The Way of Yin by Kris González

Summers are not the easiest of seasons for me. It's been this way for several years now. It's strange since I'm a Leo . Summer should be my season! But, the pause in full expansion of yang overwhelms my body. I've found that I need the most self tenderness during the transition into and during summer (the fire season). After so many years of yang depletion and the uphill climb to restoring my reserves, there are ways I've learned to support myself. I'll share some here: 1. ...Saying "No" has been a big practice. Building up my boundaries and only leaning into things that are a clear "Yes". I monitor energy thieves and I'm quicker to cut the cord to things that deplete me. 2. It's all about slow growth for me...There's so much pressure to do, produce, fix, perform, consume, etc. I've had many opportunities to exponentially grow and "scale" my business, but at what cost? Is it worth it? For me, my day to day health is not up for negotiation...at least not anymore. 3. It's okay not to be okay. As much as I lean into my body, the seasons, cycles and rhythms, I don't have control of everything. That would be exhausting. Life and circumstance always has a way of throwing us curve balls. The question then becomes, "how can I get more comfortable with change?" Of course this is only my experience. You may be able to relate and you may have different experiences all together. How does the flourishing expansion of summer show up for you? How does that feel in your body? How does ovulation (concentric circle of summer) feel for you? As I acknowledge the discomfort in this season, I'll also enjoy its gifts with grace and gratitude. I'll soak in the sweet sun, engage my sense of taste, wear red and tend my heart.

The Emotional Release of Menstruation "Menstruation is a time that the [human] body uses in order to release what is known as emotional debris - essentially, it is a method through which the body is able to allow any residual emotion that has not been dealt with and stored within the Blood, to be purged along with the menstrual Blood (Tian Gui Shui). Similarly to the way that the body will purge Heat in the Blood... This is another reason why it is so important for the conn...ection between the Uterus and the Heart to remain open via the Bao Mai. It is this mechanism that allows the emotional debris that is stored within the Heart to travel down to the Uterus and be expelled, enabling a woman to ‘let go’ of emotions that have arisen during the last cycle." - Rob Aspell The gift of Menstruation is that we have this beautiful opportunity to release what is longing to be free. Any stuck emotion can manifest in physical form. Energy and substance are intrinsically linked. Do you feel the emotional release of menstruation? How do you feel when the blood flows? If you'd like to learn more about your body and menstruation, I have a self study, at-your-own-pace ecourse called Menstrual Attunement. Follow the link below to read more and feel free to ask questions as they come up for you. Deep bows. https://courses.thewayofyin.com/embodied-menstruation-menst

We're in that transitional space between Spring & Summer. Do you feel it? It's the in between. There's a sort of comfort in absolutes. Swimming in the ebb and flow of changing tides takes a bit more "effort". But, change is a part of life and so we swim. We're approaching the 3rd seasonal node of summer called Grain in Ear . It's when the crops start to slowly ripen. What is ripening in you? What does this growing yang feel like in your body? Does it feel too soon or lik...e it can't happen fast enough? Maybe it's feeling just right. Chinese Medicine emphasizes the importance of seasonal transitions called Doyo periods. Think of those sharp turns of your large intestine. The direction changes a few times before your body releases wastes. Also, think of your joints. Have you ever felt a stuckness around those bends? Anchoring into our Earth Element can help with these shifts. The earth element represents digestion and the transitions in between the seasons. During the DOYO periods between seasons, you can evaluate your digestive vigor and make small adjustments to make sure you're eating consistently, and that your food is actually digesting and being assimilated. If there are some challenges, you can anchor into more simplification for a week or more before the Solstice. Try a digestive reset with congee or kitchari for a few days. Monitor your circadian rhythm and sleep and wake times. Massage your abdomen daily. Dampness has a tendency to build up during this transition. Turn to your trusted digestive herbal allies such as ginger, mint and tangerine peels. Post in the comments to show our earth element some love and to honor it during times of transition.

In Chinese Medicine, your Premenstrual Phase or "Qi" Phase is represented by the Lung and Large Intestine organs and the Autumn season. Your lungs, likened to a canopy, is delicate in nature as it has a close relationship to the external environment. It's primary function is to govern respiration but also water pathways. The lungs are where the exchange of "qi" occurs. The cultivation and flow of "Qi" energy throughout our body is essential for life. The lung's coupled organ... is the Large Intestine. This organ has the function of eliminating what is unnecessary or toxic from our bodies; physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally. This becomes quite important during our premenstrual phase; this letting go and the free flow of qi. There's an opportunity here to pay closer attention to our Breath (lungs) and Bowels (large intestine). By harnessing Metal energy associated with this inner autumn season of our menstrual cycle, we seek to clear away, draw our energies back in, tend to ourselves and breathe into softening tensions. One simple way to nurture yourself during your premenstrual phase is to focus on hydration and fiber in your diet. Ensure your bowels are moving and that your breathing is free and uninhibited.

