Do you regularly get the blues in autumn, are you tired of spring or do you suffer from winter depression? It doesn’t have to be, you can do something about it! “Humans live in a cycle of nature. The more we adapt to this rhythm in a natural way, the healthier and more harmonious we live,” explains Claudia Geis from Kamen. The yoga teacher, naturopath and specialist in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) developed Seasonal Yoga for this purpose. The basis are the five Chinese seasons, which are symbolized by five elements with their properties and allow the energy, our life force, to flow differently in the body.
Two organs with their energy channels (meridians) are assigned to each season, which we can influence and strengthen through the selection of certain foods or physical exercises. Because the flow of energy is often disturbed or even blocked, we feel uncomfortable or get sick. The yoga asanas (exercises) selected according to the seasons have a direct effect on the respective meridians, loosen blockages and bring the energy into balance. This is how it works: There are three asanas for each of the five TCM seasons, which you only use in the respective season – if possible three times a week. Complete each of the three exercises once in a concentrated manner for the specified duration, then relax for five minutes.
Table of Contents
Yoga in the spring
Dare NEW in Spring : From January 20th to March 19th (exercises: butterfly, shoulder bridge and triangle)
…according to TCM, the “green element” wood dominates. In nature everything is programmed to unfold, the first leaves sprout, the plants strive towards the sky. Now is the right time…
…for a new beginning: In spring we can surpass ourselves, dare something new, leave the old behind, make plans, become active. The wood element is out of balance…
… when we flare up quickly or never get angry, are weak and listless, remain inflexible or undecided, stand still, want to overorganize everything or tend to headaches and allergies. Bring more balance…
…green vegetables , lettuce, sprouts, dandelion, peppermint or acidic foods. Tip: Now a fasting or juice cure is ideal. The Spring Asanas…
…stretches and strengthens the liver and gallbladder meridians, calms them down, stimulates the metabolism and strengthens decision-making power.
yoga in summer
Enjoy LIFE in summer : From March 20th to June 4th (exercises: plank pose, half lotus position, child’s pose)
…according to TCM, the “red element” fire prevails. The sun gives us light and warmth, the days are getting longer.
now is the right time…
…to celebrate the lust for life, to dance and go out, to gain experience or to travel. The element of fire is out of balance…
…if you lack joie de vivre or are rushing for adventure, you prefer to stay alone or avoid communicating with other people. Bring more balance…
…bitter foods, e.g. E.g. endive, watercress, licorice root, ginger, mustard, fennel and coffee and tea in moderation. Tip: reach for raw fruits and vegetables , fruit juices and tofu have a cooling effect. The summer asanas…
…activate the heart and small intestine meridians, open our heart, let us listen to our gut feeling and handle daily demands with ease.
Yoga in late summer
FEEL STRENGTH in Late Summer: From June 5th to August 21st (Exercises: Half Camel, Grasshopper, Bow Pose)
…the “yellow element” earth directs the processes in nature – it is the time of maturity and harvest. Rootedness and a down-to-earth attitude ensure security and serenity. Now is the right time…
…to come to rest and to feel the strength in your own center. Important: The element of earth characterizes a transitional period, which transfers the energy of one element to that of the other between all seasons – in the so-called “dojo time” we find our way back to our inner strength. The element earth is out of balance…
…when too many worries are buzzing around in your head and you are constantly brooding, it is difficult to say no, your own wishes are neglected or you are not attentive to others. Bring more balance…
…sweet foods that fill you up. Whole foods, carrots, potatoes, root vegetables, millet, oats or wheat. Tip: Almonds, sunflower seeds, grapes and pineapple prevent cravings for sweets. The late summer asanas…
…strengthening by activating the spleen and stomach meridians, we find ourselves, deep breathing givesTolfioowity.
Yoga in the fall
Collect ENERGY in the fall: From August 22 to November 6 (exercises: eye exercise, bow and arrow posture, raising hands)
…the “grey” or “white” element metal determines our life – nature is preparing for the winter, freeing itself from ballast. Now is the right time…
…to clear out, to reflect on the essentials. Let go, free yourself, recharge your batteries is the motto for autumn. The metal element is out of balance…
…if you suffer from sadness or depression, tend towards perfectionism and self-righteousness, cannot let go or suffer from allergy and skin problems. Bring more balance…
…spicy foods such as spaghetti all’arrabiata, chili con carne or Thai food, spices such as pepper, nutmeg, cloves and horseradish. Tip: Eat more fiber, drink still water to detox, avoid sweets. The autumn asanas…
…activate the meridians of the lungs and large intestine, increase our energy level and bring clarity to our thinking.
yoga in winter
Finding your INNER BALANCE in winter : From November 7th to January 19th (exercises: waist twist, seated forward bend, crescent swing)
…the energy in the form of the “blue” or “black element” water in nature withdraws into the interior and is stored for renewal in the next seasonal cycle. Now is the right time for…
…silence, relaxation, retreat and meditation. We conserve our reserves, reflect on our true values, find balance and build strength. The element of water is out of balance…
…when we are restless or insecure, lack confidence or are too afraid, suffer from stiffness and back problems. Bring more balance…
…salty foods that provide lots of minerals, e.g. B. sea fish, seaweed, sushi, sea salt, miso or soy sauce. Tip: Now focus on proteins, carbohydrates and warm vegetables. Avoid cold and raw. The winter asanas…
…stretching and massaging the bladder and kidney meridians, letting the built-up energy flow.
