Ayurveda for late winter: Nurturing balance and vitality

As winter’s embrace holds us in its gentle grasp, Ayurveda, the ancient science of life and an important philosophy in yoga, offers us gentle but potent guidance to navigate this season with intention, inspiring rejuvenation for springtime. With its holistic approach to wellbeing, Ayurveda inspires a treasure trove of delicious practices and rituals that can help you cultivate balance, nourish your body, and restore vitality during late winter. Let’s delve into the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda for late winter. 

Nourishing foods

Ayurveda encourages us to choose foods that align with the seasonal qualities in order to maintain balance. According to the Ayurvedic philosophy, the best foods to eat in late winter are those that help balance the dominant dosha (unique energy patterns that influence our physical and mental characteristics) during this season, which is Kapha. To counterbalance the heavy, cold, and damp qualities of Kapha, favour foods that are warm, light, and nourishing. Think root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and beetroot, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, light whole grains like quinoa, and light proteins like chicken, fish, and tofu. 

Dinacharya/ Daily routines and rituals

Dincharya is the Sanskrit term for daily rituals and is the cornerstone of Ayurveda. During late winter, it’s essential to create a routine that creates balance and stability, and supports your overall wellbeing. How would it feel to start rising a little earlier, perhaps with the sun, and practise a few gentle yoga poses? Then follow your practice with some self-care rituals, mindful breathing, and a slow walk through nature. Establishing a regular routine allows you to align your internal rhythms with the natural cycles of the day, promoting grounding, stability, and balance. It’s also a good opportunity to set yourself up for the more vibrant energy of spring. 

Warm, Ayurvedic teas

We’ve said it before but it bears repeating - embrace the mighty herbal tea. The ancient yogis were fans of it for a reason. Ayurveda places great emphasis on keeping your digestive fire, known as Agni, burning strong. During late winter, Agni tends to be weaker, and sipping on warm herbal teas can help stoke the digestive fire and support healthy digestion. Consider Ayurvedic blends like ginger, cinnamon, cardamon, and fennel. These warming spices support digestion, boost metabolism, and provide a comforting respite from the cold. Enjoy them throughout the day to nourish and invigorate your system. 

Abhyanga (self-massage)

In Ayurveda, Abhyanga is a cherished self-care ritual that involves massaging warm oil into your body. During late winter, this practice is especially beneficial as it helps to counteract the dry and cool of this time of year. Cold pressed sesame oil is ideal, but you could also use almond or coconut. Simply heat up the oil (by putting it in a small bowl inside a larger bowl filled with boiling water for a few minutes) then gently massage it into your skin, focusing on any tender or dry areas. Leave the oil on for ten minutes then wash it off in the shower. This nourishing practice moisturises your skin, improves circulation, and calms the nervous system. If you’re short on time you could simply warm the oil in your hands, gently massage into your body, then wash off in the shower. Easy peasy! 

Stimulating movement

Embracing the power of regular physical activity during late winter can also help to counteract the heaviness associated with Kapha and invigorate your body and mind. Dynamic exercises help to increase circulation and build internal heat, providing a natural antidote to the cool and stagnant qualities of this dosha. Incorporate yang yoga, brisk walks, and dance into your routine to awaken your energy, release any accumulated stagnation, and ignite your vitality. These movements also help to support your lymphatic system, enhance digestion, and promote the elimination of toxins so you can spring into spring with ease.

The Art of Deep Rest + Rituals for Profound Relaxation

In a world that seems to never sleep, where busyness reigns supreme, the pursuit of genuine rest has become an urgent necessity. We ambitiously rush through life seeking success then wonder why we’re so very tired. How would it feel to allow yourself the gift of deep rest, especially at a time when nature is inviting you to slow down? During these wondrous wintery days, can you find pockets of stillness without the burden of guilt? It’s easy to plonk your head on the pillow at the end of the day and fall into exhausted stillness, but can you gift yourself moments of restoration before your body demands it?

