Lung week two - Meridian and Metal Element focus
Last week in our yoga class, we explored the lungs from a western perspective. However, by incorporating Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) philosophy, we able to expand our understanding beyond just the physical aspects of the lungs. TCM recognizes the importance of balancing the body's energy, in order to achieve optimal health and well-being. By incorporating TCM principles, we are able to gain a new perspective and create space for a deeper understanding of the lungs and their relationship to the body as a whole., in terms of movement, emotion and feeling. Taking this holistic approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit.
The lung meridian (18secs)
The large intestine meridian (20secs)
In traditional TCM, the lung and large intestine are considered to be paired organs associated with the metal element. This means that they share some functional and energetic qualities and are thought to be connected in the body. Here are some key points about the lung, large intestine, and metal element in TCM and their relevance to health and wellbeing:
The lung is responsible for breathing and the intake of oxygen, which is essential for all bodily functions. In TCM, the lung is also responsible for circulating "wei qi," a protective energy that helps to defend the body against external pathogens. The lung is associated with grief and sadness, and emotional stress may affect lung function.
The large intestine is responsible for eliminating waste and toxins from the body. In TCM, the large intestine is also considered to be responsible for processing emotions related to letting go, such as grief and sadness. Emotional stress and anxiety can affect the function of the large intestine.
The metal element is associated with strength, clarity, and structure. It is also associated with the emotions of grief and sadness.
In TCM, the lung and large intestine are considered to be important for maintaining the balance of the body's "qi," or vital energy. An imbalance in either organ can lead to physical or emotional symptoms, such as shortness of breath, constipation, or feelings of sadness.
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the metal element is associated with certain qualities and characteristics. When the metal element is in balance, a person may exhibit the following qualities:
Clarity of mind: Metal element people tend to have a clear and focused mind, and are able to make decisions easily.
Precision and order: Metal element people appreciate structure and order in their lives, and tend to be organized and detail-oriented.
Strength and resilience: Metal element people are often strong and resilient, able to bounce back from challenges and maintain their composure under stress.
Appreciation of beauty: Metal element people tend to have a refined aesthetic sense and appreciate beauty in their surroundings.
Value of tradition: Metal element people often have a strong sense of tradition and may appreciate the wisdom of the past.
When the metal element is out of balance, a person may exhibit the following qualities:
Rigidity and inflexibility: Metal element people may become rigid or inflexible in their thinking or behavior, leading to difficulties adapting to change.
Excessive grief or sadness: Because the metal element is associated with the emotion of grief, metal element people may experience this emotion more intensely than others, and may have difficulty letting go of past experiences.
Obsession with order: Metal element people may become overly fixated on structure and order, leading to difficulty relaxing or enjoying spontaneous experiences.
Physical symptoms: When the metal element is out of balance, it can manifest as physical symptoms such as respiratory problems, skin conditions, or constipation. They also suffer from stiffness.
Just as with the gut microbiome,it's important to note that these qualities are just general tendencies associated with the metal element in TCM, and that each person is unique.
With our class focus on the Metal element and the lung and large intestine meridian, you might expect to experience several benefits for both the body and mind, including:
Improved Lung Function: As the metal element is associated with the lungs in Traditional Chinese Medicine, practicing yin metal yoga can help to improve lung function by increasing the capacity of the lungs and promoting deeper breathing.
Reduced Stress and Anxiety: The introspective nature of yin metal yoga postures can help to calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety by promoting a sense of inner peace and stillness.
Increased Flexibility and Range of Motion: The yin metal postures are designed to be held for longer periods, allowing for deeper stretches and increased flexibility in the muscles and joints.
Enhanced Emotional Balance: The metal element is also associated with emotions such as grief and sadness. Practicing yin metal yoga can help to release emotional tension and promote emotional balance and stability.
Improved Sleep Quality: The relaxing and grounding nature of yin metal yoga can help to improve sleep quality and promote a sense of restfulness and rejuvenation.
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