The springing of Spring

Spring is my favourite time of year.  Waking up to the sound of twittering birds, the increased exposure to daylight, milder weather and a sense of nature coming to life all contribute to a feeling of renewed vitality and energy after the hibernation of Winter.

Nature is my biggest inspiration and I enjoy aligning my own yoga practice, as well as my teaching, to the seasons.  According to ancient Chinese philosophy (a strong influence in Yin yoga), Spring is related to the Wood Element.  The five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water) symbolise specific qualities and attributes present in both nature and living beings, influencing our physical, mental and emotional states.  This Wood Element embodies the energy of Spring: the season of renewal, expansion and transformation.  It represents rejuvenation and growth as we witness the emergence of new trees, flowers and plants coming to life again following the dormancy of Winter. This Spring energy is dynamic and full of potential, which is reflected in the sense of possibility and optimism that we might experience within ourselves at this time of year.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the Wood Element is associated with the Liver and Gallbladder organs.  The Liver plays a crucial role in the smooth flow of Chi (vital energy) throughout the body.  When Chi stagnates in any area it can lead to physical discomfort and emotional imbalances, so by targeting specific meridians (energy channels that run throughout the body), we can start to release any blockages and encourage the free flow of energy.

Poses associated with the Wood Element focus on stimulating the connective tissue surrounding the Liver and Gallbladder meridians: the inner thighs/groin and front of the torso (Liver), and the outer hips/IT band/glutes and the sides of the torso and neck (Gallbladder).  By including hip openers, side bends and poses creating opening in the front of the body, we can steer our practice towards strengthening our Wood energy, which can often become depleted at this time of year.

In TCM, the Liver (considered a ‘Yin’ organ) is often referred to as the ‘general’, overseeing the smooth and harmonious distribution of Chi. It governs the flow of blood, regulates our emotions and supports the body's detoxification processes.  The Liver embodies qualities of growth, expansion and adaptability.  When in balance we experience a sense of vitality, creativity and emotional stability, manifesting in our ability to adapt well to change, make decisions and bring new plans into fruition.  The Gallbladder, intricately connected to the Liver and considered the ‘Yang’ organ associated with the Wood Element, is regarded as the ‘decision-maker’ and is associated with courage, determination and making clear judgments.  It governs our ability to plan and execute decisions effectively, reflecting the assertive and decisive nature of the Wood Element.  When the Liver and Gallbladder are out of balance, physical manifestations may emerge as headaches, digestive issues, eye problems or muscle tension.  Emotionally we might be more susceptible to mood swings and feelings of anger, frustration, irritability and stagnation.

There are a number of ways we can strengthen our Wood energy off the mat, too.

Connecting with nature: Spending time outdoors and immersing ourselves in the awakening of Spring is one of the most effective and uplifting ways to boost our energy.  Try putting aside some time in your day to walk in parks, gardens, woodlands or the countryside, mindfully observing the budding of trees, blooming flowers and the vibrant colours of the season.  Engaging in outdoor activities like gardening or simply sitting quietly in nature can do wonders to rejuvenate our spirit and connect with the energy of growth and renewal.

Movement: Spring is a great time of year to focus on activities that promote flexibility and circulation. Practices such as Yin yoga, with an emphasis at this time of year on targeting the hips and sides of the body, can be wonderful for balancing our Wood energy and supporting the healthy flow of Chi.

Liver nourishing diet: Springtime is the season to really focus on eating foods that support liver health and detoxification.  Try to incorporate plenty of fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables, particularly those with bitter and sour flavours such as leafy greens, citrus fruits, and cruciferous vegetables.  It’s best to try to avoid heavy, greasy foods and minimise the intake of alcohol, caffeine and processed foods, all of which place excessive stress and burden on the liver.

Hydration: By drinking plenty of water and herbal teas we can support hydration and help to flush out toxins from the body.  Lemon water or dandelion root tea are especially beneficial for stimulating liver function and promoting detoxification.

Embrace creativity: Spring is a time of inspiration and new beginnings.  By engaging in creative pursuits that nourish our souls and encourage self-expression, such as painting, writing, dancing, or anything that taps into our creative potential, we can invigorate our inherent Wood energy.

Intentions and goals: We can harness the energy of assertiveness and determination of the Wood Element by setting clear intentions and goals.  Take time to reflect on what you would like to accomplish and create a plan of action.  The ability to be flexible and open to adaptation throughout our journey towards our goals is symbolic of balanced Wood energy.

Mindfulness and stress management: By incorporating mindfulness practices such as Yin yoga and meditation we can begin to cultivate a sense of calm and emotional balance.  Managing stress by establishing healthy boundaries, prioritising self-care and seeking support when needed is crucial for maintaining the smooth flow of Chi and our overall sense of wellbeing.

Spring cleaning: Decluttering our living spaces and letting go of items that no longer serve us can be wonderfully liberating.  By getting rid of physical clutter we can start to create space for new opportunities and fresh energy to flow into our lives with more freedom and ease.  Try using essential oils such as lemon, bergamot and grapefruit to scent your home, purify your environment and uplift your soul.


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Root down, rise up

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The benefits of cultivating a regular yin yoga practice