We all embody all 5 elements but one element will be your most dominant one. Understanding the different aspects that make up each element and what best supports them can help you personally, but also as teacher of Qigong or Yin Yoga as you theme your classes.

The practice of Qigong is as a gentle exercise therapy with different movement styles, tapping, self-massage, acupressure massage, sound and meditation. The practice releases stress and tension from the physical body as well as from your mind so that the energy can flow freely.

Acupressure massage and Tapping can help us to feel into our energy levels, deepen our intention and harmonise our Qi. Try this short Yin Yoga practice to explore the effect of a Qi massage and acupressure in combination with soothing Yin Yoga.

Tension headache or stiff neck? Grab two tennis balls and roll & release that tension with this short practice of self-myofascial release paired with Yin Yoga. We roll on acupressure points of the Gallbladder energetic pathway. Paired with soothing Yin Yoga stretches, we improve circulation and hydration of these tissues and invite a feeling of ease.

What can we learn from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective in regards to autumn and our Yin Yoga practice?

With acupressure massage we can influence the flow of energy through the body, improve circulation and shift our focus. Massaging the area of an acupressure point will affect the myofascial network and how energy is transmitted along these lines. Join me for this Yin Yoga practice, where we incorporate massaging acupressure point Kidney-1 to ground ourselves.

Tight calves? Look after your tissues with self-myofascial release and Yin Yoga. In my short Myo-Yin video I show you how to use self-MFR tools in combination with deep Yin Yoga stretches to soften those legs up.

Let’s look at our Yin Yoga practice through the TCM lens this summer, the season that is associated primarily with our heart. The centre of our emotional & mental activity, we can nourish our heart by gently stretching into the arm lines in our Yin Yoga practice and reflect on the energetic qualities of the heart.

In this Myo-Yin practice, we use two myofascial release balls or tennis balls to apply some pressure along points either side the spine. The compression of our tissues can help with circulation and hydration, reduce stiffness and leave you feel more spacious in your back.