Take it from the Danes

The Danish call it Hygge (pronounced ‘hoo-gah’), and it’s all about a feeling of coziness, contentment, and wellbeing. It’s about embracing simple pleasures, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, and finding joy in the little things. Hygge encourages mindfulness and being in the present moment, whether it’s enjoying a hot cup of tea by the fireplace, snuggling under a soft blanket with a good book, or sharing laughter and quality time with loved ones. It’s a way of life that promotes comfort, relaxation, and a sense of connection to yourself and others. Hygge invites you to slow down, savour, and cultivate a nurturing environment for wellbeing.

Modern thoughts on deep rest

Restful practices are also gaining scientific recognition for their impact on our overall wellbeing. Studies show that restorative practices and rituals can have a transformative effect on your physical, mental, and emotional health. Restful rituals can improve memory and focus, enhance creativity, and lead to better quality sleep. They can also reduce stress hormones, enhance immune function, and promote cellular repair and regeneration. Rest also offers respite from the relentless pace of modern life, allowing your mind and body to recharge and rejuvenate.

The sleep patterns of our ancestors

By embracing rest, you honour the innate wisdom of your body and align yourself with the rhythm of nature – hence cliché practices like the siesta or afternoon nana nap! It’s not lazy – it’s natural. In fact, these traditions align with our ancestors’ sleep patterns and support natural circadian rhythms. In ancient times, our predecessors would often have two distinct sleep periods: a longer sleep during the night and a shorter one during the day. This segmented sleep pattern allowed them to adapt to the natural daylight cycles and optimise their energy levels. With the advent of artificial lighting and changing work structures, the midday nap gradually faded from modern society. However, research has shown that taking a brief rest during the day can be hugely beneficial. So, if you’ve been wondering why you’re always sleepy in the early afternoon – we’re stoked to inform you that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that! And in fact, it might be a good idea to just go with it.

5 simple, yogic rituals for profound relaxation and rest

Savasana (Corpse Pose): Don’t skip out of your yoga class before the best bit, yogis. Come for the Savasana – or at least stay for it. By lying flat on your back in Corpse Pose, with your arms and legs comfortable and relaxed, you allow your body to release tension and surrender to stillness. This practice promotes physical and mental relaxation, reduces stress, and rejuvenates your entire system.

Yoga Nidra (Yogic Sleep): This guided meditation technique induces a state of deep relaxation akin to sleep. It involves moving awareness through different parts of the body, encouraging relaxation and calm. Your teacher will often guide you through yoga nidra variations during restorative and yin yoga classes.

Pranayama (Breath Control): Most yoga classes include some deep breathing exercises which activate the parasympathetic nervous system and induce a state of deep relaxation. There are also many simple breathing practices that you can try at home.

Restorative yoga: Restorative yoga involves gentle, supported poses that allow your body to completely relax and release tension. With the support of props like bolsters, blankets, and blocks, restorative poses are held for an extended period, enabling deep rest and rejuvenation.

Mudras: Yoga mudras are hand gestures that are said to facilitate the flow of energy in the body. One mudra, Shunya mudra, formed by joining the thumb and the middle finger, is believed to promote a sense of calm, relieve stress, and encourage deep relaxation. Incorporating mudras into your yoga practice can enhance mindfulness and create a deeper connection between your body and mind.

Embracing coziness: Yogic self-care routines and rituals to transition from Autumn to Winter

As the vibrant colours of Autumn give way to the cooler embrace of winter, it’s the perfect time to nurture yourself and prioritse self-care. It’s not uncommon to experience a hint of the winter blues, so it’s important to pay extra attention to routines and rituals that help promote mental health, alleviate anxiety, and enhance overall wellbeing. In this blog, we’ll explore some yoga-inspired self-care rituals, meditations, and exercises to help you relax and transition gracefully from Autumn to Winter. 

Warm from within

Sip on nourishing herbal teas like ginger, cinnamon, or chamomile to provide both comfort and health benefits. These herbs and spices can help to ease anxiety, promote relaxation, and support mental wellbeing. Take a moment to savour the flavours mindfully and allow the soothing warmth to permeate your body, nurturing yourself from the inside out. 

