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Yin Yoga
Yin is the other half of Yang, often considered opposite but also a part of one another, without the other neither would exist, they are interdependent. Yin and Yang complete one another, Yin transforming into Yang and vice versus. Everything in creation contains both energies and thrive when they are in harmony, and as with all things in life, harmony comes through balance.
Vinyasa, Hatha and Ashtanga Yoga amongst others are considered ‘Yang’ yoga, the asanas are practiced often in a consistent flow with active postures and are usually no longer than 3-5 breaths per asana, therefore the style of yoga considered ‘opposite’ to this, to compliment a Yang practice or yang energy would be Yin yoga, the postures are passive and asanas are generally held for up to 5 minutes, creating an opportunity for reflection, inward observation and ‘stillness’ in our body, mind and breath.
‘The Hatha Yoga Padipika lists only 15 asanas, and of these, 8 are seated positions. Those postures are meant to be held for a long time. Today, we would call them yin postures’ – Bernie Clark
Yin yoga is considered ‘functional yoga’ as it focuses on how an asana feels rather than looks, as each body is different in size and structure each asana takes on a different form, therefore there is no correct alignment of each posture, it is up to you to know and respect your own limits.
‘If you are feeling it, you are doing it’
Physiologically, Yin Yoga targets the deeper connective tissues. With a focus on stressing connective tissue such as tendons, ligaments and fascia. Fascia is a type of connective tissue that wraps around and supports every single structure and system in our body, it is like a big inter-connective web of tissue which also supports all of our movements. A great way to keep your fascia healthy is to practice Yin yoga.
The purpose of Yin yoga is to harmonize the flow of Chi (energy) in our fascia and meridians, stimulating and detoxing our organs. Organs are not only linked to our physical health but to our emotional health, suppressed emotions can impact our organ function and show up as physical dis-ease with a range of symptoms. In Yin yoga specific poses allow our meridians (which are associated with specific organs) to be stimulated and detoxed, therefore stagnant or suppressed emotions are able to be released from our energetic and physical systems.
The 3 tattvas (principles) of Yin Yoga:
~ Come into the pose to an appropriate depth
~ Resolve to remain still
~ Hold the pose for time
Yin yoga is soft and nourishing and is often considered ‘relaxing’ which it can be as we are invited to slow down, observe and listen to our bodies in a relaxing and nurturing space. However, I would encourage you to not have an expectation of your practice beforehand as we do not know what our body needs or where the appropriate depth or edge lies until we meet it in that moment.
'We do not use the body to get into a pose; we use the pose to get into the body.'
If you would like to join me for a practice of Yin yoga, I ask that you come in comfortable unrestrictive clothes and with an open heart and mind, ready to surrender to yourself.