A Journey Through The Elements
Journey Through the Elements: A Guided Meditation Experience
“Journey Through the Elements” is a deeply immersive guided meditation experience designed to reconnect you with the wisdom of nature’s five elemental forces—Earth, Water, Fire, Air (Metal), and Ether (Space). Drawing from Traditional Chinese Medicine, yogic philosophy, and somatic awareness, this journey invites participants to explore the energetic qualities of each element as they exist both in the external world and within our internal landscapes.
This 10-minute experience cultivates grounding, emotional release, clarity, transformation, and spaciousness. Through breath, visualization, and somatic awareness, participants are guided to align with the cyclical intelligence of nature and their own body-mind connection.
Whether offered as part of a retreat, workshop, or class series, this meditation supports self-inquiry, balance, and inner harmony.
Set-Up Instructions
Environment:
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Choose a quiet, temperature-neutral space, free from distractions and overly stimulating light or sound.
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Dim lighting or use candles or salt lamps to create a warm, soothing ambiance.
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Arrange yoga mats, blankets, bolsters, or cushions to support a reclined or seated position.
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Optional: incorporate elemental symbols (e.g., bowls of water, stones, feathers, incense) to represent each element on an altar or in the room.
Music/Sound:
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Use soft ambient or elemental soundscape music (e.g., earth drums, water flowing, crackling fire, wind chimes) to guide transitions between elements.
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A singing bowl or chime may be used to mark the beginning and end.
Props for Participants:
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Bolsters, cushions, and blankets for comfort
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Eye pillows or scarves (optional)
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Journal and pen for reflection afterward
Get comfy & press play!
TCM Meridians
Overview
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), meridians are invisible energetic pathways that carry Qi (vital life force) throughout the body. While meridians have no identifiable anatomical structure in Western medicine, they are perceived and worked with through subtle awareness, self-inquiry, and energetic practices such as acupuncture, Qi Gong, and Yin Yoga.
Yin Yoga, with its long-held, floor-based postures, intentionally stimulates the meridian system to promote balance and healing. These postures target the deeper layers of connective tissue, especially fascia, where meridians are believed to flow. As a result, Yin Yoga influences not only the physical body but also the emotional and energetic systems, offering profound benefits for mental health and spiritual integration.
Note: The Pericardium and Triple Burner are considered secondary Fire meridians, emphasizing emotional resilience and metabolic regulation.
The Meridian System in the Body
There are 12 regular meridians, which are symmetrically distributed along both sides of the body. These meridians connect internally to organs and externally to the skin surface. They are classified into six Yin and six Yang meridians:
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Yin Meridians (Upward flow): Located on the inner arms and legs, associated with the solid organs (Heart, Lung, Kidney, Liver, Spleen, Pericardium).
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Yang Meridians (Downward flow): Found on the outer arms and legs, linked to hollow organs (Stomach, Small Intestine, Large Intestine, Bladder, Gallbladder, Triple Burner).
Primary Functions of the Meridian System
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Animates the body by distributing life force (Qi).
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Supports and nourishes the internal organs.
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Regulates body temperature by warming the system.
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Protects against external pathogens and influences.
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Transports and transforms substances within the body.
When Qi flows harmoniously through these channels, the body remains balanced and healthy. Blockages or stagnation in the meridians, however, can lead to emotional, physical, or mental imbalances. Such disruptions may arise from stress, trauma, poor diet, lack of movement, or insufficient rest.
Special Meridians: The Conception & Governing Vessels
In addition to the 12 paired meridians, there are two extraordinary meridians that run along the midline of the body and regulate the flow of ancestral or constitutional Qi:
1. Conception Vessel (Ren Mai)
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Pathway: Runs along the front of the body, from the perineum to the chin.
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Function: Regulates Yin energy and plays a vital role in reproductive health, hormonal balance, and emotional sensitivity. It is deeply linked to nurturing, receiving, and self-reflection.
2. Governing Vessel (Du Mai)
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Pathway: Travels along the back of the body, from the tailbone up the spine, over the head to the upper lip.
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Function: Directs Yang energy, governs the nervous system, and supports the spine and brain. It is considered the blueprint for the body’s energetic structure, much like the Shushumna Nadi in yogic philosophy.
