The Yin to Our Yang

The fall season is upon us, and winter is coming. This means less sunlight, more moonlight, and let’s be honest--a time of literal darkness, which can affect us in a number of ways. The practice of Yin Yoga can help us ground ourselves in this shift and align with joy as the days become shorter.

Yin Yoga is rooted in ancient Chinese practices. In this style, passive postures are held for several minutes to open channels in our body, called “meridians.” Opening these channels allows energy, or “qi,” to flow freely, thus enhancing the function of our organs and improving the overall health of our bodies. Each major organ in the body has an associated meridian, and certain poses address the energy flow to each meridian.

Practically speaking, Yin is the opposite of what you’ll experience in our signature MY hot flow class. There’s no flowy movement from one pose to the next, and you won’t do a single Chaturanga. This is instead a grounded practice where you will be seated or lying down. You will set yourself up in a deep (but not your deepest) stretch using blocks, bolsters, a wall, or other props to support your body. The objective is to let go in the muscle in order to access deeper tissue, like the fascia that supports your organs and bones. Over time, blockages will dissipate and the energy flow to this area of the body will open up, leaving you with a sense of lightness and relaxation both physically and emotionally.

The practice of Yin yoga is deliberately slow--which can be even more challenging than fast-paced vinyasa classes. Each pose is held for several minutes. This creates the perfect opportunity to slow down in an otherwise busy and hectic life.

In Kristine’s “The Yin to our Yang” Masterclass series, you will focus on a specific meridian pair in each class.

Part 1 - Heart and Small Intestine Meridians

Saturday, November 6

The heart and small intestine meridians are associated with the element of fire. They regulate blood circulation in the body and overall happiness. Blockages in these meridians can be associated with sadness and depression.

Part 2 - Lung and Large Intestine Meridians

Saturday, November 20

Lung and large intestine meridians are associated with the season of fall and control breathing and fluidity within the body. The energy around these meridians affects the body’s immune system.

Part 3 - Spleen and Stomach Meridians

Saturday, December 4

The spleen and stomach meridians feed the body and control the emotions of worry and anxiety. Blockages in these meridians can lead to general fatigue and digestive issues.