Candlelight yoga

Set the mood for relaxation by pracitsing yoga in soft candlelight. Dim the lights, light some candles, and allow the gentle glow to create a warm and tranquil ambiance. Move through a restorative or yin yoga sequence, focusing on deep breaths and mindful movements. Removing artificial light helps to support wellbeing, and gentle yoga practices help to ease anxiety and foster a sense of inner peace as you move towards the gloomy time of year. 

Gratitude meditation

Cultivate a positive mindset and enhance wellbeing by taking a few moments each day to practise gratitude meditation. Gratitude is a powerful tool for improving mental health and wellbeing. Simply find a comfortable seat, close your eyes, and bring to mind the things you are grateful for. Allow feelings of appreciation and joy to fill your heart as you reflect on the blessings in your life. If you can’t find time or space for a formal practice, you may like to simply contemplate the things you’re grateful for while you’re in the shower, making dinner, or engaging in any of your daily habits. 

Yin and restorative yoga

Embrace yin and restorative yoga for deep relaxation and stress relief. Set aside time to attend a yin or restorative class, try one online, or simply practise some of your favourite restful poses. Utilise props like bolsters, blankets, and blocks to support your body in relaxing. Focus on longer holds, allowing yourself to sink deeper into each posture and release tension. Yin and restorative yoga promote mental wellbeing by building resilience, reducing anxiety, and enhancing mindfulness.

Winter reflection journaling

Take time to remember where you were and what you were doing at the beginning of the last winter season. Reflect on the past year, and set intentions for the season ahead through journaling. Write down your thoughts, dreams, and aspirations, using this time to reconnect with yourself, clarify your goals, and let go of that which no longer serves you. Journaling is a beautiful practice to support mental health, invite self-reflection, and foster self-awareness. 

Cook nourishing winter recipes

Explore warm and nourishing recipes that embrace the flavours of the season. Think stews, soups, and slow cooked goodness. As you cook, do so mindfully, infusing your meals with love and gratitude for the sustenance they provide. Then enjoy eating mindfully - which will help promote mental health by cultivating a positive relationship with food and increasing your sense of satisfaction. 

Mindful walking in nature

Embrace the changing landscape by taking mindful walks in nature. Allow yourself to connect with the changing environment - notice the crispness in the air, and the quiet beauty of the season. Engaging in this practice can help improve your mood, and cultivate a sense of grounding. When you return back home you’ll feel even cozier as you wrap yourself in some layers and enjoy a warm beverage. 

Take this time to slow down, embrace self-care, and prepare for the peaceful and introspective months ahead.

Reflecting on Autumn: Using Traditional Chinese Philosophies to cultivate mindfulness and gratitude

As we move into the final month of the beautiful season of Autumn, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the many gifts this time has given. From the vibrant foliage to the crisp air, Autumn is clearly a potent season of transformation and growth.

As we touched on in our last blog, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Autumn is a time to support the lungs and intestines, and to reflect inwardly and let go of what no longer serves us. It’s crucial to heed this call from nature, so that we can move into the cooler months feeling strong and vital – both physically and energetically.

The lungs play an important role in our respiratory system and are responsible for inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide. They also contribute to maintaining your body’s immune system. During Autumn, the air becomes drier and cooler, which can put a strain on your respiratory system, making it more susceptible to certain illnesses. So, it’s really important that we strengthen our lungs before we move into winter. 

The large intestine is also linked to Autumn and plays a vital role in eliminating waste and toxins from the body. The large intestine is responsible for absorbing water and electrolytes from the undigested food that passes through it. A healthy digestive system is essential for overall health and wellbeing, and this is especially true during Autumn when the body needs more fluids to stay hydrated.

On an energetic level, now is the time to let go! As the trees shed their leaves and prepare for the coming winter, it’s necessary for us, too, to let go of what no longer serves. Perhaps there are certain habits or behaviours that you feel you’d like to release. Right now is a ripe moment to surrender negative emotions or patterns that may be holding you back. If we refuse to let go, we can become stagnant, and stuck in old patterns and beliefs that prevent us from moving forwards. This can manifest as physical symptoms like tension and stress, and emotional symptoms like anxiety and depression. 

By supporting the lungs and digestive system, you can also support your immune system to be better equipped to face the challenges of winter. And, by letting go, you can create the space for new experiences and opportunities in your life. 

