Meridian Yoga is a therapeutic practice that combines Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles with yoga postures to increase the flow of energy, improve flexibility, and restore balance to the body. It is focused on stimulating the meridians which are energy channels in the body that correspond to various functional organs, and which is similar to how nadis work in the yoga philosophy.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Yoga have a common purpose of harmonizing the flow of energy within the body, thereby promoting general well-being. TCM concentrates upon Qi (vital energy) that flows through meridians while Yoga is based on Prana (life energy force) moving through the Nadis.
Both systems employ breathwork, movement, and mindfulness to open the energy pathways, restore balance, as improve emotional and physical well-being. Meridian Yoga integrates TCM principles along with yoga asanas. It employs specific postures to activate meridians and enhance organ function, providing a holistic method of healing and vitality.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, meridians are energy channels that run throughout the body, connecting organs and tissues while allowing Qi (vital energy) to circulate. When energy flows freely through these pathways, health is optimized; however, blockages can lead to imbalance and disease.
The body has 12 primary meridians and 8 extraordinary meridians, making a total of 20 meridians.
These meridians are associated with major organs and run symmetrically on both sides of the body:
Yin Meridians (Associated with solid organs – storing and transforming energy)
Lung Meridian (LU) – Related to respiration and immunity
Heart Meridian (HT) – Governs circulation and emotions
Pericardium Meridian (PC) – Protects the heart and regulates emotions
Spleen Meridian (SP) – Aids digestion and energy absorption
Liver Meridian (LV) – Manages detoxification and emotional balance. When imbalanced, students can develop anger, frequent irritation, or lower back pain- When imbalanced, it can manifest as respiratory disorders, such as asthma or cushion.
Kidney Meridian (KI) – Controls water metabolism and reproductive health. When imbalanced, it can bring emotional disturbances like anxiety.
Yang Meridians (Associated with hollow organs – processing and movement of energy)
Large Intestine Meridian (LI) – Supports elimination and immunity- When imbalanced, it can manifest as insecurity, insomnia, heart palpitations, and loathing.
Small Intestine Meridian (SI) – Absorbs nutrients and clears the mind. When imbalanced, it can develop neck pain, grief, or sadness.
Triple Burner/San Jiao Meridian (TB or SJ) – Regulates body temperature and fluids
Stomach Meridian (ST) – Governs digestion and metabolism. When imbalanced, one may experience greed, doubt, bloating, and gas.
Gallbladder Meridian (GB) – Helps in decision-making and detoxification
Urinary Bladder Meridian (UB) – Supports water balance and nervous system
These serve as deeper energy reservoirs and help regulate the 12 primary meridians:
Governing Vessel (Du Mai) – Runs along the spine, controls Yang energy
Conception Vessel (Ren Mai) – Runs along the front, controls Yin energy
Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) – The "Sea of Blood" regulates energy flow
Dai Mai (Belt Vessel) – Encircles the body like a belt, supporting posture
Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Heel Vessel) – Controls inner leg muscles and sleep patterns
Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Heel Vessel) – Regulates outer leg muscles and alertness
Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel) – Connects Yin meridians and stabilizes emotions
Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel) – Connects Yang meridians and supports movement
The 12 meridians that are the main ones generally are together in the form of Yin or Yang. Yin Organ meridians are solid and their primary purpose is to store energy as well as fluids. The organ meridians of Yang are hollow, and their primary function is to transfer and transform energy and fluids. They form pairs, such as stomach and Spleen, liver and Gallbladder, Kidney and Urinary Bladder, Heart and Small Intestines, as well as Lungs and Large Intestines
Every movement stretches or compresses a meridian. It's similar to the acupressure method, which helps reduce stagnation and increase the circulation of Qi.
|
Yoga Poses as Energy Activators |
Yoga Poses Name |
Activating Meridians |
Functionality |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Deep forward bends |
Uttanasana, Paschimottanasana |
Urinary Bladder and Kidney meridians |
It runs along the spine and legs, helping to release stress and nourish the nervous system, activating body’s energy |
|
Chest-opening poses |
Ustrasana, Setu Bandhasana |
Lung and Heart meridians |
Enhancing oxygen flow and emotional well-being |
|
Twisting postures |
Liver and Gallbladder meridians |
supporting detoxification and emotional balance |
In TCM, breathing is closely associated with Qi. Yoga's breathing techniques, which are controlled and also known as Pranayama, assist in directing Qi through the meridians and clearing blockages in energy. Breathwork is a Qi regulator that ensures a smooth flow of energy through the meridians.
|
Type of Breathing |
Activating Meridians |
Functionality |
|---|---|---|
|
Deep belly breathing (Diaphragmatic breathing) |
Stomach and Spleen meridians |
improving digestion and energy levels. |
|
Alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana) |
overall meridian harmony. |
balances Yin and Yang energies |
|
Lung meridian |
boosting immunity and vitality. |
Yoga helps to develop body awareness and helps practitioners to tune in the points of energy that feel stagnant. Through paying attention to specific meridian channels, practitioners can make use of intent and visualization to direct Qi toward areas that require healing.
