Yin Yoga & the Five Yin Organs
A Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective
By Midnight Wellness
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), health is created through balance, flow, and harmony. The body’s inner world is supported by the five Yin organs, which store energy, emotions, and vitality. When these organs are nourished, we feel calm and steady. When they are strained, we may feel tense, tired, or emotionally overwhelmed.
Yin Yoga is a powerful, slow practice that supports these organs by working with stillness, breath, and deep connective tissue. At Midnight Wellness, Yin Yoga is offered as a form of nervous system regulation and energetic medicine.
Kidneys – The Root of Safety
Element: Water
Emotion: Fear → Wisdom
The Kidneys store our deepest life energy. They support rest, resilience, and a sense of safety in the body. When kidney energy is low, we may feel anxious or depleted.
Yin Yoga supports the Kidneys through long, grounded poses that encourage deep rest and restore internal reserves.
Liver – The Flow of Energy
Element: Wood
Emotion: Anger → Clarity
The Liver keeps energy and emotions moving smoothly. When energy gets stuck, frustration and tension can build.
Yin Yoga helps the Liver by gently releasing stored tension and encouraging flexibility—both physically and emotionally.
Heart – The Seat of Joy
Element: Fire
Emotion: Anxiety → Joy
The Heart governs circulation and emotional connection. Overstimulation can lead to restlessness or overwhelm.
Yin Yoga calms the Heart through slow pacing, breath awareness, and gentle chest opening, inviting steadiness and inner ease.
Spleen – Grounding & Nourishment
Element: Earth
Emotion: Worry → Trust
The Spleen helps us digest food, thoughts, and experiences. When it is out of balance, worry and heaviness can arise.
Yin Yoga supports the Spleen by grounding the body and encouraging deep absorption—of nutrients, rest, and support.
Lungs – Breath & Release
Element: Metal
Emotion: Grief → Acceptance
The Lungs guide breathing and help us let go of what no longer serves us. Shallow breath and sadness can signal imbalance.
Yin Yoga opens the Lungs by creating space in the chest and slowing the breath, supporting emotional release and clarity.
Yin Yoga as Medicine
At Midnight Wellness, Yin Yoga is practiced as a slow, intentional ritual—one that restores balance to the organs, calms the nervous system, and supports emotional integration.
In TCM, healing happens when we slow down enough to listen.
Stillness is not empty.
Stillness is a doorway into self-discovery.
Stillness is medicine.