These vessels affect consciousness and spiritual awareness, connecting us to our genetic intelligence and the deeper flow of evolution and awakening.
Unique Focus: The Triple Burner Meridian
The Triple Burner (or Triple Heater) is a unique Yang meridian without a physical organ counterpart. It is divided into three functional zones:
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Upper Burner: Regulates intake (lungs, heart, pericardium, throat, head).
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Middle Burner: Manages digestion (stomach, spleen, liver).
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Lower Burner: Governs elimination and reproduction (kidneys, bladder, intestines).
The Triple Burner is essential for thermoregulation, immunity, and energetic integration. It influences emotional balance, peace, and mental clarity.
Yin Yoga as Meridian Therapy
Yin Yoga provides a gentle yet powerful modality to influence the meridian system. By holding poses for extended periods (typically 3–5 minutes or more), we can stimulate specific meridians, allowing Qi to move more freely. This may result in:
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Enhanced emotional processing
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Increased flexibility and fascial hydration
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Activation of the parasympathetic nervous system
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Deep rest, stillness, and integration
Through regular Yin Yoga practice, you support both physical regeneration and energetic alignment, embodying the ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine in a modern context.
The Earth Element
Earth (土 - Tǔ)
Season: Late Summer / Transition between seasons
Primary Organs (Meridians):
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Spleen (Yin) – upward energy flow
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Stomach (Yang) – downward energy flow
Direction: Center – represents the middle, grounding axis
Color: Yellow or golden
Sense Organ: Mouth / Taste
Tissue: Muscles and connective tissue
Flavor: Sweet (naturally sweet, like root vegetables)
Earth Element in the Body & Mind
The Earth element governs our ability to nourish, digest, and transform—physically through digestion and energetically through processing life experiences. It represents the archetypal "Mother" or nurturer, providing stability, containment, and support.
When Earth energy is strong, one feels centered, capable of giving and receiving, and mentally clear. A weakened Earth element may manifest as obsessive worry, fatigue, digestive upset, poor boundaries, or a tendency to over-care for others at one’s own expense.
Earth Element in the Emotional Body
Primary Emotion: Worry / Overthinking / Rumination
This is the dominant emotional imbalance of the Earth element. When Earth energy is disrupted or excessive, the mind may become stuck in repetitive thoughts, anxiety about the future, or obsessive concern for others.
Balanced Emotional Expressions
When the Earth element is strong and balanced, it reflects emotional states such as:
Compassion
Empathy
Nurturance (toward self and others)
Stability
Groundedness
Security
Centeredness
Generosity
Supportiveness
Trust in life’s rhythms
Imbalanced Emotional Expressions
When Earth is deficient or in excess, emotional imbalances may appear as:
Excessive worry or mental looping
Over-sympathizing / co-dependency
Needing external validation to feel secure
Feeling emotionally heavy or stuck
Caretaking to the point of depletion
Lack of boundaries (emotional enmeshment)
Clinginess or fear of abandonment
Difficulty receiving support
Emotional insecurity
Spleen & Stomach Meridians: Energetic Pathways
Spleen Meridian (Yin)
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Function: Transforms food into Qi and Blood; supports immune system and mental clarity
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Pathway: Begins at the big toe, travels up the inner leg, abdomen, and into the chest
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Yin Yoga Support: Poses that compress or stretch the inner thighs, groin, and abdomen (e.g. Butterfly, Frog, Sphinx)
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Emotional Imbalance: Overthinking, self-doubt, lack of trust in life
Stomach Meridian (Yang)
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Function: Receives and breaks down nourishment; mental digestion
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Pathway: Starts below the eye, runs down the face, throat, chest, abdomen, and front of the leg to the second toe
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Yin Yoga Support: Poses that stimulate the front body and thighs (e.g. Saddle, Half Saddle, Reclined Hero)
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Emotional Imbalance: Restlessness, controlling tendencies, need for external validation
Earth Element & Yin Yoga
In Yin Yoga, we stimulate the Spleen and Stomach meridians through deep, passive stretches that target the inner thighs, groin, abdomen, and front of the legs. Practicing Yin postures with mindful presence allows for a release of worry and overactivity in the mind, grounding the practitioner back into the body and the present moment.