For example:
While in Butterfly Pose (Baddha Konasana) it is possible to visualize Qi moving through the Kidney Meridian, which enhances adrenal and reproductive health.
In the posture of Child's Pose (Balasana), practitioners can focus on the Bladder Meridian that runs along the spine, promoting deep relaxation.
The mind-body connection plays a crucial role in promoting the activation of meridian channels during yoga.
Yin Yoga is a powerful addition to acupressure as well as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments because it acts deeply on meridian activation. The practice involves holding for long periods stretch exercises that focus on the connective tissues deep within and fascia, in which Meridian lines are situated.
A properly planned Yin Yoga sequence facilitates the circulation of Qi (Qi) through meridians, which helps to eliminate obstructions and restore equilibrium. Each posture in the sequence is aligned with each of the five elements -Water and Wood, as well as Fire Metal, Earth, and Water. These correspond to particular organs and their functions within the body like:
|
Yin Yoga Pose |
Yin and Yang to activate Meridians |
Functionality |
5 Elements |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dragon Pose Seated Spinal Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana) |
Liver (Yin) and Gallbladder (Yang) |
aid in detoxification and emotional regulation. |
Wood Element |
|
Caterpillar Pose |
Kidney(Yin) and Bladder(Yang) |
Supports fluid balance, vitality, and adrenal health |
Water Element |
|
Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana) |
Heart (Yin) and Small Intestine (Yang) |
enhance circulation and a lovable feeling. |
Fire Element |
|
Lungs (Yin) and Large Intestine (Yang) |
supporting breath capacity and immune function. |
Metal Element |
|
|
Child’s Pose (Balasana) |
Spleen (Yin) and Stomach (Yang) |
Digestion and energy absorption. |
Earth Element |
Yoga is a natural way to balance Yin (cool, passive energetic) as well as Yang (warm active energy) within the body, thereby aligning with the TCM’s approach to holistic health. By switching between these types it is possible to maintain a harmonious Qi flow through all meridians.
|
Type of Yoga |
Activating Meridians |
Functionality |
|---|---|---|
|
Vinyasa or Hatha Yoga |
Yang meridians |
Improving circulation and vitality. |
|
Restorative and Yin Yoga |
Yin meridians |
Supporting deep healing and relaxation |
|
Opens the chest, stimulates the lungs |
|
|
Reverse Prayer Pose (Paschima Namaskarasana) |
Activates lung meridian along the arms |
|
Stimulates the spleen and stomach meridians along the legs |
|
|
Goddess Pose (Utkata Konasana) |
Strengthens digestion and supports grounding |
|
Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana) |
Opens the heart meridian, improves circulation |
|
Twisting Triangle (Parivrtta Trikonasana) |
Stimulates the small intestine meridian for digestion |
|
Activates kidney meridian in the inner thighs |
|
|
Standing Forward Fold (Uttanasana) |
Stretches the urinary bladder meridian along the spine |
|
Stimulates the liver meridian, detoxifies |
|
|
Wide-Legged Forward Fold (Prasarita Padottanasana) |
Opens gallbladder meridian along the outer legs |
Meridian Yoga is a powerful practice that incorporates yoga asanas and breathwork as well as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles to improve the flow of energy and balance in the body. Through stimulating certain meridians, it increases Qi circulation and prevents energy blockages which can cause discomfort and fatigue.
Each Meridian is linked to vital organs, so this practice aids in digestion as well as immunity, detoxification, and overall organ functioning. On the emotional level, Meridian Yoga helps release tension and stress. It aids in helping to improve mental peace, emotional stability and a sense of calmness.
The deep stretches, specifically during Yin Yoga, target connective tissue and fascia, treating pain, improving flexibility, and relieving tension. In addition, the mindfulness component of the practice relaxes nerves, which reduces anxiety and provides a deep sense of inner calm.
Regular exercise at Meridian Yoga creates harmony between the mind, body, and spirit, thereby making it a comprehensive tool to improve overall health and wellbeing
To integrate Meridian Yoga into your routine, start by practicing a short sequence in the morning or evening to align energy flow. Focus on poses that correspond to the meridians needing attention—such as forward bends for the Kidney and Bladder meridians or heart openers for the Heart meridian. Pairing yoga with breathwork (Pranayama) can further enhance Qi movement.
Be sure to follow the Five Elements Cycle: Align your practice with TCM elements, for example, focusing on earth element poses to groundness and Water element postures to improve fluidity and flexibility.
Holding Poses Longer: In Yin Yoga, holding poses for 3 to 5 minutes provides more intense meridian stimulation.
Make use of Acupressure and Self-Massage- The pressing of specific acupoints prior to or after a session can increase the activation of the meridian.
Do Mindful Awareness Training: Visualizing Qi flowing through meridian pathways when you are practicing a posture can improve the connection between body and mind.
In sync with nature's rhythms: Do specific yoga that is meridian-focused according to the time of day, for example, lung-related postures in the morning to boost your energy or kidney-supporting postures in the evening for re-energization.
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