Last August, I had the good fortune of attending a class called The Five Spirits of Mt Kunlun presented by Sara Allen, PhD, EEM-AP, a senior Eden Energy Medicine Teacher. Sara was also one of my main teachers when I was studying to become an Eden Energy Medicine Practitioner. The four-day training was about everything from quantum physics to the mysteries of Taoist psychospiritual alchemy. As usual, this teacher knows how to blow your mind! And now, I am happy (and with her blessing) attempting to serve a little of it to you through my Energy Medicine classes in April.

From Chinese Medicine, the Five Spirits (the shen, hun, yi, po, and zhi) can be understood as the Taoist version of the chakra system of Vedic India. They are our channels of perception and compose what we call the subconscious mind. Just as each chakra relates to a particular level of consciousness, each spirit relates to a particular aspect of human awareness, a particular vibration or frequency of psychic energy.

Each Spirit represents a particular psychological function and is related to a physical organ and one of the Five Elements (fire, wood, earth, metal, and water). Whenever we sense anything, the first filter of that information is Spirit. While the purpose of the Five Elements is regeneration and wellbeing, the purpose of the Five Spirits is transformation and evolution. Through the influence of the spirits, life takes on meaning, direction, purpose, integrity, and authenticity.

To quote Lorie Dechar, author of Five Spirits: Alchemical Acupuncture for Psychological and Spiritual Healing, working with the Five Spirits can help guide your unfolding destiny, transform your life so that it is more authentically YOU, interpret the wisdom of your body, heal psychological and psychosomatic symptoms, resolve emotional conflicts, align your actions to your vision, get more of what you want from your life and your relationships, and know when to do nothing and make room for the mystery. WOW! I know that sounds like a lot. But the spirits know what your thinking brain doesn’t. We just need to learn how to listen.

What if your yoga practice could do more than stretch your body—what if it could help you understand your emotions, restore your energy, and reconnect you to a deeper sense of self? This month, I want to invite you into a transformative journey through Energy Medicine Yoga inspired by the Five Spirits of Kunlun. Each week, we explore one of these inner spirits, offering a unique pathway into healing, awareness, and balance. As you might imagine, this is not just a yoga class. It is an experience of coming home to yourself.

Week 1: The Spirit of Fire (Shen) — Cultivating Inspiration, Insight, Awareness & Compassion

We begin with Shen, The Spirit of Fire, associated with the Fire element. When balanced, Shen expresses as warmth, clarity, and emotional openness. When imbalanced, it may show up as restlessness or anxiety. The sense of taste is named Shen and resides in the heart. Leave this class feeling lighter—more connected to gratitude, more open to joy, and more at ease in your own presence.

Week 2: The Spirit of Wood (Hun) — Clarifying Vision, Imagination, Direction & Benevolence

The second week centers on the Hun, or the Spirit of the Wood, associated with the Wood element and the energies of vision, growth, and direction. This spirit governs our ability to dream, plan, and move forward in life. The sense of sight is named Hun and resides in the liver. When imbalanced, it may show up as anger or other extreme emotions as well as depression and confusion. In balance, there will be more clarity and direction, emotional stability, and an ability to achieve your goals.

This practice invites reflection: Where am I going? What am I ready to grow into? As the body opens, so too does our capacity to see clearly and act with intention. Finding your truth path.

Week 3: The Spirit of the Earth (Yi) — Intention, Integrity, Clear Thought & Devotion

At the midpoint of our journey, we arrive at the Yi, associated with the Earth element. This is the energy of intention, integrity, clear thinking, and devotion. The sense of touch is named Yi and resides in the spleen. When imbalanced, it may show up as obsessive thoughts, worry, or over-nurturing of others to avoid your own responsibilities. In balance, there will be an ability to listen to your own inner voice and take its messages seriously, feel more centered in your own self, and express yourself more clearly.

This is often the week where people realize how much they’ve been holding—and how powerful it is to simply rest and receive.

Week 4: The Spirit of the Metal (Po) — Appreciation, & Embodied Knowing

The fourth week explores the Po, or The Spirit of the Metal, linked to the Metal element and Lungs which are the organs that release our grief. The sense of smell is named Po and resides in lung. When imbalanced, it may show up as chronic tension and pain, restlessness, depression, and anxiety. In balance, you will experience a feeling of being “back on track,” a feeling of relief as you let go of old patterns, and a new zest for life.

This week’s practice is centered around the breath—especially the exhale. Through forward folds, gentle compression, and rhythmic breathing, we create space to let go of what no longer serves and to move toward what is precious. Mining for the gold.

Release physical tension, emotional residue, or simply the weight of a busy mind. There is a quiet honesty in this class. Nothing is forced. Instead, you are invited to soften, to feel, and to release at your own pace. This session is deeply cleansing—like a reset for both body and mind. It’s about discovering the preciousness of the moment.

Week 5: The Spirit of Water (Zhi) — Inner Strength, Aligned Will, Courage & Wisdom

We close the series with the Zhi, the spirit of willpower and resilience, associated with the Water element. The sense of hearing is named Zhi and resides in kidney. The kidneys and lower back are areas associated with our deepest reserves of energy. Through breath, visualization, and subtle movement, we tap into a quiet but powerful sense of inner strength.

When imbalanced, it may manifest as forgetfulness, a lack of drive, an inability to pursue goals, and fear. In balance, there may be an increased sense of trust, less fear and anxiety, courage to face the unknown, and a more definite sense of what matters to you.

This is not about pushing harder—it’s about trusting what is already within you. Surrendering and returning to our origin.

Join us for this month-long exploration of Energy Medicine Yoga and the Five Spirits and discover what becomes possible when body, breath, and spirit move as one. SIGN UP HERE.

Each class in this series is carefully designed to integrate movement, breath, energy awareness, and emotional insight. Together, they form a holistic system that supports not only physical well-being, but also mental clarity and emotional balance. You don’t need prior experience with energy work or yoga to join. All practices are accessible, invitational, and adaptable to your own pace.

Over the course of the month, you may begin to notice subtle shifts:

• A greater sense of calm in your daily life
• More awareness of your emotional patterns
• A deeper connection to your body
• And a growing trust in your own inner guidance

NOTE: This blog and the month of classes use information from the following sources:

The Five Spirits of Mt Kunlun: Energy Medicine Protocols for Perceiving Everything Everywhere Correctly All The Time by Sara Allen, PhD, EEM-AP

Five Spirits: Alchemical Acupuncture for Psychological and Spiritual Healing by Lorie Eve Dechar