Dec 04 , 2021
Yoga… for the Liver
Let’s do some Yin yoga!
Yin yoga is a passive and slow paced form of yoga where we work deep into the body and into the fascia – the connective tissue. Yin yoga focuses on the meridians. Meridians are the channels throughout the body that conduct energy. Whenever any of these energy lines are blocked or disrupted the body will not function optimally, the organs will not function optimally and imbalances will arise.
When the liver is out of balance, we can experience frustration, rage, anger and jealousy, and the emotions can become stagnant. Blurry vision may be also be a symptom of the liver being out of balance. When in balance, we find kindness, compassion and generosity. The liver governs drive, desire, ambition and creativity.
Below is a short sequence, with a focus on the liver meridian... all you need is 10 to 15 minutes and a little bit of floor space. As you move through this sequence, try to focus on the breath. Breathing in and out through the nose and sending the breath all the way down to the belly - allow the belly to expand and contract with each breath. Enjoy.
1. Begin on your belly, place your elbows directly under your shoulders. The palms are flat on the ground. Feet can be hip distance apart or as wide as your mat. Either look straight ahead or down at the ground. Find stillness and stay here for two minutes.
2. Bring your knees wide with big toes touching. Sink your hips back to your heels. Reach your hands forwards and lower your forehead down to the ground, or to a block or book if that's more comfortable. Breathe deeply, find stillness and stay here for five minutes.
3. Come to lie on your back. Bring your knees toward your chest as you reach forward and grab the outside edges of your feet. Spread your knees apart gently and flex your feet. Using your hands, pull your knees down towards your armpits. Hold this pose for three minutes as you breathe deeply into the belly.