Rituals to cultivate gratitude and mindfulness

Try integrating these poses and practices to cultivate gratitude, mindfulness, and a positive mindset as we move towards winter. 

Full Yogic Breath

Yes, we know we’ve said it before, but we’ll say it again – don’t forget to breathe! One of the most effective ways to support your lungs and let go of negativity is with deep breathing exercises. 

How to: Full Yogic Breath/Dirga Pranayama

Dirga Pranayama is a simple breathing technique that can help you feel more calm, centred, and energised. It is also great for increasing lung capacity (hence, supporting the lungs!). 

•  Start by coming to a comfortable seat with your spine straight and your shoulders relaxed

• Place your hands on your belly and close your eyes

• Take a deep inhale through your nose, filling your belly with air, then exhale slowly, letting your belly fall back towards your spine

• Next time you inhale, fill your belly and expand your ribcage. Hold for a moment at the top of the inhale, then exhale slowly through your nose

• With the next inhale, fill your belly, ribcage, and upper chest. Hold for a moment, then exhale slowly 

• Continue like this for 5-10 minutes – starting slowly at first and always listening to your body

• Once complete, gently open your eyes and take a moment to notice how you feel 

Yin Yoga

Yin yoga is a wonderful practice to prioritise rest and relaxation, and release tension in your body. The following poses also have the added benefit of supporting and nourishing the digestive system (remember to hold for at least a few minutes):

Shoelace Pose

Shoelace pose is a deep hip opener that can also help to stimulate the digestive organs. Sit on the floor with your legs extended out in front of you then cross your right leg over your left knee, placing your right foot on the floor outside your left hip. Then, bend your left knee and place your left food on the floor outside your right hip. Your knees should be stacked on top of each other (as much as is possible) and the tops of both feet on the floor (again, as much as possible). Hold for three to five minutes, rest in between, then repeat on the second side. 

Dragon Pose

Dragon Pose deeply stretches the groin and hips and can also help to stimulate digestion. Begin in a low lunge position with your right foot forward. Lower your left knee to the floor and slide your left leg back as far as you can, keeping your hips square to the front of your mat, and one hand on either side of the knee (you can use blocks under your hands for extra support if you like). Keep your right knee above your ankle and rest your right shoulder on your right leg as you drop your head down. Hold for three to five minutes, rest in between, then change sides.  

Caterpillar Pose

This gentle forward fold is great for stimulating the digestive organs and supporting the associated meridians. Begin sitting on the floor with your legs extended out in front of you. Slowly fold forward over your legs, allowing your head to drop down. Relax your arms beside your legs or wrap them underneath the knees. For extra support, you can bring a block under the head or a bolster under your knees. Hold for three to five minutes. 

Gratitude journaling

Take a few moments each day to reflect on the things in your life that you are grateful for. Write them down in a journal or notebook and take the time to really reflect on why you are grateful for them. This simple practice can help you to shift your focus away from negativity and towards optimism. 

As you reflect on the beauty and abundance of Autumn, carry these practices with you into the colder months, and continue to cultivate gratitude and mindfulness throughout the year. 

Let us support you on your journey. We have a delicious Autumn collection of on-demand videos full of yoga, meditation, and breathing goodness for you to enjoy at home. Head here for the details and a taster of the series.

The Golden Season: Traditional Chinese Medicine Rituals for Autumnal Bliss

As the leaves begin to fall and the air becomes crisp, Autumn is a beautiful time to shift your focus inwards. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Autumn is a time for reflection, introspection, and letting go. It’s a time to nourish your body and mind in preparation for the cooler months.

In TCM, Autumn is associated with the metal element organs of the lungs and large intestine. This invites you to let go of what no longer serves you and pay extra attention to strengthening your respiratory and digestive systems.

Try integrating these rituals into your life over Autumn to stay grounded, balanced, and healthy. 

Five Rituals to Practise in Autumn

Breathe: Deep breathing helps to strengthen and nourish your lungs. Consider integrating deep breathing exercises into your daily life. You may like to incorporate a pranayama exercise like viloma into your practice or encourage your breath to move all the way down into your lower belly a few times throughout the day.  

