WHAT IS YIN YOGA?

Yin and yang, by definition, are two halves that come together in wholeness. These two halves are in constant motion as they seek balance. There is never all yin or all yang. Yang applies to the upper body while yin applies to the lower body and the two energies meet in the middle. The body is in constant motion trying to find that balance of yin and yang. Yin is what helps to balance those yang practices that are much more intense such as power and vinyasa.

The purpose of Yin Yoga is to lengthen the connective tissues allowing for more flexibility and blood flow. Each pose requires a duration of anywhere from three to five minutes.

In Yin yoga, the postures are held for longer periods of time with the support of props. The practice incorporates the use of blocks, straps, bolsters, pillows, and blankets. You are guided into each posture until you find your edge. This is that place where you began to feel a little resistance. We are looking for about a 60% stretch in these postures. In this practice, you learn to sit in these poses in a place of slight discomfort. If you ever feel anything painful or too intense, it’s always important to listen to your body and back off.

Yin Yoga helps to add strength to the deep connective tissue which is present throughout the whole body. That feeling of stiffness and tightness comes from the need for the fascia to be targeted deeper within your practice. As we learned in yin yoga teacher training, fascia is what gives us the ability to move and it maintains the connection between all the systems in the body. Our nerve endings also attach to our fascia which means fascia is directly related to the nervous system. Fascia is fluid based so it depends on hydration to manage tension and compression. A lack of fluid will cause instability and dysfunction in the body.

If the facial is dehydrated the following symptoms may show up:

● Body pain ● Digestive problems ● Sleep issue

I encourage you to try out this style of yoga and see how you feel. When I first began, I found it difficult to sit in stillness for so long, as I was used to a practice that was consistent movement. After practicing yin yoga for about a month I fell in love with the practice and it has done wonders for my body, and mind.

Talk soon,

Alli

Source: 200hr YTT manual