Looking for ways to prepare for the cold weather blues and give a boost to the immune system?

It is a well-known fact in Western Medicine that optimal immunity can best be achieved through regular exercise, healthy sleep and a balanced diet. Another integral part to a healthy immune system is what is commonly described as the largest external organ in the body-the skin. Superficial fascia is the lowermost layer of the skin in nearly all of the regions of the body. 

In Chinese Medicine, the immune system includes a protective barrier of Qi called Wei Qi, (pronounced Way Chee) that flows in the space between the skin and the muscles (aka fascia), and is one of the first lines of defense against illness. Like an energy shield, Wei Qi prevents external pathogens from making us sick. 

When Wei Qi is strong, we are less likely to be affected by climate changes, viruses and bacteria. There are things we can do to strengthen our defenses. One of those is to exercise. To engage in physical activity is essential for building Qi and ensuring that it circulates well.


A review of relevant research shows that a regular yoga practice can help boost your immunity (and a lot more) :

  • Improves immune function (including mucosal and cell-mediated immunity, key aspects of your body’s first-line and sustained defenses) 
  • Reduces inflammatory markers (particularly IL-1beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha) 
  • Lessens inflammation by down regulating the stress response, which may reduce risk of infections
  • Improves sleep quality, helping you feel rested and rejuvenated
  • Calms the nervous system by going into the relaxation response more often, which in turn helps your organs to function optimally, giving your body greater capacity to fight invaders and heal.

JingJin Yoga stretches combine the six functional hand/foot pairs of the tendinomuscular meridians with the yoga postures that open the tissue along their trajectories. Opening the fascial channels in alignment with the meridians enhances the flow of the protective Wei Qi.

In our book, JingJin Yoga, there is a page for each JingJin Stretch that provides:                                                                                                                                                                                                   

  • A map of the trajectory of the tendinomuscular meridian pair from fingers to toes  
  • Related muscles and tissues affected by the JingJin Stretch  
  • Simplified stick figures of the stretch 
  • A description of the related JingJin Stretch 
  • Photographs of the stretch 
  • Modifications of the stretch for restricted movement 

JingJin Yoga postures align the fascial tracts along the trajectory of the energy channels described in the maps of Chinese Medicine in order to free up the movement of Qi and blood. The maps also provide information about the direction of flow along the trajectories that encourage the opening of the channels as the flow improves. The Qi of the channels provides the energy to move what is stuck. The stretches help to align the channels and re-establish optimum delivery of the Qi and blood where it is needed.   

            Coming soon in November 2023…

A Practical Manual

JingJin Yoga Fascial Stretches Combining Asanas & Energy Pathways by 

Deborah Valentine Smith,L.M.T., Dipl. ABT (NCCAOM®), AOBTA® Certified Instructor, Authorized JinShin Do®   Bodymind Acupressure®  Teacher

Barbara “Teddy” Piotrowski R.N., B.A., Dipl. ABT (NCCAOM®), Board Certified Holistic Nurse, Shiatsu Practitioner, Certified Yoga Therapist, Meditation Specialist