Yoga Poses for Spring

The onset of Spring inspires us to cleanse not only our home, but our body too, and yoga poses help us purify, tone and cleanse our tissues to shed Winter heaviness.

Spring is a damp time of year and our body may feel sluggish from the accumulation of Winter, so to stay balanced and avoid seasonal sickness, we want to focus on activities and food that are light, dry and warming (learn how to eat for the season and deeply cleanse your body in the Qi Yoga Spring Detox).

In Spring we work to lift our energy out of Winter leathery, increase circulation to flush out built up waste, and stimulate the immune and digestive system — and we can do all of this with a few simple yoga poses.

Twists are important to practice in Spring because they target purification of the organs. Holding and releasing twisting poses improves circulation to our organs, essentially “wringing out” accumulated toxins and stimulating metabolism.

Warrior Poses will build heat in our body burning up impurities and Winter weight.  These poses also lift our energy and motivate us into action and out of dormant Winter energy. Better yet, add a twist to your warrior or in your sun salutations.

Forward Folds are not only great for opening tight hamstrings, but allowing the head to fall below the heart encourages circulation of blood throughout the body as well as fluid to lymph nodes, stimulating and supporting the immune system. The folding motion also squeezes the belly, which moves things along for digestion.

Inversions take us upside down, and bring both uplifting energy to our mind and body as well as reversing the pull of gravity and thus improving circulation throughout the whole body. Always remember to practice these with caution or an experienced teacher.

Meditation helps us stay calm and centred through the changes of our life, and that includes seasonal changes. The change of season can be unsettling, so finding even just a few minutes a day to sit quietly and breath deeply will help you move through this transition with grace and ease.