When I sent Atticus & Abram out to gather things for our seasonal alter, they also came back with a 15ft fallen bamboo not pictured here Sending so much love from our family to yours

"In this deep stillness of nature, winter calls us to look into our depths, to reconnect to our inner being, to befriend the darkness within us and around us."

For all of our budding herbalists out there! Here's a soup to help replenish your blood after your period is over. It will help to revitalize your hormones and gently support your energy. For the recipe, visit our blog. Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis): Known as the "female ginseng" and "state of return". It strongly builds blood and regulates menstruation by circulating and enriching yin.... Huang Qi (Astragalus): This qi tonic adaptogenic herb is a staple in most Asian kitchens. It can be added to soups or enjoyed as a tea. It helps to boost the immune system and aid digestion. Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berries): This berry has been used for thousands of years in everyday cooking. It helps to build blood, yin and essence and improves vision. Da Zao (Chinese Red Dates): My fav! It's sweet and warming, strengthens digestion and supplements qi and nourishes blood to counteract fatigue. A great postpartum herb too! Check out @motherbees for a postpartum tea recipe. Contact your local acupuncturist to order herbs https://www.thewayofyin.com/blog/aftermoon

I posted last week about the color of our flow. If you'd like to read more about that, head over to Yinova's blog.

I get asked a lot about what I do in the world. It's hard to put it into words because honestly, it's evolved and is still evolving. But, I'll try. When I first started my practice, I taught folks how to radically take care of themselves on their periods by resting. I teamed up with Keli @steamychick and focused in on pelvic health and teaching about period care and the humble steaming practices from my lineage. After teaching for some time, I started to realize how tall of a...n order that was for a lot of people. Rest on our period? How? And Why? With these types of questions coming up, I made it my personal mission to be a part of a cultural shift to reexamine our relationships to our bodies and our health. I started to make a series of immersive, self-study courses that bridged the huge wellness gap for those of us that menstruate. My core courses focus on menstrual attunement, perimenopause, vaginal ecology, breast health and menarche. After a few years of facilitating and educating on these topics, there's an even larger gap in view. Where are our stories? Where are our elders? Where are the rite of passage celebrations? Where is the wisdom in life cycles? Do you ever wonder why so many of us are utterly lost? We've been cut off to the thing that grounds us, the thing that binds us, the thing that heals us. I'm looking forward to sharing with you the things to come. I hope that in some way, when you occasionally pop in here at The Way of Yin, it serves as a reminder that you're on the right path. A port stop along your journey of discovering and uncovering and reclaiming what's been lost or what's already there, just waiting to be recognized. I'm not even sure if that makes any sense. Maybe it will become clearer over time, maybe not. All I know is I love and deeply appreciate you all. Thanks for being here with me. Deep bows & blessings, ~Kris

YIN Abundance is harmonized by YANG activation. Our breasts are expressions of yin abundance made from mainly fat, lymph and mammary glands. They require lots of circulation. ... We don't tend to touch our breasts unless we're looking for something wrong. What if we switched that up and touch our breasts because they help us access medicine? Our breasts serve as a conduit for giving AND receiving through our heart space (chakra). Through their sensitivity, we are able to access intuitive muscles of perception to build healthy boundaries. Our heart also has direct access to your womb via the Bao Mai channel. Through breast massage, you're improving flow of qi & blood between the two. There's still time to take advantage of the sale on our self study ecourse, The Ultimate Guide to Breast Rejuvenation. Expires tomorrow at midnight. Michelle @michellesiazonacupuncture and I look forward to seeing you there. Please feel free to share. https://thewayofyin.podia.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-breast- Deep bows & blessings, Kris Art by @merakilabbe #thewayofyin #breastmassage #breasthealth #lymphaticmassage #lymphaticdrainage #holisticbreasthealth #breastoil #essentialoils #baomai #heartwombconnection #breastfeeding #hormones #heartchakra #massage #hormonalbalance #prevention #holistic #wellness #longevity #yangsheng #fibrocysticbreastdisease #boundaries #breastrejuvenation #openheart #acupuncture #tcm #acupuncturist #chinesemedicine #ecourse #yinandyang

Daikon embodying Ginseng What's growing in your garden?

Inner Alchemy You can harness your own energy for transformation. You have everything you need. Breath, Blood, Fluids, Warmth and Spirit. An inner alchemy practice that I turn to often is breast massage. Because your womb and breast/heart space are connected via the Bao Mai, there's a path to healing here. Do you access this magic? If this resonates, our self study e-course on Breast Rejuvenation is still 20% off through the end of the month. Hope to see you there. Click on the link below to learn more. Please feel free to share. Deep bows, ~Kris https://bit.ly/3iMVjG4