Eat foods that support your intestines and lungs: To support the digestive system, incorporate more pungent and spicy foods into your diet, such as ginger, garlic, and onions. According to TCM, white foods, such as cauliflower, mushrooms, and white beans, are especially beneficial for the lungs - so you may like to include some more of those too (sorry, yogis, ice cream doesn’t count!). 

Embrace yin energy at home: As the days get shorter and the nights grow longer, the energy of Autumn shifts from yang (outward and active) to yin (inward and receptive). Embrace this yin energy by creating a cosy and nurturing home environment. Use warm colours, soft fabrics, and dim lighting to create an ambience of comfort and relaxation. 

Slow down: To further embrace this yin energy, it’s important to prioritise rest and relaxation. Make sure you’re getting plenty of sleep, and embrace practices like restorative yoga, yin yoga, and meditation. 

Let go: Just as the trees release their leaves, you can let go of what no longer serves you. This may be physical clutter in your home or emotional baggage you’ve been carrying. Take time to declutter your space and journal about emotions, behaviours or beliefs you’d like to let go of. 

We hope these rituals inspire you to embrace the beauty and abundance of Autumn. By nourishing your body and mind this season, you’ll be better equipped to face any challenges of winter with ease and grace. 

On the 26th of March 2023, we’ll release a special collection of on-demand videos for you to practice from home this Autumn. When the time is right head to this link to taste-test the series. 

Top Tips for Starting a Yoga Practice

So, you’re ready to start a yoga practice! Maybe you’re a beginner or you’ve been to a few studio classes and feel ready to integrate it into your daily routine. It can be intimidating starting something new - especially if you’ve looked at all the social media yogis pretzeling themselves into weird shapes. But you’ve come to the right place. At Humane Yoga, we’re all about finding ways to make a pose work for you - not the other way around. We’ve been doing this for a while, but we still remember our days as beginner yogis. We’re excited to support you on your journey - from near or far. So here are our top tips for how to start your yoga journey. 

Try out different teachers and styles 

If you’ve been to a yoga class that didn’t feel right - try another style or teacher. We’re all different, and sometimes we don’t gel with a particular person or style of practice. Maybe the Yang class felt a bit too dynamic - or you went to Restore craving movement and fell asleep. Maybe your teacher spoke too much about anatomy for your liking - or not enough! There are so many different teachers and styles out there these days. Don’t be disheartened if you didn’t love your first class. Many studios have introductory offers, trial memberships and beginners courses (including ours). So sign yourself up and taste-test all the goodness that yoga offers. 

Listen to your body

We, teachers, mean it when we say to listen to your body. That can sound a little vague at the first cause, you know - your body can’t actually speak. But as you learn to slow down and tune in - you may start to receive subtle messages from your body. As yoga teachers and human beings, we are constantly learning new things. Back in the day, yoga was taught in a much more disciplined and alignment-focused way. But these days, we know that not every body is the same, and so what works for one person won’t necessarily feel good and safe for another. When you’re in a pose, instead of looking at the person next to you or trying to copy exactly how your teacher’s body moves - try being curious about how it feels in your own body. If it hurts - don’t do it. And if you’re still unsure about something - ask your teacher after class. 

Modify and use props

As teachers, we know that the most experienced yogi in the room is probably the one taking the ‘easy’ option or using props. If your teacher gives you the option of dropping the back knee in a lunge, give it a go until you’ve built up your yoga fitness. If you’re invited into a simpler variation of a pose or to use a prop, then take it. There’s plenty of time for the fancy things later. When you first start a practice it’s a great time to get to know your body and where its parts are in space. Once you’ve worked on your proprioception and strengthened some unfamiliar muscles, you can start working a little ‘harder.’ But sometimes, the hardest thing is to go easy on yourself. 

Schedule a one-on-one session

There’s nothing quite like a private session to help you understand the fundamental building blocks of yoga. Of course, you can go to a group class, and over time you’ll learn the foundations. But a one-on-one session will give you the necessary knowledge and tips to modify your practice immediately. You can then confidently participate in group classes - or start doing yoga from home. 

