Why is Yin Yoga so powerful?
If you are someone who has experienced tightness, stiffness, lack of mobility, repeated injury through exercise, lack of time, lack of energy, a fast-paced lifestyle or you lean towards fast-paced exercise more frequently… then Yin Yoga is for you!
What is Yin Yoga?
Yin yoga is a system of yoga that was introduced to the West in the late 70’s. It’s rooted in the Classical Hatha Yoga system and combines elements of anatomy as well as Traditional Chinese Medicine & Daoism. Underpinning this, it incorporates some of the deeper teachings of Hatha Yoga which are all related to the mind.
Traditionally, this slow-paced from of Yoga was practised by Monk’s to create discipline, with poses being held for up to 10 mins long.
How can you benefit from Yin?
Yin has become popular in the modern context for a number of reasons; our habitual tendencies, stationary lives (long-periods sitting at our desks), our lack of mental focus, fast-paced lives with little room for our own self-connection, our emotions, negative thought patterns and experiences. Even attachments to our own bodies which creates deep tension within the deeper layers of our tissues, muscles, joints, bones and cells of the body.
By practising Yin Yoga, we not only give ourselves space and time to connect from within, we hold poses for a few minutes, so that we can begin to notice our holding patterns, tightness, tension and imbalances on a deeper level and by simply becoming aware. We can begin to ease, allow softness and signal to our frazzled nervous systems that it is ‘okay’ for me to let go here. It is important to note that this does not happen overnight, it is continually returning back to this discomfort with the intention to bring comfort with each passing breath. Over time the body and mind are slowly rewired to relax and let go of tension as more comfort is experienced and you progress through each practise and each sitting of Yin Yoga. Of course, this also applies to all other methods of Hatha Yoga – as my teacher says, Yoga is a work-in, not a work-out!
Each pose is generally held for 3-5 mins with a target area/stressor that we focus in on. There is often more emphasis on the lower body – hips, pelvis, lower spine and lower thighs as these areas are rich in both joints and connective tissues that hold it all together.
We focus on a natural but calm and steady breath pattern, noticing shifts in the mind and breath as we are challenged by the discomfort.
When/where can Yin be practised?
When we practise Yin Yoga, we are targeting the deeper layers consisting of ligaments, joints, bones and our deep fascial network made up of connective tissues. It is for this reason that it is recommended to practise when the body is minimally warm, ie, the muscles, limbs and spine have not warmed and the body is not sweating.
Our connective tissues have a very limited blood supply as they hold our joints and bones in place, so they do not need warming but do need movement and hydration. It is the hydration that keeps this tissue supple and functioning optimally. With poor lifestyle, lack of awareness and habitual holding patterns of the body – especially as we age – our tissues become more dense and rigid from tension, leading to tightness and stiffness.
If the body is warmed through physical exercise then we bypass these connective tissues as our muscular system responds to this heat so it is advised to practise Yin either first thing in the morning or before any exercise regime. Some light movement is advisable if you are finding the mind is somewhat scattered prior to sitting.
Yin can be practised anywhere other than in a heated room. Also, it is best to avoid after a hot bath or shower or time in the sun.
What is the result you get in the body with Yin?
After only one session of Yin, you can expect to experience the following benefits – Flexibility, improved sleep, improvement in breath patterns, a calm mind and refreshed body, less tightness & stiffness.
Over time, this could lead to – Ease of mind, patience, connection and acceptance of the present moment, discipline, self-awareness, improved joint mobility, motivation, reduced stress levels, increased range of motion in the body.
Another huge benefit is an increase in flow and energy within the body as you work to unblock and allow the subtle flow of energy known as Prana or Chi to move more fluidly in the body.
Where to find out more?
Mysa Studio is hosting it’s first Yin Yoga workshop this November, 2024!