Nature's Marshmallows This medicinal food is named hong zao, Chinese Red Date. This is the ultimate postpartum herbal ally. Remember that our our period phase can also be seen as a mini postpartum, so this herb is great for your bleeding days as well. In Chinese Medicine, this herb tonifies the Spleen and augments qi, nourishes the blood and calms the spirit. It also helps to detox our livers from harsh chemicals. ... I commonly add a few dried dates and some astragalus to soups to enhance it's therapeutic properties. They are delightfully sweet so it's typically enjoyed daily as a tea during your fourth trimester and your period phase. You can add ginger and/or cinnamon if you'd like. Ginger (with skins on) has an affinity for the womb For a recipe, head over to @motherbees Mine are local dates from Santa Barbara that I dried. I believe you can purchase from Motherbees as well. Deep bows. Enjoy! #thewayofyin #postpartum #jujubes #qi #thefourthtrimester #sittingmoon #dates #chinesedates #dazao #hongzao #bloodbuilder #shen #spirit #tea #postpartumhealing #acupuncture #acupuncturist #chineseherbs #herbaltea #foodtherapy #herbalist #foodasmedicine #foodismedicine #medicialfoods #period #menstruation #menstruationmatters #menstrualcycle #herbalally #herbalmedicine See more

Hello community. Here's the latest blog collaboration with Dao Labs on Holistic Breast Health. Our self study e-course: The Ultimate Guide to Breast Rejuvenation is still 20% off until the end of October. Blessings, ~Kris https://thewayofyin.podia.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-breast-

Who knew cilantro flowered so pretty? What's your favorite culinary herb/spice? For me, it's a toss up between ginger, cilantro and cumin. Isidro walked in on me while taking this picture. He just smiles and embraces my obsession with plants. #soulmate #plantmagic #herbalist

Breasts Acupuncture Go get you some! Also a reminder that our self study ecourse on Breast Rejuvenation is still on sale until the end of October. https://thewayofyin.podia.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-breast-... Blessings. ~Kris #theyinway #breastmassage #openheart #connection #boundaries #heartchakra #surrender #twinpeaks #acupuncturist #breastcancerawareness #breastfeeding #menstruation #mooncycle #heartwombconnection #rhythmsandcycles #7yearcycles #menstruationmatters #heartcentered #preventativemedicine #longevity #inneralchemy #breastwombconnection #womenshealth #holistic #wellness #acupuncture #acupuncture #breastrejuvenation #breastfeeding

This time last year, I was invited to hold space for maidens to teach them about menstruation and our sacred cycles. I miss holding these special circles in person. Until we're able to be together again, let's meet virtually. I've teamed up with Nicole Connell to co-create a FREE resource for pre teen and teen girls during these challenging times. I’ll be sharing a class called The Inner Seasons of the Menstrual Cycle in the Girls Shine Bright Wisdom Series. Nicole is a Mento...r and Educator dedicated to supporting the strength, confidence, and leadership of our next generation of young women. In this online series, girls will have the opportunity to: *Receive some intergenerational wisdom to support them in blossoming into their fullest and most authentic expression of who they are *Learn from a diverse group of strong women leaders and teachers living their purpose and modeling a different way of leadership (full of collaboration, honoring our yin and feminine wisdom) *Experience classes on topics like Voice Empowerment, Embodied Movement, and more that are positive, uplifting, and foster connection to self and others Tag your friends with daughters and register for this free series that begins October 21st. We'll see you there! https://www.nicoleconnell.com/girls-series.html #thewayofyin #mothersanddaughters #menarche #maiden #maidencircle #menstruation #menstrualcycle #fertility #fertilityawarenessmethod #mama #momanddaughter #menstruationmatters #mooncycle #moontime #lunarcycle #period #periodhealth #innerseasons #wombmagic #wombhealing #community #moonmedicine #embodiedmenstruation #fertilitytracking #ovulation #pms #lutealphase #follicularphase #yinandyang #cyclesyncing See more

There's a famous idiom in Chinese Medicine. It says "The blood descends and becomes the menstruate; it ascends and becomes the milk." A channel called the Bao Mai connects your heart and uterus. Your breasts are extensions of your heart space. By engaging in deeply nourishing and circulatory massage to your breasts, you are encouraging healing on so many levels, including your reproductive health. My co-teacher Michelle and I would love to invite you to some radical se...lf care. Our self study e-course called The Ultimate Guide to Breast Rejuvenation is 20% off for October. https://bit.ly/3iMVjG4 See more

Had a little helper, but Abram is camera shy . One of the many ways I feel into each season is to make a tonic or liquor. If you search previous posts, you'll find a cold brewed Schisandra tea for Summer & Rose Liquor in the Spring . Stay tuned for Wintertime yumminess. For this Autumn, I've made a cardamom and ginger digestive liquor to drink in very small quantities after larger dinners. Sinking into more pleasure as I built an alter to honor the transition from yang... to yin. Loving the tender cues from Marissa @cyclicalbody in her Wheel of the Year Exploration. Recipe from Nutritional Healing with Chinese Medicine: *2 cups vodka *20 green cardamom pods *10 quarter-size ginger slices, gently crushed *2 tbsp honey Combine, shake, place in dark cool place for 2 weeks. Shake every few days. Strain and store for up to 6 months. Enjoy! #medicinalherbs #medicinalwine #herbs #spices #ginger #cardamom #fall #autumn #digestion #season #herbalist #seasonalliving #ancestralhealing #cyclicalliving #rhythmsandcycles