Five Elements - Qi Fusion
Yin Yoga and Acupuncture direct the smooth flow of vital energy - known as Qi - throughout the mind and body boosting overall wellness and balancing yin and yang energy levels.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory has its foundations in the interplay of Five Elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water.
In Five Elements theory, the element of EARTH represents Balance. Earth is the place of stillness between Yin and Yang. Earth is about here and now - the present moment.
The other four elements (Wood, Fire, Metal, Water) all surround Earth which is in the centre, in the middle. So Earth is the ultimate Balancer.
Earth personalities tend to be kind, caring, generous, honest and authentic. They are the nurturers with calm temperaments that love to be around people.
Earth personalities fall out of balance when they worry excessively, have poor digestion. They have a hard time saying ‘no’ so setting boundaries can be a real challenge. Self-care practices can really help Earth-type personality.
The Earth element is in charge of our digestion and the meridian is the Stomach/Spleen.
If you suffer from digestive issues such as IBS, bloating or overthinking, your earth element may be in need of some nourishing.
Beyond what you are consuming physically, you can consider what you are consuming mentally (newsfeeds, social media, conversations); What is your home or work environment like? Are you “digesting” your thoughts and emotions in a healthy way?
Yin yoga is a simple but powerful practice of self care. Acupuncture ensures the smooth flow of energy throughout the body.
- A short introduction to Five Elements Theory
- An exploration of the Earth element including typical ailments, body type and supports.
- A 20 minute acupuncture experience targetting Stomach & Spleen Qi
- A 75 minute yin yoga class to channel Qi into the Stomach & Spleen meridians
Day: Saturday 16 September
Time: 2pm - 4.30pm
Fee: €45
Aspire Health is a holistic health practice dedicated to enabling people gain maximum health through integrative therapies. After taking a career break from a busy IT job, Lucia entered the world of integrative medicine and never looked back.
Today she is qualified in a range of holistic therapies including yoga, reflexology, Swedish massage as well as her degree in Acupuncture. Lucia completed her clinical studies for Acupuncture in Shanghai 6th People’s Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University. She spent many years working in holistic centres, hospitals, addiction centres before setting up Aspire Health in 2006.
Mandala Yoga is a welcoming community-centred yoga studio in Dublin 2, in a light-filled space off Haddington Road.
Susan has been practicing yoga for over 16 years. She completed her first yoga certification in 2009. And has completed many more since. She is qualified to teach a range of ‘Yang Yoga' styles. She has been teaching Yin Yoga since 2014 having completed a number of yin yoga and meditation trainings with international teachers. Susan is also a qualified massage therapist. She has travelled and taught extensively overseas before founding Mandala Yoga in 2018.
What is Yin Yoga?
Yin Yoga has its roots in the ancient Chinese philosophy of Daoism. At the heart of Daoism is the belief in the need for balance between the twin forces of Yin and Yang that we see everywhere: Darkness and Light; Cold and Hot; Inaction and Action. Yin and Yang complement one another to achieve a state of harmony.
In Yin Yoga by holding poses for longer periods of time (2-3 minutes) we are therapeutically ‘stressing’’ and applying pressure to the energy pathways. This stimulates the flow of vital energy (Qi) into bones, nerves, muscles and connective tissue where so much deep tension accumulates.
Yin yoga is deeply calming and meditative. It soothes the nervous system flipping it back into ‘rest and digest’ mode.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a technique for balancing the flow of energy or life force by inserting tiny needles into specific points along the body. Acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain and disorders but increasingly, it is being used as regular practice for boosting overall wellness and stress management.
