Water Element Yin Yoga Sequence in TCM

The Water element in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) embodies the most Yin-like qualities of all seasons. It represents introspection, density, coldness, and stillness, contrasting with the outward energy of summer and the Fire element. This element encourages us to retreat into our inner world, reflecting on our emotions and dreams through practices like meditation and Yin yoga.

Yin Yoga Sequence for the Water Element

This sequence aims to nourish the kidneys and stimulate the Kidney and Bladder meridians, which are associated with the Water element.

Dangling breathing into the kidneys

• Begin by placing warm hands on your kidney area, breathing into this space
• Hinge forward at the hips with soft knees
• Allow your spine to extend with each exhalation

Wide Knee Child’s with Needle Arms

• From Child’s pose, spread knees wide
• Feed one arm under the opposite armpit for a gentle twist
• Breathe into each kidney individually

Straddle Pose

• Sit with legs wide apart
• Hinge forward at the hips until you feel a deep stretch in your legs and inner thighs

Sphinx/Seal Pose

Begin by lying face down on your mat. Prop yourself up onto your forearms, creating a gentle backbend in your spine. This position is known as Sphinx pose.

1. Slightly tuck your chin to elongate the entire length of your spine.
2. Visualise a stream of cool blue light flowing upward along your spine, followed by warm red light flowing downward.
3. Notice the gentle compression and stimulation in your kidney area.

To intensify the backbend:

• Push up onto your hands, straightening your arms into Seal pose.
• For an extra stretch, extend one arm further forward at a time.
• As you hold this position, focus your breath into the corresponding kidney area.

Remember to listen to your body and only deepen the pose if it feels comfortable. This posture helps stimulate the Kidney meridian while promoting spinal flexibility and kidney function.

• Lie on your belly, propping up on forearms or hands
• Visualise drawing blue light up your spine and red light down

Caterpillar Pose

Caterpillar Pose, also known as Paschimottanasana in traditional yoga, is a fundamental and highly beneficial pose in the practice of Yin Yoga.

To enter the Caterpillar Pose, start by sitting on your mat with your legs extendedstraight out in front of you. Take a moment to calm your thoughts and become aware of your breathing.

Begin to fold your torso forward, allowing your back to round and your head to drop towards your knees. You can rest your hands on your knees, shins, or wherever they naturally land as you fold forward. It is important not to pull yourself into the pose with your hands, but rather let gravity do the work

Use of Props

Props are highly recommended in Yin Yoga to enhance comfort and allow deeper relaxation. If you have tight hamstrings or discomfort in the knees, place a bolster or a rolled-up blanket under your knees. Sitting on a cushion can also be beneficial, especially for those with sciatica. Additional props like yoga straps, blocks, and bolsters can help you maintain a comfortable position and relax your muscles

• Sit with legs extended and fold forward
• Allow gravity to ease your torso towards the floor

Frog Pose

• Start in Wide Knee Child’s pose
• Bring hips in line with knees, feet apart
• Focus on the stretch in inner thighs and groin

Prone Spinal Twist

• Lie face down with knees bent to one side
• Keep spine long and adjust knee position for lower back release

Closing

Finish with Savasana to allow your body and mind to integrate the practice

Benefits of the Sequence

This Yin yoga sequence for the Water element helps:

• Nourish and harmonize Yin energy
• Promote introspection and emotional reflection
• Stimulate the Kidney and Bladder meridians
• Release tension along the spine and in the lower body

By practicing this sequence, you can attune to the qualities of the Water element, fostering inner stillness and emotional clarity.