Yin Yoga in Autumn – Metal Element
In autumn, the days grow shorter, leaves fall from the trees, and nature begins to retreat. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), autumn is associated with the Metal element, which includes the Lung (Yin) and Large Intestine (Yang) meridians.
The Metal Element in Yin Yoga
After Earth comes Metal, which is linked to autumn and the later stages of life. This phase is about retreat, farewell, letting go, and focusing on what truly matters. While Earth represents the nurturing mother, Metal symbolizes the stern father.
Metal’s energy turns inward, guiding us back to our origins and supporting us through separation. It is sharp and cutting. In the body, Metal is connected to body hair and skin; its organs are the lungs (the ruler of Qi) and large intestine, with mucus as its bodily fluid. Emotionally, Metal represents grief, but also trust and courage. Mentally, it encompasses intellect and wisdom. The positive qualities of Metal include selflessness, generosity, and a respect for ritual.
The color associated with Metal is white, its time of day is evening, and its taste is pungent or sharp.
The Meridians of the Metal Element
The Metal element is represented by the Lung (Yin) and Large Intestine (Yang) meridians.
The Yin Meridian: Lung
Through breathing, the lungs draw in energy (Chi) from the air and distribute it throughout the body. Breathing plays a central role in our system, supplying each cell with essential energy. The Lung / Lung meridian governs the Chi, controls the pathways and blood vessels, supports immunity and resilience, regulates water balance, skin, and hair, and assists heart function.
Path of the Lung Meridian
The Lung meridian starts below the collarbone, runs along the inner arm, and ends at the base of the thumb nail.
Lung meridian – @shutterstock.com / ellepigrafica
The Yang Meridian: Large Intestine
The Large Intestine meridian supports the respiratory organs and is responsible for eliminating waste – on both physical and mental-emotional levels. It aids in letting go in all aspects: negative thoughts, fears, mental patterns, and beliefs.
Path of the Large Intestine Meridian
The Large Intestine meridian begins at the tip of the index finger, runs along the outer arm, up the back of the arm to the shoulder, across the neck and jaw, above the upper lip, and ends below the nose.
Large intestine meridian – @shutterstock.com / ellepigrafica
Yin Yoga Poses for the Metal Element – Lung and Large Intestine:
- Heart-Opening Pose
- Seal
- Bananasana / Reclined Half Moon
- Cat Pulling its Tail
- Shoulder Openers (side bends, twists, extended arms, Eagle Arms)
- Fish Pose
- Supported Bridge Pose
- Open Wings
- Eye of the Needle
- Embracing Wings
- Twisted Arms
- Twisted Roots
Yin Yoga Metal Sequence
- Opening Meditation – 5 minutes
- Reclined Half Moon (3-5 minutes per side, starting on the right) → Reclining position
- Half Butterfly with Side Bend – 3-5 minutes per side
- Sphinx or Seal Pose – 3-5 minutes → Relax in prone position
- Melting Heart Pose – 2-3 minutes
- Thread the Needle – 2 minutes per side → Child’s Pose
- Shoelace Pose with Eagle Arms – 3-5 minutes per side → Windshield Wipers, Reclining position
- Saddle Pose – 3-5 minutes (optional arms overhead) → Relaxation Pose 1-2 minutes
- Reclined Cat – 3-5 minutes per side → Knees to chest
- Shavasana – 5-10 minutes