Supportive Yin Poses for Earth Element
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Butterfly Pose
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Dragonfly (Wide-Leg Seated Forward Fold)
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Frog Pose
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Saddle Pose (Reclined Hero)
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Sphinx / Seal Pose
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Caterpillar Pose (Seated Forward Fold)
These poses activate the Earth meridians while inviting introspection and softness.
Earth Element in Practice
When to Focus on Earth Element
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During the late summer season or seasonal transitions
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When feeling ungrounded, scattered, or mentally overwhelmed
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To support digestive health or recovery from illness
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For students dealing with codependency, burnout, or a need for self-nurturing
Teaching Tips
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Use grounding language: "root down," "feel your support," "come home to center"
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Invite students to place one hand on their belly and one on the heart during rest
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Encourage slow, steady breathing to anchor the mind
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Offer themes of self-compassion, nourishment, and care
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Include post-practice journaling prompts like:
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“What does it mean to feel nourished?”
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“Where in my life do I need stronger boundaries?”
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“How can I offer care to myself today?”
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Affirmations for Earth Element
🟡 “I am grounded, supported, and at peace within myself.”
🟡 “I trust the rhythms of life and allow myself to receive.”
🟡 “My mind is calm, and I nourish my body and spirit with care.”
Integration Ideas for Teachers
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Co-create an Earth-element themed class, using music, poetry, scents (like vetiver or ginger), and mindful movement.
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Host a group discussion or case study around boundary setting and how imbalance in the Earth element shows up in yoga students or in life.
The Water Element
Water (水 – Shuǐ)
Season: Late Summer / Transition between seasons
Primary Organs (Meridians):
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Spleen (Yin) – upward energy flow
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Stomach (Yang) – downward energy flow
Direction: Center – represents the middle, grounding axis
Color: Yellow or golden
Sense Organ: Mouth / Taste
Tissue: Muscles and connective tissue
Flavor: Sweet (naturally sweet, like root vegetables)
Water Element in the Body & Mind
The Water element represents the deepest reserves of energy in the body—our essence, or Jing, and our capacity for rest, regeneration, and inner wisdom. It governs the Kidneys and Bladder, which relate to vitality, adrenal health, and the ability to flow with life.
A balanced Water element supports courage, adaptability, and trust in the unknown. When this element is depleted or stagnant, one may feel fearful, frozen, exhausted, or overwhelmed by life’s demands.
This element teaches us to pause, listen deeply, and replenish our inner resources.
Water Element in the Emotional Body
Primary Emotion: Fear / Insecurity / Overwhelm
This is the dominant emotional imbalance of the Water element. When Water energy is disrupted or deficient, fear can become paralyzing—manifesting as anxiety, dread of the unknown, or chronic mistrust. When excessive, it may show up as hyper-vigilance or inability to rest.
Balanced Emotional Expressions
When the Water element is strong and balanced, it reflects emotional states such as:
Courage
Inner trust
Calm presence
Willpower and perseverance
Emotional resilience
Deep introspection
Grounded intuition
Capacity for rest and renewal
Healthy relationship with the unknown
Alignment with inner wisdom
Imbalanced Emotional Expressions
When Water is deficient or in excess, emotional imbalances may appear as:
Excessive or irrational fear
Chronic anxiety or dread
Avoidance of the unknown or taking risks
Emotional withdrawal or numbness
Lack of motivation or willpower
Inability to rest or restore
Overwhelm from life’s demands
Hypervigilance or constant alertness
Mistrust (in self, others, or life)
Emotional freezing or dissociation
Kidney & Urinary Bladder Meridians: Energetic Pathways
Kidney Meridian (Yin)
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Function: Stores Jing (vital essence); governs growth, reproduction, and willpower
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Pathway: Begins at the sole of the foot, travels up the inner leg, through the abdomen and chest, and ends beneath the clavicle
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Yin Yoga Support: Poses that stimulate the inner legs, groin, lower back, and belly (e.g. Caterpillar, Sphinx, Butterfly)
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Emotional Imbalance: Fear, low self-worth, lack of motivation, burnout
Urinary Bladder Meridian (Yang)
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Function: Regulates the nervous system; eliminates waste and supports spine health
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Pathway: Begins at the inner corner of the eye, travels over the skull, down the spine and back of the legs, ending at the pinky toe
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Yin Yoga Support: Poses that release the posterior chain—back body, hamstrings, spine (e.g. Dangling, Child’s Pose, Dragonfly)
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Emotional Imbalance: Hypervigilance, rigidity, chronic tension, disconnection from rest
Water Element & Yin Yoga
Winter is the season of deep yin energy—a time to withdraw, reflect, and restore. In Yin Yoga, we support the Water element by encouraging students to slow down and soften, focusing on poses that activate the Kidney and Urinary Bladder meridians.
