancy to how we think and feel. Join us every Wednesday evening for Candlelight Yin and Yoga Nidra to apply mindfulness techniques to cultivate relaxation, awareness and insights to our mind, body and heart.
Email info@dogwoodstudioyoga.com with questions. We are here to help!
Amanda Dzengeleski is a 200-hour registered yoga teacher (RYT) and an aspiring yoga therapist (in training). She first discovered yoga as a form of mind-body medicine that cultivated a deeper state of self-awareness and personal growth. Using a functional and trauma-informed approach, Amanda empowers her students to move freely and intentionally in celebration of body, mind, and soul.
SAM Sather, founder of Dogwood Studios, is a certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT) and an Insight Yoga Institute (IYI) endorsed teacher. She individualizes the yoga practice with appropriate modifications for participants’ unique bodies and medical histories with a focus on finding calm and improving health. She offers several live, online and in person yoga classes as well as private sessions so you can focus on your needs one-on-one.
