Yin Yoga for winter with 2 SIMPLE ASANA

winter practice to balance kidneys and bladder meridians

It feels that winter is well upon us now here in Scotland. Daylight hours becoming less, sweet crisp cold air, long dark nights and freezing cold breath. Perhaps if we are lucky long walks up snowy hills or for the more experienced a Munro or two followed with the sweet passing of time by the hearthstone. Leaves have long since been pushed off their branches to let trees pull their goodness back to centre. Rowan and crab apple producing berries to help keep the birds well feed over the winter months.

I love winter! Some people indulge in the cold so much that the icy lochs become full of people donning wetsuits, winter hats, and gloves for a quick two-minute freezing dip, followed with a hot thermos flask full of warm hot chocolate for after, a dry robe and hot water bottle helps to bring numb hands and feet back to life.

Yes, I do love winter!

In traditional TCM (Chinese medicine) Winter is a time to nourish and take care of our Bladder and Kidney meridians which also helps to regulate our body temperature and is much needed during the colder months.

The Bladder Meridian

The bladder is our protective chi and holds our physical and emotional tensions, it regulates our internal organs, stores and secretes urine which helps to normalise the fluid in the body.

The Kidney Meridian

The Kidney meridian gathers and stores energy, helping to develop stamina. It is the source of our vital energy and when out of sync can lead to a sensitivity to cold, irregular menstrual cycles, impotency or even over-sexed if excessive.

Second Chakra

The kidneys and bladder also rule the 2nd chakra which lays within the prostatic plexus and female reproductive system. It lays midway between the pubis and navel which houses our sexuality, creativity, and energetic store.

Emotional and Psychological qualities of these energies

When in balance you will have patience and confidence in your abilities and decisions. You will feel well within yourself, that you have the endurance to create what you would like to manifest and bring forward into this reality. When you are feeling out of balance it can manifest itself physiologically as feeling impotent, frigid, and unable to move forward. When we balance the kidney and bladder lines, we remove frustration, anxiety, and fear.

TWO SIMPLE YIN ASANA FOR BALANCE

Here are two simple yin yoga asanas to help support and balance out the bladder and kidney meridians. Each asana can be held between 3-5 minutes.

Forward folds are regarded as ‘langhana’ which means to reduce and cool, aiding in relaxation. Langhana practices are quieting and cooling, they can be extremely helpful if you are experiencing anxiety or are moving through a stressful time. The exhale extends in forward folds which effects both the upper and lower stomach, helping with elimination, providing a visceral massage to the internal organs.

Benefits of forward folds:

• Stretches and lengthen the back of the spine, pelvic girdle and the legs which helps when the lower back is tight, aiding in releasing the spine.

• Strengthens the abdominal organs as the front body is firmed and toned.

• Helps to restore the nervous system as the senses draw inwards and the exhale breath extends.

• Helps to promote healthy sleep patterns and holds you within the present moment as the mind becomes quiet.

Half Butterfly | Yin Yoga | Urinary Bladder & Kidney Meridians

Butterfly | Yin Yoga | Urinary Bladder and Kidney Meridian

Below is a winter yin practice which can help to support you throughout the cold season. When done 2-3 times a week, you will notice a marked improvement in joint mobility, circulation and a general sense of wellness.

In this practice we begin with a short series of gentle backbends which compress the urinary bladder lines followed with the langhana element and forward folds to help stress both the urinary bladder and kidney lines.

Much love and happy practicing.

Gem xox