Yawning helps us transition from sleep to alertness and vice versa. It calms our nervous system and helps us regain mental clarity. Yawning while practicing qi gong and meditation can be a sign that stagnant qi is moving and leaving the body, just like trembling, spasms, sneezing, burping, or passing gas. It also opens up the diaphragm and the lungs to clear qi from the central channel. Simultaneous yawning while stretching regulates the temperature of the brain, which in turn can help reduce inflammation and calm the nervous system by releasing beneficial neurochemicals including oxytocin and dopamine and is one of the only mechanisms that deeply stretches and relaxes the deep muscles in the face and inner ear.
Lee encourages you to yawn your day away! Practice purging and balancing routines, healing sounds are a great way to move stagnant qi.
Please note that this material is for educational purposes and is not intended to replace the advice, diagnosis, or treatments of your physician or healthcare practitioner. We encourage you to seek advice from your medical professional or physician regarding the applicability of the suggested practices above.