From Yang to Yin & everything in between
How we can use acupuncture & Chinese medicine philosophies to transition softly into winter
By Courtney Fisher
Courtney Fisher is a beloved Chinese Herbalist, Acupuncturist & Remedial Massage Therapist. We cannot wait to have her join us at Mat & Table Yang to Yin for a decadent Yin & Pin class. You can also find Courtney at Quiescience in Fitzroy North or by following her at @courtney_chinesmed
At the very foundations of Chinese Medicine philosophy, we have Yin and Yang.
Yin represents winter, water, stillness and rest. Yang represents summer, fire, movement and vitality. Yin is heavy and dense. Yang light and sparse.
By following the movement of yin and yang in nature and living according to the seasons, we move toward cultivating vitality and longevity. This is aligned with our daily rhythms - the way we move, what we eat, when we eat, when we sleep, how we play and how we rest. Throughout the yang energy of summer, we feel more sociable and energetic, staying up a little later and rising early with the sun. Moving from Autumn into winter, as the leaves fall from the trees to protect and nourish the earth below, our bodies too retreat in this way. We need more rest and more warmth, as we dial down our energy into conservation mode, as the shorter days and darker nights ensue. Whether it’s a winter in hibernation, or a good night’s sleep, the importance of rest cannot be overstated.
There are times when the body’s transition between yin and yang states can use a helping hand. Acupuncture can support this transition by regulating the circadian rhythm (sleep-wake cycle) and calming the nervous system, by moving the body out of “fight/flight” and tapping into the “rest, digest and repair” state. When we are well, our bodies intuitively and subconsciously move between these states, to best serve homeostasis. When things go awry, it’s difficult to adapt and switch swiftly between states. Commonly, issues such as sleep disturbances, digestive dysfunction, fatigue, depression and anxiety arise.
A little note on menstrual cycles and yin and yang. I’m super passionate about teaching people how to use their menstrual cycles to their advantage and overcome symptoms like menstrual pain/disturbances, fatigue, PMS, depression and anxiety. Once again, this all comes down to the dynamic interplay of yin and yang and being attuned to your body’s hormonal rhythms throughout the month.
So what exactly is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient technique involving the insertion of single-use needles at specific points on the body to move energetic blockages. People often report a deep sense of relaxation when receiving an acupuncture treatment, sometimes falling asleep on the table.
Throughout the Mat and Table Yang to Yin Retreat, we are focusing on the movement into the deep restorative energy of winter. The organs affiliated with winter are the Kidney and Bladder energetics. The Kidney meridian begins at the sole of the foot and traverses the inside of the leg, tracing the abdomen and chest. The Bladder meridian begins at the eye and moves over the head, draping the entire length of the back, down the legs to the little toe.
At Mat & Table Yang to Yin, Sarah and I will be leading a Yin & Pin class which will focus on the energetic flow through these meridians, with a slow Yin yoga session that is sealed with 15-20 minutes of acupuncture while in savasana.
Can’t join us in Yarra Valley? No worries. Remember to go easy on yourself & don’t be afraid to lean into your yin energy over the next few months. Whether it’s attending yin regularly at your favourite studio, going to bed a little earlier, visiting your local acupuncturist, or just giving yourself permission to slow down - all of these things will help you make your adjustment into Melbourne winter easier.