These long-held, floor-based postures offer the body a chance to unwind deep fascial and energetic tension, especially along the spine, back body, and inner legs. Yin practice during the Water season helps calm the nervous system, restore adrenals, and cultivate inner stillness.
Supportive Yin Poses for Water Element
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Child’s Pose
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Caterpillar (Seated Forward Fold)
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Dragonfly (Wide-Leg Seated Fold)
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Butterfly Pose
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Sphinx / Seal
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Reclining Twist
Water Element in Practice
When to Focus on Water Element
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During winter or times of deep fatigue
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When experiencing burnout, fear, or decision paralysis
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To support adrenal health, kidney function, and immune balance
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When seeking clarity, courage, or deep emotional release
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For students needing permission to slow down and rest
Teaching Tips
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Use grounding, quieting language: “soften,” “listen inward,” “let go”
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Keep transitions minimal and allow for stillness between postures
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Play minimalist or ambient music to support spaciousness
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Emphasize the importance of rest and replenishment
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Invite self-inquiry with themes like:
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“Where am I overextending my energy?”
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“What fear is holding me back?”
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“What does surrender look like in my body?”
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Affirmations for Water Element
🌊 “I allow myself to rest, to listen, and to be still.”
🌊 “I trust the wisdom that arises in silence.”
🌊 “I am deeply supported by the flow of life.”
Integration Ideas for Teacher Trainers
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Teach a Winter/Water-themed Yin class, incorporating deep forward folds and back-body focus.
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Encourage a reflective journaling session or meditation afterward centered on fear, courage, or the unknown.
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Discuss the Western correlation with the nervous system and adrenal glands and how Water practices aid in stress recovery - presentation below.
The Fire Element
Season: Summer
Primary Organs (Meridians):
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Heart (Yin) – governs blood, consciousness, and joy
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Small Intestine (Yang) – sorts and assimilates experience
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Pericardium (Yin) – protector of the heart, emotional boundaries
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Triple Burner (Yang) – regulates circulation and energetic harmony
Direction: Upward / Outward – expression, radiance, interaction
Color: Red
Sense Organ: Tongue / Speech
Tissue: Blood vessels
Flavor: Bitter
Fire Element in the Body & Mind
The Fire element is the most expansive and expressive of all five elements. It represents joy, love, passion, and our ability to form meaningful connection. Fire governs not only the Heart, but also the Pericardium, Small Intestine, and Triple Burner, each reflecting aspects of emotional intelligence, discernment, and relational boundaries.
When balanced, Fire gives us a sense of warmth, emotional resilience, and vibrant presence. When imbalanced, it may show up as anxiety, emotional chaos, insomnia, or excessive stimulation. In both body and spirit, Fire teaches us the importance of connection and containment—to shine brightly without burning out.
Fire Element in the Emotional Body
Primary Emotion: Joy / Overexcitement / Anxiety
This is the dominant emotional spectrum of the Fire element. When Fire energy is balanced, it manifests as authentic joy, connection, and emotional warmth. When it becomes excessive or depleted, it can lead to overexcitement, nervousness, or emotional instability such as anxiety or burnout.
