Yin Yoga & Traditional Chinese Medicine

Yin is a modern yoga practice that weaves principles of the Meridian and Five Element systems from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) into a framework to explore traditional Hatha Yoga postures. Some Yin yoga poses are new, but many are Hatha poses renamed to denote a shift in intention. The sequences are designed to enhance the flow

of Qi (life energy) through meridians (energy channels) defined by TCM. In Hatha yoga, Prana is the equivalent to Qi and the Nadis equate to the meridians. Meridians are associated with different organs in the body, and in TCM each of the five seasons (yes 5!) is associated with a yin and yang organ. Acupuncture, one component of TCM, is said to improve the flow of qi in the body. Acupuncture points, where needles are inserted, are mainly (but not always) found at locations along the meridians. Acupressure is similar, but instead of inserting needles pressure is applied along the meridian lines. Yin Yoga can act as a form of Acupressure to the meridian networks by applying stress along the meridian lines.

TCM is a vast system of preventative medicine. ”Yin Yoga is not Chinese medicine

but we are playing on the same playground.” - Dr. Karina Smith..