A Journey Into Yin Yoga

32 A JOURNEY INTO YIN YOGA

Wood—Includes trees, vegeta-

tion, and minerals

Fire—Includes heat, light, sun,

smoke, and fire

Earth—Includes soil, clay, rocks,

and sand

Metal—Includes gold, silver,

copper, and bronze; also,

connected to magnetism and

conductivity

Water—Includes liquid in the

form of the oceans, rain,

vapor, and moisture

Understanding these five phases is important to being aware of the laws of

nature. Each element, or phase, helps to produce or promote another. Each

element is like a mother giving birth to another element. In another config-

uration of the five elements, they control each other through a promoting

cycle and a controlling cycle.

Promoting Cycle

Water gives life to all vegetation, which promotes wood. Wood is the fuel

and promoter of fire. After the fire consumes the wood, it creates ash, which

promotes earth. Earth contains the minerals that promote metal. The minerals

of metal become one and promote the element of water. The cycle is then

repeated.

Controlling Cycle

Water puts out and controls fire. Fire melts and controls metal. The metal of

an axe or chainsaw cuts down the tree, controlling wood. Wood and the roots

of a tree dig into and conquer the element of earth. The earthen banks of a

river control the flow of water. The cycle is then repeated.

The five elements provide a deeper perspective of the yin-yang model, and

it’s important to keep in mind that the two are always related. The number

five was important to the Taoists. In addition to the five elements are the five

seasons, five climates, five organ networks, and the five emotions. Chinese

medicine is built on these concepts, and the subject could easily fill numerous

books. For our journey into yin yoga, I hope to provide you greater context

on the origins of yin. In our overactive yang culture, one of the most powerful

ways to achieve balance is through yin yoga practice.

Almost a year after the near-drowning experience in Kauai, I signed up for

a yoga retreat at Koh Lanta, Thailand. At the end of the retreat, I was invited

FIGURE 2.2 The five elements.

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Fire

Wood Earth

Water Metal