Yoga 101: Energy Lines

Have you ever had an instructor mention energy lines while cueing a posture in class? If you haven’t, don’t worry! For most of you, you’ve (unknowingly) been opening the energy lines in your body each time you step onto your mat.

In Chinese medicine, energy lines, or meridian lines, are invisible channels that transport energy throughout the body. There are 12 main lines of energy, and they all help our body function properly. Yoga postures open energy lines to allow energy to flow freely through the body. The cues and assists you hear in yoga class are guides to help you get into postures correctly so those energy lines remain open.

Do you love how energized, yet grounded Mountain pose makes you feel in class? It’s no coincidence. While rooting through the feet, you’re simultaneously sending energy up through the fingertips and the crown of the head, channeling multiple lines of energy.

Next time you’re in class, listen closely to your instructor’s cues. As you make adjustments in your postures, and tap into your energy lines, you might just notice a difference in your practice!