Yin Yoga Meridians: Pathways of Energy in the Body
What Are Yin Yoga Meridians?
In Chinese medicine, the body’s energy pathways are known as meridians. Yin Yoga does not invent new meridians but works with poses that strongly affect the lower-body yin meridians described in this system. Because of this relationship, practitioners sometimes refer to these lines as the yin yoga meridians—a way of highlighting which meridian channels are affected in the practice of Yin Yoga.
Nadis and Meridians: What’s the Difference?
From a yogic perspective, ancient texts describe thousands of subtle channels known as nadis. Some sources suggested 72,000, while others claimed 300,000. These numbers are not considered literal counts, but rather reminders that the body contains countless energy pathways.
Chinese medicine also recognized a network of channels—called meridians—but with a different emphasis. Indian yogis focused on nadis for spiritual growth, while Chinese traditions placed greater emphasis on meridians for health and longevity. This is why in modern yoga discussions, we often explore nadis and meridians side by side.
How Many Meridians Are There?
Classical Chinese sources describe a total of seventy-one meridian channels. Of these, fourteen became most important. Each of the ten major organs has an associated meridian, designated yin (zang) or yang (fu). The pericardium and San Jiao (Triple Burner) also have meridians, making a total of fourteen primary ones, collectively known as the Jing Mai.
These fourteen are considered the body’s main energy meridians, though many collateral channels and secondary lines also exist.
Collateral Channels and Acupuncture Points
Each major meridian has collateral branches—side roads that extend to other tissues. Along the meridian pathways, acupuncture points can be stimulated to clear blockages or encourage energy flow.
Traditionally, 361 points are recognized along the primary meridians, but more can be found depending on the system. For example, ear acupuncture identifies fifty-four points on each ear. Across all traditions, there are over 2,000 acupuncture points mapped for therapeutic use.
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What Resources Can Help You Learn Meridian Yoga?
Students exploring meridian yoga may find resources from Traditional Chinese Medicine helpful. Texts such as Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion (Shanghai University of TCM) are standard references.
For a more accessible overview, Ted Kaptchuk’s The Web That Has No Weaver offers an excellent introduction to how Chinese medicine frames health and balance.
What Are Yin Meridians and Why Are They Important in Yin Yoga?
Of the fourteen key meridians, six begin or end in the feet. Because of their lower-body focus, these are considered yin meridians, in contrast to six upper-body yang meridians that begin or end in the hands.
Yin Yoga postures, which stress connective tissues of the hips, legs, and spine, tend to engage the lower yin meridians more deeply. This is why many teachers highlight these as the yin yoga meridians.
Do Other Traditions Recognize Energy Meridians?
Yes. Thailand developed a parallel system called sen lines, influenced by both Indian and Chinese thought. Thai Yoga massage applies pressure along these lines to encourage energy flow. While not identical, these yoga meridians reflect the same universal intuition: energy moves through pathways within the body, and health depends on keeping them clear.
What Is Meridian Yoga?
The phrase meridian yoga is a modern one. It usually refers to yoga practices—most often Yin Yoga—that apply postures, pressure, or breathwork in ways thought to influence meridian channels. By holding poses longer and targeting deep connective tissue, Yin Yoga provides a natural way to stimulate chi flow through the yin meridians and support organ balance.
Is Traditional Chinese Medicine the Same as Original Chinese Medicine?
It’s worth noting that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is not identical to the many older systems of Chinese healing. As Mark Seem writes in Acupuncture Imaging:
“The label [TCM] is inappropriate for two reasons. First, it obscures the fact that there has never been one traditional medicine in China. Secon,d this very modern reformulation of Chinese medicine is a recent invention.”
Bob Flows adds that TCM, as taught in the last few decades, emphasizes fourteen meridians but leaves aside many others noted in classical texts.
Blog Edited by Kevin Parenteau
FAQ
What are yin yoga meridians?
Yin yoga meridians are the meridian channels from Chinese medicine that are most affected by Yin Yoga practice, especially those in the lower body.
How many meridians are there?
Classical sources describe seventy-one meridians, with fourteen emphasized as the most important.
What is meridian yoga?
Meridian yoga refers to yoga practices—often Yin Yoga—that aim to stimulate meridians through postures, breathwork, and energy awareness.
What’s the difference between nadis and meridians?
Nadis are energy channels described in yoga traditions, while meridians are energy channels expressed in Chinese medicine. Both describe subtle energy movement, though with different emphases.
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Bernie Clark
Bernie Clark
September 14, 2025
Kevin Parenteau
September 5, 2025
Kevin Parenteau
September 5, 2025
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Written By Bernie Clark for Asana at Home Online Yoga Inc. – Asana at Home Online Yoga