Balanced Emotional Expressions
When the Fire element is strong and balanced, it reflects emotional states such as:
Joyful presence
Emotional clarity
Loving connection
Charisma and enthusiasm
Compassion
Healthy intimacy and boundaries
Confidence and radiance
Trust in relationships
Inspired communication
Passion guided by inner wisdom
Imbalanced Emotional Expressions
When Fire is deficient or in excess, emotional imbalances may appear as:
Anxiety or nervous agitation
Emotional volatility or mood swings
Insomnia or restlessness
Burnout from overexertion
Feeling emotionally “scattered”
Excessive need for attention or stimulation
Inappropriate laughter or manic energy
Overexposure or vulnerability without containment
Difficulty sustaining joy or intimacy
Isolation or emotional coldness when depleted
Fire Meridians: Energetic Pathways
Heart Meridian (Yin)
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Function: Houses the Shen (spirit), governs blood circulation and joy
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Pathway: Begins in the heart, travels down the inner arm to the pinky finger
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Yin Yoga Support: Poses that open the chest and inner arms (e.g. Melting Heart, Reclined Butterfly)
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Emotional Imbalance: Anxiety, scattered thoughts, panic, lack of joy
Small Intestine Meridian (Yang)
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Function: Assists in sorting and separating the pure from the impure, mentally and physically
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Pathway: Starts at the pinky, travels up the outer arm to the scapula and cheek
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Yin Yoga Support: Poses for shoulders, side body, and neck (e.g. Thread the Needle, Shoelace Arms)
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Emotional Imbalance: Indecision, overwhelm, feeling emotionally “full”
Fire (火 – Huǒ)
Pericardium Meridian (Yin)
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Function: Emotional protector of the Heart; sets boundaries in relationships
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Pathway: From the chest, down the midline of the inner arm to the middle finger
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Yin Yoga Support: Chest and arm-opening poses (e.g. Sphinx with arm variations, Puppy Pose)
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Emotional Imbalance: Emotional vulnerability, lack of intimacy, heart walls
Triple Burner Meridian (Yang)
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Function: Harmonizes all organ functions, regulates temperature and energy flow
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Pathway: Starts at the ring finger, travels up the back of the arm to the shoulder and side of head
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Yin Yoga Support: Twists, side-body lengthening, and shoulder-opening poses (e.g. Bananasana, Twisted Roots)
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Emotional Imbalance: Burnout, energetic disconnection, stress-related disorders
Fire Element & Yin Yoga
Summer, the season of Fire, is a time of activity, growth, and joy—but also a reminder to balance outward energy with inner awareness. In Yin Yoga, we support the Fire element by encouraging heart-centered practices, deep chest opening, and grounding postures to calm and nourish the Shen (spirit).
By working with the Fire meridians, we learn to hold space for authentic joy, clarity of mind, and the courage to connect with others from a place of integrity.
Supportive Yin Poses for Fire Element
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Melting Heart (Anahatasana)
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Supported Fish Pose
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Sphinx / Seal
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Reclined Butterfly
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Bananasana
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Supine Twist
Fire Element in Practice
When to Focus on Fire Element:
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During summer or times of increased emotional output
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When students feel anxious, overstimulated, or disconnected
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To cultivate emotional intimacy and self-expression
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To support heart health, circulation, and mental clarity
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When fostering themes of compassion, joy, and connection
Teaching Tips
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Use uplifting but grounding language: “soften into joy,” “feel the warmth within,” “rest into your light”
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Encourage emotional presence through breath and felt sense
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Use themes related to the heart and spirit (Shen)—truth, vulnerability, joy
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Offer supportive propping to create emotional safety in chest openers
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Invite reflection with questions like:
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“Where do I overgive or underreceive?”
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“What lights me up from within?”
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“How can I connect with others without losing myself?”
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Affirmations for Fire Element
🔥 “I open my heart to joy, connection, and truth.”
🔥 “I am held in warmth, trust, and compassion.”
🔥 “I shine from a place of inner peace.”
