Welcom to your yin yoga practice for spring! Spring marks the return of movement, energy, and new beginnings. After the quiet stillness of winter, this season invites us to rise again like sprouts breaking through the soil. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, spring is linked to the Wood element, which symbolises expansion, creativity, and direction. It’s a time to stretch out, grow, and welcome fresh possibilities.
The organs connected to Wood are the liver and gallbladder. Your liver is seen as the body’s planner, helping energy flow smoothly and supporting emotional balance. And your gallbladder helps with decision-making and gives us the clarity to move forward. When these are in balance, we feel steady, purposeful, and flexible in both body and mind.
This yin yoga sequence is designed to support the energy of spring. Expect side bends, twists, and gentle opening poses to nourish the Wood element and the spaces that help you grow. Gather your props and hold each pose for around 5 minutes with rest in between. Let yourself slow down, soften, and tune into what this season might be waking up in you.
Dragonfly side bend
With your legs in a wide V shape, bend one leg towards the opposite thigh. Lean gently to the side of your extended leg and rest your arm wherever it feels natural. Softly breath into the opening of your side.
Deer pose
Bring yourself to sit on one side and bend that leg in front of you, and the other behind you the same way. Turn your chest over your front thigh and fold forward. Find the stretch around the outer hip. Use props for support.
Reclined butterfly
Bring the soles of your feet somewhat together and flare your knees open to the sides. Place props under your knees if you like to soften the edge on your thighs. Place a bolster behind you and recline onto it to stretch the front of your body. Rest your arms wherever feels comfortable.
Bananasana
Lie on your back with legs extended. Then shift your hips slightly to one side and walk both your feet and upper body to the other side, creating a banana shape. Arms overhead if comfortable. Breathe gently to create space of the whole extended side.
Savasana
Make yourself comfortable in your favourite version of savasana. Perhaps with support under your knees and your hands resting on your lower belly.
Would you like to dive deeper into yin yoga? Take a look here at our Yin yoga teacher training. Feel welcome to send Selma a message if you have any questions.