Yoga For Spring
Chinese Medicine and Yoga
Each Element in Chinese Medicine is linked to the organs they support. Spring Wood Chi supports the Liver and Gall Bladder. The Liver controls muscles and tendons, so if you have tight joints or recurring joint problems this could mean an over-stressed liver.
Poses to tonify Liver and Gall Bladder include inversions, back bends, twists and forward bends.
The following yoga poses and pictures are from the Yoga Journal on poses for the liver.
Padangusthasana (Big Toe Pose)
This pose gently lengthens and strengthens even stubbornly tight hamstrings.
This pose gently lengthens and strengthens even stubbornly tight hamstrings.
This pose provides a gentle massage to the spine and belly organs.
This pose provides a gentle massage to the spine and belly organs.
Cow Pose is an easy, gentle way to warm up the spine.
Cow Pose is an easy, gentle way to warm up the spine.
Paripurna Navasana (Full Boat Pose)
Abdominal and deep hip flexor strengthener, requires you to balance on the tripod of your sitting bones and tailbone.
Abdominal and deep hip strengthener, requires you to balance on the tripod of your
The torso is curved to the side over the straightened leg.
The torso is curved to the side over the straightened leg.
Marichyasana I (Pose Dedicated to the Sage Marichi, I)
Marichi is the Vedic Adam, and the “father” of humanity.
Marichi is the Vedic Adam, and the “father” of humanity.
Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)
Paschimottanasana can help a distracted mind unwind.
Paschimottanasana can help a distracted mind unwind.
Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose)
Calms the brain and rejuvenates tired legs.
Calms the brain and rejuvenates tired legs.
This posture promotes flexibility in the spine and encourages the chest to open.
This posture promotes flexibility in the spine and encourages the chest to open.
Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog)
One of the most widely recognized yoga poses… an all-over, rejuvenating stretch.
One of the most widely recognized yoga poses… an all-over, rejuvenating stretch.
This pose stretches the ankles, groin, and back torso. If your heels don’t reach the floor, rest them on a folded blanket.
This pose stretches the ankles, groin, and back torso. If your heels don’t reach the
Sphinx Pose is the infant of backbends. It can be practiced with either an active or passive approach.
Sphinx Pose is the infant of backbends. It can be practiced with either an active
Salamba Sarvangasana (Supported Shoulderstand)
This version of Shoulderstand is performed with blanket support under the shoulders.
This version of Shoulderstand is performed with blanket support under the shoulders.
Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Upward-Facing Dog)
Upward-Facing Dog will challenge you to lift and open your chest.
Upward-Facing Dog will challenge you to lift and open your chest.
Prasarita Padottanasana (Wide-Legged Forward Bend)
The pose as described here is technically known as Prasarita Padottanasana
The pose as described here is technically known as Prasarita Padottanasana
Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend)
Uttanasana will wake up your hamstrings and soothe your mind.