Integration Ideas for Teacher Trainers
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Design a Fire-themed Yin class with focus on chest opening, heart meridians, and emotional release
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Introduce a guided meditation on connecting to joy and truth of the heart
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Facilitate a group activity on relationships and emotional boundaries
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Include brief Western anatomy insights about the heart, vagus nerve, or emotional resilience & link with the yogic concept of Anahata Chakra, drawing parallels to Heart Qi and the Shen
The Metal Element
Season: Autumn
Primary Organs (Meridians):
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Lung (Yin) – governs breath, Qi distribution, and immunity
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Large Intestine (Yang) – eliminates waste and supports discernment
Direction: Inward / Downward – introspection, release, refinement
Color: White
Sense Organ: Nose / Smell
Tissue: Skin
Flavor: Pungent / Spicy
Metal Element in the Body & Mind
The Metal element governs refinement, structure, and the ability to let go. It helps us sort through life’s experiences—holding onto what is valuable, and releasing what no longer serves. The Lungs and Large Intestine reflect this duality: inhalation and exhalation, intake and elimination, reverence and surrender.
Balanced Metal energy supports our ability to feel grief without becoming overwhelmed, and to move through transition with dignity. When imbalanced, we may feel emotionally cut off, rigid, or stuck in sorrow. In both body and spirit, Metal invites us to breathe deeply, establish inner space, and embrace the sacred in simplicity.
Metal Element in the Emotional Body
Primary Emotion: Grief / Sadness / Letting Go
This is the dominant emotional frequency of the Metal element. When Metal energy is imbalanced, one may experience unresolved grief, resistance to letting go, or emotional numbness. When balanced, Metal supports clarity, acceptance, reverence, and the ability to release what no longer serves.
Balanced Emotional Expressions
When the Metal element is strong and balanced, it reflects emotional states such as:
Acceptance and emotional clarity
Reverence for the sacred and meaningful
Healthy detachment and discernment
Appreciation for beauty and order
Honoring cycles of life and death
Sense of value and self-worth
Integrity and inner refinement
Grace in closure and endings
Deep inspiration
Emotional lightness and presence
Imbalanced Emotional Expressions
When Metal is deficient or in excess, emotional imbalances may appear as:
Prolonged or unresolved grief
Inability or resistance to let go
Feelings of emptiness or emotional numbness
Excessive rigidity or perfectionism
Harsh self-judgment or criticism
Detachment from others or aloofness
Clinging to the past or idealized memories
Difficulty processing loss or disappointment
Low self-worth or feeling “not enough”
Suppressed emotions or avoidance of vulnerability
Metal Meridians: Energetic Pathways
Lung Meridian (Yin)
Function: Draws in fresh Qi, governs respiration and immunity, distributes Wei Qi (defensive energy)
Pathway: Begins in the chest, travels down the inner arm to the thumb
Yin Yoga Support: Chest and inner arm-opening poses (e.g., Melting Heart, Sphinx with arm variations)
Emotional Imbalance: Suppressed grief, shallow breathing, low immunity, sadness
Large Intestine Meridian (Yang)
Function: Eliminates waste, assists in discernment and emotional release
Pathway: Starts at the index finger, travels up the outer arm to the face and nose
Yin Yoga Support: Twists and shoulder-opening poses (e.g., Supine Twists, Shoelace Arms, Thread the Needle)
Emotional Imbalance: Constipation (physical or emotional), over-attachment, resentment, rigidity
Metal (金 – Jīn)
Metal Element & Yin Yoga
Autumn, the season of Metal, encourages letting go of the old and preparing for stillness and introspection. Yin Yoga practices that emphasize breath awareness, chest opening, and slow, grounding movements support the Metal element by creating space for inner clarity and emotional release.
Working with the Lung and Large Intestine meridians allows us to grieve, to cleanse emotionally and energetically, and to reaffirm our values and boundaries.
Supportive Yin Poses for Metal Element
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Melting Heart (Anahatasana)
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Sphinx / Seal
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Thread the Needle
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Shoelace with Eagle Arms
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Supine Twist
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Supported Fish
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Arm Across Chest Stretch
Metal Element in Practice
When to Focus on Metal Element:
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During autumn or transitional times (loss, endings, seasonal change)
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When students feel emotionally stuck, heavy, or disconnected
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To encourage emotional release and boundary work
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To support lung health, immune function, and breath awareness
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When focusing on refinement, simplicity, and spiritual connection
Teaching Tips
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Use language that emphasizes breath and inner spaciousness: “inhale purity, exhale release,” “honor what remains,” “breathe through the layers”
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Encourage awareness of the breath’s rhythm and depth
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Explore grief and reverence as sacred processes
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Use essential oils (e.g., eucalyptus, frankincense) or music that evokes air/lightness
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Reflect with prompts like:
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“What am I ready to release?”
