What is Yin Yoga ?
Yin Yoga is the other half to the more physically demanding, Yang style of the Yoga practice. The more active practices are designed to work the Yang tissues of the body, the muscular half. In Yin we work with the Yin tissues; the connective tissues; the tendons; ligaments; joints. The deeper Yin tissues in the fascial networks and even the bones.
Defining Yin Yoga as emerely working the Yin tissues of the physical body is just a glimpse into and the most superficial level of the practice. However this style of Yoga, much like all other styles of Yoga, goes much deeper than this. It goes deep into the set intentions of the practice that make it Yin and it’s how we approach the practice and the methodologies we bring to the practice that defines the style as Yin.
In life there is both a Yin and Yang elements and subtleties throughout. It only seems necessary that this comes into our Yoga practice so we can find balance.
There are qualities that one brings to their Yoga practice. A Yang style would bring qualities of activity, heat, movement, effort, energy and fire where as Yin is more passive, slow, soft, yeilding and cooling in nature.
Yin and Yang are relative terms describing the two facets of existance. Yin cannot exist without Yang and Yang cannot exist without Yin. They compliment one another. These are interchangable, they are always in fluctuation of one another. In a constant state of change between oneanother. Like existance itself.
There are now thousands of recognised Yang postures however much less in the Yin practice. Around 36 postures are recognised within the Yin Yoga method (excluding variations).
THE THREE TATTVAS OF YIN YOGA
Come into the pose at an appropriate depth
Resolve to remain still
hold the pose for a long time
Remember these three main “principles” of the practice will help simlify the style until time and experience will help yu uncover the depth that a Yin Yoga practice has to offer.
In the Yin Yoga style we also talk about “Playing our edges” meaning to be in a position (or mindspace) that is not “too hot” or “too cold” its just right! This is known as the “goldilocks”.
There is a misconception that Yin Yoga is “easy” when in fact depending on one’s personality type and ones physical condition the Yin Yoga practice can be very challenging indeed. Holding positions for a long time one is left with hightened sensations of the body and dominating feelings that arise in the mind. The trick in this practice is to obseve without reaction these thoughts, feelings and sensations. Accept what arises in the moment and surrender into the practice.
Props are used in this practice to help encourage the Major muscles (the Yang tissues) to become completely passive in order for the yin tissues to absorb the stress being applied to them.
A Yin Yoga practice can be a truely profound experience. Releasing old emotions and opening the body over time with a passive and nurturing approach.
An amazing addition and complimentary to your exisitng Yang Yoga practice.
Remember Yin is in.