The official begin of Autumn right here within the Northern Hemisphere comes on the Equinox in September, when Earth’s equator strikes instantly by means of the centre of the solar’s path. It’s that point of yr once we discover the nights drawing in and the temperatures starting to dip. Possibly you additionally start to crave warming meals like soups and stews, which, is not any coincidence as in Conventional Chinese language Drugs (TCM), it’s suggested to eat much less chilly and uncooked meals right now with a purpose to extra simply help the digestive system all through the yin interval of the yr.
In TCM, Autumn is the season of the Lungs and Giant Gut and the component is Steel. The Lungs are often called the ‘Prime Minister’ and from an brisk perspective the Lungs are the yin organ of the pair, liable for establishing the muse of Qi (power) for the entire physique. The Lungs are additionally related to our capability to absorb, type and launch what we don’t want.
Working in tandem with its yang organ companion, the Giant Gut, the Lungs soak up contemporary air (absorbing Qi from the sky), supplying us with the oxygen we want and expelling the carbon dioxide waste we don’t, whereas the Giant Gut helps to launch waste from the meals we eat. Simply as each organs play a vital position in elimination – letting go of what the physique doesn’t require – ‘letting go’ is the power of Autumn. Because the timber start to shed their leaves this is a perfect time to ask your self the query: ‘What it’s time for me to let go of?’ In case you are feeling not sure, journaling on this query, permitting your self to free-write your unfiltered ideas could also be of assist.
The Lung and Giant Gut Meridians
The meridian strains for each organs are concentrated within the higher physique, so from a yin yoga perspective, these meridians may be stimulated by concentrating on poses that open the chest, stomach and alongside the entrance of the arms.
Within the downward course the Lung meridian strains begin from across the area of the photo voltaic plexus, earlier than passing the abdomen to attach with the big gut. Within the upward course it crosses the diaphragm and enters the lungs the place it divides to journey up the center of the windpipe to the throat. Right here, it once more divides to journey to the shoulder and down the entrance of the arm ending on the nook of the thumb. The Giant Gut strains start by the surface nook of the index finger and journey up alongside the outer fringe of the arm to the shoulder, the place it crosses the shoulder blades and travels up the facet of the neck to the cheek and excessive lip the place it ends beside the nostril. Within the downward course, one other department travels into the lungs, diaphragm and enormous gut.
The first emotion related to Autumn, the Lungs, Giant Gut and Steel is grief. Weak Lung Qi can manifest as an incapacity to course of and specific grief.
Imbalanced Lung and Giant Gut Qi also can seem like low immunity, respiratory issues, colds, pimples, muddled ideas and issue in expressing feelings. An imbalance of Steel component in the meantime can present up as being unable to recognise our presents.
When in stability we are able to really feel extra current, optimistic and open in addition to having extra braveness to face life’s ups and downs from a spot of acceptance.
Throughout this Autumn season, take the cues of nature and think about methods you possibly can let go of what you now not want. Clearing out previous negativity will present room so that you can soak up new issues that can serve you effectively. One strategy to start this course of merely is to permit your self time every day to breathe consciously. Give your self the area for contemplation and relaxation and see the place this leads you.
Breathe Deeply: Field Respiration – Help your Lungs and Soothe the Stress Response
Do this respiration observe by itself or after your yoga observe.
Visualising a field, start on the backside left-hand nook:
Inhale slowly for 4 counts – up the left facet of the field
Maintain for 4 counts – throughout the highest of the field
Exhale slowly for 4 counts – down the precise facet of the field
Maintain for 4 counts – throughout the underside of the field
Repeat this three to 4 occasions or longer if wanted.
Yin Yoga for the Lungs and Giant Gut – Supported Fish Pose
Lie again resting your mid-back on a block or bolster. To make sure your head and neck really feel comfy you could need to place a block below your head too. Enable your arms to achieve out to both facet on the bottom along with your palms dealing with up. Your legs may be prolonged or you could desire to bend your knees and relaxation the soles of your ft in your mat.
Relaxation right here for between one and 5 minutes for so long as you’re feeling comfy.
Wish to join with the group? Be a part of a workshop with Paula Hines to help the Brixton Soup Kitchen:
ONLINE – Joyful & Open: An Autumn Yin & Yoga Nidra Workshop, Saturday sixteenth October 2-4.15pm {sliding scale pricing}. No less than 50% of proceeds will go to Brixton Soup Kitchen. Discover out extra proper right here
