Yin yoga is a slow, meditative style of yoga. It is my favourite for those days when I don’t have a mood for yoga yet know that I need it for my body.
This slow meditative style of yoga focuses on deep connective tissues such as facia, ligaments, joints and bones. It brings an average healthy body to an optimum condition. It is the opposite of the Yang style of traditional yoga’s that focus on muscles and movements.
What it means
In Chinese philosophies and Taoist principles, Yin is the feminine, stable, unmoving, hidden aspect of things that is opposite and complementary to Yang, which is masculine, changing and moving. Yin and Yang are relative terms expressing the two facets of existence and cannot exist without each other. Since existence cannot be static, Yin flows into Yang, and Yang flows into Yin, constantly in flux and changing.
What to expect
Generally, in Yin yoga, you will hold the pose for two to five minutes or sometimes even 20 minutes trying to access the deeper tissues to release any blockages and increase energy flow. It has energy effects similar to an acupuncture treatment. You will go into a pose, find stillness without fidgeting, and hold the posture to feel the deep sensation (find comfort in discomfort in Yoga terms). While holding the pose, the concentration will be on diaphragmatic breathing (different from belly breathing) to focus on something other than the discomfort. Bolster, blocks and rolled blankets will be used to give support and prevent injury.
Who is it suitable for?
This yoga is a perfect class to take after a vigorous workout such as a spin or a workout in the gym, ashtanga yoga or even after an intense run. It is also suitable for people with injuries or chronic conditions such as arthritis and can be practiced as part of restorative style yoga. Ayurvedically, it is the perfect yoga for Vatta constitution to settle their mind and practice yoga without injuring themselves. It is equally suitable for Pitta constitution if they find the patience to practice it as it will calm their competitive mind without generating more heat in the body.
Health benefits
Increases flexibility
Lengthens connective tissues
Boosts circulation
Reduces stress levels
Great starting point for if you are interested in mindfulness & mediation due to the internal focus