01/09/2026
Winged Dragon is one of my favourite Yin poses when the hips + front of the body feel tight and compressed after a long day sitting 🤍
Physically, it gives a deep but passive opening through the hip flexors, psoas, inner groin + front of the thigh, while the front knee opening can also create space through the outer hip.
From a Yin / Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, Winged Dragon explores the Stomach + Spleen meridians through the front of the hips, thighs + inner legs.
These pathways are traditionally associated with nourishment, grounding, stability + our ability to process what we take in. Emotionally, they’re also linked with worry, rumination + overthinking - that feeling of being mentally busy or unable to switch off.
I also love this pose from a stress perspective because the hips and psoas can become very guarded when we’re under pressure, so giving the area time, support and breath can help the body soften rather than keep gripping.
To get into Winged Dragon:
✨ Start in a low lunge
✨ Bring both hands inside the front foot
✨ Let the front knee gently open out to the side
✨ Keep the back knee grounded
✨ Use blocks / bolster / cushions / forearm for support
✨ If the pose feels intense, place a bolster under the side body/ribs so the rest of the body can relax more fully
✨ Stay for around 3–5 minutes, then repeat on the other side
Keep the sensation broad and sustainable - never sharp, pinchy or nervy.
