Moving into Summer with Yin

Yin yoga is a great way to balance the heat that summer brings as yin poses, particularly forward bending poses, are cooling and can also help calm the body.  Summer can be a busy and exhilarating time with all the activities that nice weather and long days can bring.  A yin practice is a nice complement to the yang energy of summer; keeping the mind and body in a healthy balance. 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the heart is the organ associated with summer and is paired with the small intestine.  Yin yoga does not traditionally focus on the upper body organs/meridians but there are ways to stimulate the upper body meridians through the yin poses.  One of the easiest ways is to incorporate the arms into the poses.  For example, extending the arms out in front of the body in butterfly pose or up by the ear in a reclining twist.  Another great pose is melting heart; as demonstrated in the picture above (courtesy of yinyoga.com).  In melting heart, we are stimulating the heart meridian through the pressure placed on the arms.  You can also do this pose by extending just one arm at a time; making sure to do both sides.


Tips for Summer

• Eat lighter, cooling foods such as salads and fresh fruit, like watermelon
• Take it easy with the heavier foods such as meat and dairy as well as spicy foods
• Drink plenty of water
  
• Incorporate activities into each day that bring you joy
• Practice compassion with yourself and others
• Take long, calming breaths when feelings of agitation arise
• Pay attention to when you are feeling tired and take time to rest
• Take advantage of the warmer weather by walking barefoot outside and absorbing the energy from the earth

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