6 Yin Yoga Poses for Grounding and Nervous System Support
When we connect to the earth, we connect to ourselves; our source, our body and our breath. Grounding ourselves within the Earth element is important for so many reasons, it supports us in stopping, processing, digesting and restoring. Have you ever heard the saying:
This is something vital to remember and why we need to ground ourselves often, to fill up our cup. Grounding allows us to root ourselves into the earth, re-centre and re-stabilize. Yin yoga is a vessel for shifting energy in the body and a pathway to secure us and re-root us into our Earth element to stabilise us in every sector of our life; mind, body and soul.
Today we are looking at a series of 6 yin yoga poses, this flow will allow us to ground ourselves and tap into our parasympathetic nervous system: to rest, digest, restore. They are made up of both Earth and Metal elements; 2 of 5 components that comprise the basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
3 are linked to the Earth element which is an inter-season we are entering. This doesn’t have to be physical season shifts, we also enter this when we are in any transition whatsoever in life, on any occasion, on any day or time. These Earth element asanas are supporting the bodily organs of the stomach and spleen with digestion, nourishment. All of which are linked to mental state of management; how we process change, how we can cultivate mindfulness in this stage of life or situation to find comfort and grounding. On an emotional level we try to be accepting and less worried. Finding peace, feeling strong, being calm to find clarity.
Breathwork supports the above as well as boosts our immune system by supporting the ph-level balance and the detoxing of the body through and focusing on the mental sense of wholeness to avoid anxiety which lowers our immune system. You can learn more about my breathwork and yin yoga combined teachings here.
The other three asanas are linked to the Metal element which is traditionally linked to Autumn, the season of shedding what no longer serves us to keep the essentials. Like the tree ridding the leaves and storing the sap in its inner trunk. The organs especially supported with these asanas are the lung and the large intestines which again is reinforcing the Earth element of detoxification. We physically rid our body of stuff and we mentally clear out stagnated emotions to feel lighter. All contributing to a healthy balance supporting the immune system and a peaceful mind. Processing things with awareness and courage to let them go and return to a state of presence and peace. Our priorities are set within our boundaries, it’s about learning to get comfortable with the feeling that less is more - doing less with TLC and gratitude for what was and is.
This is one of my favourite flows to stabilise and restore, remember the key with yin yoga is slow, we slow down our practice to connect to the poses, the flow and ground ourselves into the Earth. Please let me know if you have any questions by sharing them in the comments, DM'ing me on Instagram or emailing me here.
Abi x
Squat Pose - feet on ground, more than hip width apart - crouch down keeping the spine and neck straight - rest sit bones on block, pillow if needed - put hands in prayer in front of the heart and push the elbows into the knees.
Sphinx Pose - lie on your belly - clasp your elbows with the opposite hands and move the elbows just under your shoulders - open the arms parallel to each other - fingers facing forwards, palms of hands on ground. If the tension in the lower back is too much, widen the legs.
Child Pose - sit on heels - widen legs - fold forward - head resting on mat or on a pillow - arms stretched out forward resting on ground or along the body facing backwards.
Broken Wing Pose - lie down on your belly - lift yourself up onto your elbows, bring one arm under the other sideways, then fold the other to the opposite side - you will feel a deep stretch in your shoulder blades and a compression in your chest - place your head on the ground or on a block/book.
Reclining Butterfly Pose - sit on your mat- bring the palms of the feet together and push them further away to create a diamond / butterfly shape with the legs - place a pillow/bolster behind your sacrum and slowly bring yourself backwards to lie and rest on the pillow - open your arms to the side.
Banana Pose - lie straight on the mat - bring the right foot to the right corner of the mat, place the left foot over it - keep the sacrum anchored in the center of the mat - stretch your arms above the head and place them to the right side above your head on the ground, the left hand gripping onto the right wrist and rest. This pose requires a moment of rest centered on the mat before stretching the opposite (left) side.