Check out Humane Yoga’s upcoming foundations series for beginners and information on our private yoga sessions. 

Healthy Summer Rituals: A Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), summer is the most Yang season of all. Here in Australia, it’s an apt time for holiday celebrations. As we emerge from the restfulness of winter, which is Yin in nature, we feel ready and open to engage, play and connect. 

Summer is associated with:

-       Element: Fire

-       Colour: Red

-       Organs: Heart and small intestine

-       Emotion: Joy

These symbolise and inspire creativity, warmth, extroversion, energy, and expansion. When we are balanced in summer, we will feel happy, open, and warm towards others. However, when we are unbalanced, summer can leave us feeling overwhelmed, hyperactive, agitated, and restless. 

To keep your body and mind harmonised this summer, try integrating these simple rituals into your daily life. 

5 rituals to practise in summer

Increase your intake of cooling, yin foods to counteract heat: Think vegetables and fruits with a high-water content (watermelon, lettuce, watercress, cucumbers), white meats and light meals that are easily digested. 

Drink plenty of fluids: Yes yes, we know you know this one, but it bears repeating – fill up a big water bottle and add a dash of lemon in the morning to sip throughout the day. 

Stay calm: Engage in practices that help to keep you calm during this busy, fiery time. Try a few deep belly breaths, yin yoga, or simply having self-compassion and stepping away from difficult situations - if only for a few moments. 

Practice yin yoga poses: Poses that focus on the heart and small intestine meridians are wonderful for finding balance in summer. Think restful heart openers such as lying back on a bolster and poses that stretch the arms and chest.

Rest in the middle of the day: Instead of cranking the air con and powering on, how might it feel to allow your body to rest and digest during the hottest part of the day? Even if you’re short on time, a five-minute lie-down will help to balance the heat’s impact on your body and mind. You could even try a short yoga nidra practice to help you relax when the mind is agitated and it’s difficult to rest. Try this one from Humane Yoga on Youtube.

We’ve collated a special collection of videos for you to practise over summer. Our studio members can access them for free, but anyone can purchase. Details coming soon.

Navigating your Personal Evolution

Our founder’s journey to wellbeing

Image via Unsplash by name_gravity

Moving through life-changing cycles signals that you are being redirected toward your purpose. This is big stuff! You might experience a simple nudge in the right direction or a painful drag through the mud. 

In my experience, it has been the latter. Why? Because I am stubborn. As much as I love change, I stick to what I know until I trust something else - whether or not that is for my highest good. That's one of the reasons  I now live with an illness called Fibromyalgia. 

A few years ago, I navigated the spawn of my own making, working my way up the corporate ladder in a big multinational. I was unfulfilled, couldn't help people develop and grow and was generally burned out. Once you reach a certain level in a corporation, you need to report upwards and care less about the people below. 

After a bout of Adrenal Fatigue, where my best days consisted of the energy to walk to my post box, I began to question what I was doing with my life - i.e., my purpose. Then crystals started zapping me (I am not making this up - those tumbled stones really did!) . I started making slow steps toward a new life. Now, as an Astrologer, Yogi and Coach, I help others find their way through their own evolution. My advice is - Don't wait until your body breaks to take steps toward your highest potential. Enlist help from experienced people who are skilled to help you. 

Beginning Your Evolution

4 tips and tricks for managing your own transformation:

1. Read and research what other people have done

   It’s best not to reinvent the wheel here, especially if you are recovering from an illness as part of the process.

2. Decide what will promote healing for you

   Do you need time away to rest, movement to burn away anger or frustration or a good cry? 

3. Write, draw, dance, do yoga or be in nature

   Embrace any of these areas to help you draw inward and discover what you truly want.

4. Enlist help

   Work with online programs, practitioners, or group sessions face-to-face to support your shift. Check out our Personal Evolution Series here, designed to do just that!

Words by Robyn Saurine

Chinese Medicine - Find Balance in Your Emotional Body

In the previous articles on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the principles and causes of disharmony were divided into four areas:

External Causes 

Internal Causes 

Neither Internal nor External Causes

Physical Constitution. 

