om body
YOGA @ HOME
Spring is in the air
A gentle, cleansing yin practice for the change
of season. By Amanda Houston
1
- Toe Squat (1-3 minutes)
From table try to tuck all 10 toes under, then gently walk the hands
back toward the knees, sit comfortably and breeeeeeaaaaathe.
A
pril is known as a transition month between the cold
and blustery weather of winter and the warmer, drier
conditions of summer. The days are longer, the sun
is stronger...but don’t be fooled, the atmosphere is
very active around this time and it’s well known for
producing frequent, ‘April’ showers.
It’s not just the sky that’s changeable: early mornings are
dominated by the sounds of bird song and we see new life and
vibrant bursts of colour all around us. Spring is here and it’s one of
the most inspiring and productive times of year.
In traditional Chinese medicine each season corresponds to
diferent organs and their meridians. The liver (yin) and gallbladder
(yang) are connected to spring and the primary element is wood.
Wood is about rebirth, renewal and awakening. It’s an energetic
force of nature that pushes new grass through the soil, lowers from
the buds and leaves out of the trees.
When the wood element is balanced within us we feel revitalised
and inspired. At home, we may have a sudden urge to clean, de-
clutter and organise; we get rid of things that no longer serve us...we
replace and replenish.
Outside, we experience a new scent, a freshness in the air, we feel
the sunshine on our face and the warmth gives us an early taste of
summer. We know something better is coming... so even our senses
are busy, trying to push us forward.
There is a lot of yang activity all around us – nature needs this
forceful energy but too much of it can leave us feeling unbalanced.
Physically, we may start to experience fatigue, headaches, lower back
pain and tight hips. Emotionally, feelings of anger and frustration may
stir up and we can become unsettled in our environment.
Integrating more yin into our lives can help restore balance.
Following a practice that works the liver and gallbladder meridianswill support the body’s natural digestive and detoxiication functions.
Holding asanas such as Shoelace, Sleeping Swan and Banana for
several minutes gives us the opportunity to eliminate unwanted
toxins, helping us to detox, rinse and let go. Our emotions feel more
balanced which helps to ground us, keep us calm and in the moment.
So be empowered by the energy and vibrancy of this time of year.
Stroke the lambs, smell the lowers, snif the air, cleanse and refresh
your life. Breathe in the scents and sounds of the season and take
this as an opportunity to start anew. Remember in the same way we
‘spring clean’ our external environment we should also ‘spring clean’
our internal one.
Enjoy the sunshine but equally relish in those April showers. See
them as nature washing away the stress and a reminder of the
present moment, that we are still only part way through spring.
The following postures will give you the opportunity to pause,
observe and let go. Gently ind your edge then become still and
hold for the suggested number of minutes. During this time, breathe
deeply whilst releasing any tension. Just allow yourself to surrender.
Use props where necessary, especially under the knees if you feel
any discomfort. If you feel pain, back of or come out completely.
Listen to the body.Photos: Charlotte Gaterell