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“What boundaries need refinement?”
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“What holds enduring value for me?”
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Affirmations for Metal Element
🪙 “I honor the sacredness of my breath and boundaries.”
🪙 “I release what no longer serves and hold only what is true.”
🪙 “I create space for clarity, reverence, and peace.”
Integration Ideas for Teacher Trainers
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Design a Metal-themed class focused on breathwork, grief, and release
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Introduce guided journaling or meditation around letting go and simplifying
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Facilitate gentle partner work that explores boundaries and support
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Connect to the yogic principle of Saucha (purity) and Pranayama (breath control)
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Compare Metal element themes to Anahata Chakra (air element), exploring how both involve emotional processing and breath as spiritual connection - see the below presentation: Two Traditions; One Wisdom
The Wood Element
Season: Spring
Primary Organs (Meridians):
Liver (Yin) – governs vision, planning, creativity, and the smooth flow of Qi
Gall Bladder (Yang) – responsible for decision-making, courage, and executing plans
Direction: Outward – growth, expansion, forward motion
Color: Green
Sense Organ: Eyes / Sight
Tissue: Tendons & ligaments
Flavor: Sour
Wood Element in the Body & Mind
The Wood element embodies growth, transformation, and purposeful direction. It represents the energy of spring—renewal, inspiration, and outward movement. The Liver and Gall Bladder meridians support our ability to envision the future, take initiative, and move through obstacles with clarity and strength.
When in balance, Wood gives us a strong sense of purpose, creativity, and flexibility. Imbalance may show up as emotional outbursts, indecisiveness, rigidity, or chronic tension in the body—especially in the neck, hips, and jaw. Spiritually, Wood asks: Where am I going, and what’s holding me back?
Wood Element in the Emotional Body
Primary Emotion: Anger / Frustration / Irritability
This is the dominant emotional expression of the Wood element. When Wood energy is blocked or stagnant, it may manifest as repressed anger, irritability, impatience, or a sense of being stuck. Wood governs movement, vision, and growth—so imbalances often reflect struggles with direction, assertiveness, or the ability to take action.
Balanced Emotional Expressions
When the Wood element is strong and balanced, it reflects emotional states such as:
Healthy assertiveness
Clear vision and sense of direction
Emotional flexibility
Confidence in taking aligned action
Resilience and adaptability
Patience and inner strength
Capacity to express anger constructively
Drive, motivation, and purposeful ambition
Personal empowerment
Ability to navigate change and challenge
Imbalanced Emotional Expressions
When Wood is deficient or in excess, emotional imbalances may appear as:
Repressed or explosive anger
Chronic frustration or irritability
Passive-aggressiveness
Feeling stuck or blocked in life direction
Difficulty setting or respecting boundaries
Impatience or impulsiveness
Tension in the body, especially the neck and shoulders
Resentment or bitterness
Over-controlling tendencies
Resistance to change or fear of risk
Wood Meridians: Energetic Pathways
Liver Meridian (Yin)
Function: Stores blood, ensures smooth flow of Qi, supports vision, detoxification, and emotional fluidity
Pathway: Begins at the big toe, travels up the inner leg to the groin, abdomen, and into the ribs
Yin Yoga Support: Hip openers and inner thigh stretches (e.g., Dragonfly, Shoelace, Caterpillar)
Emotional Imbalance: Resentment, suppressed anger, emotional stagnation, PMS, digestive issues
Gall Bladder Meridian (Yang)
Function: Supports decision-making, courage, and the ability to act; helps metabolize fats
Pathway: Begins at the outer eye, travels down the side of the body and outer leg to the fourth toe
Yin Yoga Support: Side-body opening, outer hip stretches (e.g., Bananasana, Twisted Root, Reclined Swan)
Emotional Imbalance: Indecision, procrastination, stiffness in joints, headaches
Wood (木 – Mù)
Wood Element & Yin Yoga
Spring is the season of Wood, when the natural world awakens with new growth. In Yin Yoga, we honor this energy by working with the Liver and Gall Bladder meridians to move stagnant Qi, open the hips and side body, and restore emotional flow. These practices support our vision, sense of direction, and creative spark.
