Life is a constant dance between Yin and Yang, one can not exist without the other and these two forces are ever- changing and never static.
Yin- Moon,night,cold,dark,black,slow,passive,female,nurturing.
Yang-Sun,day,hot,hard,bright,white,active,male,emitting.
Most of us are living in a very yang state …fast paced, progressive, goal orientated.
But when we burn the candle at both ends, for example long days at work followed by intense workout’s or late nights out, We quickly notice a decline in our energy or “chi”.
This is fine initially but extended periods of this can lead to burn out, stress and eventually more serious conditions and diseases.
Let’s have a look at how Yin and Yang affect our nervous system.
Yang is associated with the Sympathetic nervous system
The SNS is our basic fight or flight system. When our ancestors were being chased by a sabre-tooth tiger, their SNS would activate and give them the energy and focus needed to flee, or fight. The brain’s amygdala recognizes threats and stimulates the hypothalamus, which in turn releases hormones that activate the pituitary gland. The pituitary then releases hormones that cause our adrenal glands to release several other hormones including adrenalin, which speeds up our heart and respiration rates, and cortisol.
Yin is associated with the Parasympathetic nervous system
The PNS works in the opposite direction. “Rest and digest” response. When the nerves running to our internal organs (primarily the vagus nerve) are stimulated, acetylcholine is released this slows our heart rate and the blood pressure drops. Blood flow that was diverted away from the intestines and reproductive organs returns, hence “rest and digest”
Tips to find more Yin time:
*A slow deep, natural breath while you are holding your Yoga poses will reduce stress, activate your rest & digest system, improve your heart and lungs function, lower blood pressure and lead towards a healthier and happier life.
*Walks in nature, help to increase heart and lung fitness (These are both Yin organs within Chinese medicine). Improved management of conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, joint and muscular pain or stiffness, and diabetes.
*Meditation– can help to reduce stress, it can control anxiety, promote emotional health and enhance self-awareness.
*Take time to reflect on how stress is affecting you, and how your daily practices are affecting your stress levels.
*Yin yoga Try this restorative yin posture to relax body and mind.
Yin time allows us to notice what is happening in our lives.
If what you are doing is working, keep it up! If it is not working, drop me a message, we can work on it and find a way to reduce the effects of stress in your life.
(Whoops, I spelt sole incorrectly, but I kind of like it like that!)
Feel at ease
Ana Maria
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