Yin Yoga 101:
Energetic Foundations

04.14.18

Qi and the Meridian System

Qi (pronounced “chee”) is energy that flows throughout the body, primarily along pathways called meridians. This is similar to the Indian concept of the flow of prana throughout the body in pathways called nadis. Meridians guide qi to specific parts of the body, most importantly to vital organs.

Taoists have identified 14 meridians, 10 of which relate directly to major organs of the body and include:

• Gall Bladder
• Heart
• Kidney
• Large Intestine
• Liver
• Lung
• Small Intestine
• Spleen
• Stomach
• Urinary Bladder

It’s the free flow of qi—or energy—to the organs that keeps them healthy. When the qi in a meridian is blocked or slowed, the organ corresponding to that meridian is affected, and the whole body suffers. In the Taoist view, disease is only a symptom of a blockage or irregularity in the flow of qi.

Qi and Connective Tissues

The majority of blockages to the free flow of qi occur within the dense connective tissues in the major joints of the body. Yin Yoga targets the connective tissues that surround the hips, spine and pelvis. Bringing attention to these areas stimulates qi via acupressure, much in the same way that acupuncture does (but without the needles!).

Yin Yoga Meridians

The meridian system can get fairly complex. Yin Yoga targets mostly the six lower meridians that begin and end in the feet. These are the ones most strongly affected during practice, and include:

• Gall Bladder
• Kidney
• Liver
• Spleen
• Stomach
• Urinary Bladder

If you’re interested in more detailed information about the Chinese meridian system, take a browse here, or check out Ted Kaptchuk’s book The Web That Has No Weaver.