When Wood energy is flowing, we feel inspired and empowered to take action. Yin Yoga helps us embody the qualities of Wood—adaptability, purpose, and clarity—by softening tension and nourishing the deeper connective tissues.
Supportive Yin Poses for Wood Element
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Low Lunge
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Pigeon variations
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Shoelace
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Caterpillar
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Bananasana
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Reclined Swan
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Supine Twist
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Deer
Wood Element in Practice
When to Focus on Wood Element:
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During springtime or life transitions
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When students feel stuck, directionless, or frustrated
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To support liver detox, hormonal balance, and emotional flexibility
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When working with themes of growth, vision, or personal boundaries
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For students with tight hips, digestive stagnation, or PMS
Teaching Tips
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Use language around growth and direction: “plant the seeds,” “move through blocks,” “what are you growing into?”
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Invite exploration of personal goals, vision, and emotional fluidity
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Encourage long holds to release stored anger and stress in the hips and side body
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Use visualization, such as trees or flowing rivers, to embody Wood qualities
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Reflect with prompts like:
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“What am I ready to move forward with?”
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“Where am I holding emotional tension?”
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“How can I act with clarity and courage?”
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Affirmations for Wood Element
🌱 “I grow with intention, strength, and flexibility.”
🌱 “I release frustration and move with purpose.”
🌱 “I honor my vision and take aligned action.”
Integration Ideas for Teacher Trainers
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Design a Wood-themed Yin class focusing on hip openers and emotional release
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Introduce guided journaling or meditation around life vision and decision-making
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Facilitate a group workshop on boundaries, assertiveness, and leadership
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Include brief presentation on Western anatomy insights on the liver, eyes, or connective tissue system & link to yogic themes of Svadhisthana Chakra (creativity, fluidity) and Manipura Chakra (will, direction)
Reflection Questions
Type or handwrite your answers to the below questions and submit a PDF document through the button below.
🌱 Earth Element – Grounding & Support
Where in my life do I feel most grounded and supported?
Do I find it easy or difficult to give and receive care?
What routines or habits help me feel stable and nurtured?
🌊 Water Element – Flow & Fear
How do I respond to uncertainty or fear?
In what areas of my life can I allow more flow and softness?
Where do I need to rest, restore, or conserve my energy?
🔥 Fire Element – Joy & Connection
What truly lights me up from within?
How comfortable am I with emotional vulnerability and connection?
Where in my life am I overextending or burning out?
🍃 Wood Element – Growth & Vision
What desires or goals am I ready to pursue with courage?
Where do I feel stuck, and what might help me move forward?
How do I express or repress my anger and assertiveness?
🌬️ Metal Element – Clarity & Letting Go
What am I holding onto that no longer serves me?
How do I cultivate clarity and simplicity in my life?
What does healthy emotional detachment mean to me?
Integration Questions: Whole System Reflection
Which element do I feel most connected to at this stage in my life? Why?
Which element challenges me the most? How can I support that part of myself?
What practices can I integrate to bring greater balance across all five elements?
How do the elements show up in my body, emotions, and relationships?
Module Exam
Type or handwrite your answers to the below questions and submit a PDF document through the button below.
Part 1: Theoretical Knowledge (Multiple Choice / Short Answer)
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Which organ systems are associated with the Water element in TCM?
A. Liver and Gallbladder
B. Heart and Small Intestine
C. Kidney and Bladder
D. Lung and Large Intestine -
What season and emotion correspond to the Metal element?
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Briefly describe the energetic function of the Spleen meridian in the Earth element.
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List the primary organs (Yin and Yang) associated with the Fire element and their energetic/emotional roles.
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What are three signs of emotional imbalance related to the Wood element?
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Define “Shen” in the context of TCM and explain its relationship with the Heart.
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Which element governs growth, vision, and assertiveness? What practices help balance this element?
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Describe the function of the Triple Burner meridian and its relevance to emotional balance.
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Match the following body parts/senses to their corresponding element:
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Eyes
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Tongue
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Nose
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Skin
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Ears
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Explain how Yin Yoga can stimulate and regulate meridian flow in the body.