Harvest the Health Yoga Poses for Nourishing Your Spleen and Stomach in Autumn

As the vibrant leaves of autumn dance in the crisp breeze, the season calls for a balance of inward reflection and physical rejuvenation. The spleen and stomach, two vital organs in traditional Chinese medicine, play a significant role in our overall health and well-being. To embrace the spirit of autumn and nourish these organs, we've curated a selection of yoga poses specifically designed for fall. Join us as we embark on a journey of self-care with these autumn spleen and stomach yoga poses.

1. Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose)

Begin by lying on your back, bend your knees, and bring the soles of your feet together, hip-width apart. Let your knees fall open to the sides. Extend your arms out to the sides, palms facing down. Breathe deeply, allowing your lower abdomen to relax and open. Hold for 5-10 breaths, then gently release and repeat.

2. Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend)

Stand with your feet hip-width apart, hands on your hips. Inhale and lift your arms overhead. As you exhale, hinge at the hips and fold forward, keeping your knees slightly bent. Let your head hang heavy, and focus on lengthening your spine. Hold for 30 seconds, then Inhale to rise back up, and repeat 2-3 times.

3. Marjaryasana (Cat-Cow Stretch)

Start on your hands and knees, with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Inhale, arch your back and tuck your chin to your chest, looking up (Cow Pose). Exhale, round your spine and drop your head, chin to chest, looking down (Cat Pose). Flow through this sequence 5-10 times, maintaining a smooth, rhythmic breath.

4. Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Spinal Twist)

Sit with your legs crossed, and bend your right knee to place your right foot on the ground outside your left knee. Inhale, lengthen your spine, and as you exhale, twist to the right, bringing your right elbow to the outside of your left knee. Rest your left hand on the ground or on your right leg. Hold for 30 seconds, then switch sides.

5. Balasana (Child’s Pose)

Kneel on your mat with your knees hip-width apart and your toes together. Lower your torso between your knees, keeping your hips back. Extend your arms in front of you, palms facing down. Rest your forehead on the mat and breathe deeply, allowing your body to relax. Hold for 1-2 minutes.

6. Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose)

Sit with your left side against a wall. Swing your right leg up and place your foot on the wall, then lie back, lifting your legs to a 90-degree angle. Rest your arms by your sides or on your chest. Close your eyes and breathe deeply for 5-10 minutes, allowing your body to fully relax.

As autumn approaches, these yoga poses will help you maintain a healthy spleen and stomach, fostering a sense of balance and well-being. Embrace the season by incorporating these practices into your daily routine, and allow the gentle flow of yoga to guide you towards a more vibrant and balanced life.