With two blogs dedicated to the External Causes and Physical Constitution, this article will detail the aspect of Internal Causes through analysis of the emotional body. 

Photo by Mark Daynes on Unsplash

The Types of Human Emotion

Our emotional body is the aspect of yourself that is primed and ready to feel. Everything triggers emotions and influences the way we think, what we do and say. 

Different situations cause us to react with a wide range of emotions. What makes one person happy could make another person sad or angry. If we remain emotionally upset for a long time or we go through a very sudden or serve emotional trauma the mind finds it hard to adjust to these mental disturbances. This can cause disharmony in the body that can then represent in our physical body through disease. 

TCM considers the internal organs as influencing not only the physical body but also the psychological and spiritual aspects. Major causes of disharmony are considered to be psychological and are referred to as the seven emotions -  Anger, Joy, Sadness, Grief, Pensiveness, Fear, and Fright.

These emotions pair with an element and are associated with a season. 

It's important to note that these emotions are not considered good or bad. It is about balancing them. For example, too much joy is as imbalanced as too much grief.

Finding Balance in the Emotional Body

The key to finding balance as according to TCM is to be aware of how your emotions may influence your body and what exacerbates disharmonies. Below are some general guidelines for each of the seven emotions and initial ways to look at balancing your emotions.

Note that the above table lists general information for educational purposes. It is important to embark on the TCM journey slowly, making gradual changes and consult a qualified professional along the way.

Wishing you the best health on your journey!

xo Robyn Saurine - Founder of Humane Yoga.

Chinese Medicine - Maintaining Health in Your Physical Body

Our physical body is an object made up of cells and organs grouped as one. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) determines we have vital energy called "Qi" that serves to keep us alive within our body. This is often referred to as human energy fields or prana and is the vital force that governs the day to day change.

The Energy Fields in the Body

Known across many philosophies such as the Qi Energy System or the Chakra System, energy fields are believed to exist at various levels. Such as physical, etheric, astral, mental and pure spirit or casual. TCM suggests that Qi flows through the body via energy channels called meridian lines as a non-tangible energetic system. The etheric body is seen as the closest association to the physical system with the meridian lines forming an interface between the physical and etheric. We access this interface through acupuncture points that flow along the meridian lines.

For a visual representation of the meridian lines please refer to this video.

Your Constitution and How it Impacts Your Health

While Qi governs the day to day change in the body the Jing is our "essence" that governs long term change. There are two components of Jing.

The first is called the Congenital Jing. Formed in the act of conception it is the basis for prenatal growth and nourishment of an embryo. It fixes the constitution and characteristics of a person that they will take through life.

The second component of Jing is postnatal and is obtained through ingesting foods and is called the Postnatal Jing. Both of these components form the Jing energy in your body. Commonly called your Constitution.

The kidneys govern our constitution and are associated with the water element (refer to the previous blog article for an explanation on the elements). They are the most yin of all the elements and are the body's most important reservoir of essential energy. Like with a plant in a pot the resources in the pot are not infinite. When they are used up the plant will no longer have nourishment. The plant relies on the storage of resources for its nourishment.

Our kidneys are the foundation of yin and yang and govern our energy by:

• Storing your life essence, Jing

• Being responsible for reproduction

• Creating and filtering blood

• Controlling water balance

• Housing our will and control fear

• Ensuring the growth of our hair and bone

Ways to Balance Your Physical Body

Maintaining harmony in the physical body is a daily practice and changes just as often. Depending on the season we will require different activities. Below are some suggestions to start with:

• Take light exercises such as walking, swimming or dancing

• Allow time for relaxation such as having a bath or reading a book

• Rest the body properly by turning off devices an hour before bed

• Meditate and do yoga 1-2 times a week

• Eating warm, cooked foods from organic vegetables and meats where possible

• Chewing your food well and eating slowly

• Getting acupuncture for back and health issues

In the final article under Robyn's residency, she'll focus on the emotional body. How it is impacted through external and internal forces as well as our constitution and ways to seek balance and harmony.

#ChineseMedicine #RelaxedHumans #Health #Wellbeing #SeasonalHealth