Yin Yoga

Yin Yoga is a style codified in the United States in the late 1980s by Paul Grilley, who crystallized its principles in the book Yin Yoga: Outline of a Quiet Practice.

Characteristics of Yin Yoga

Yin Yoga is mostly characterized by a slow and fluid rhythm, aimed at acting deeply on the mind an body. Unlike Yang styles, such as Iyengar and Ashtanga (dynamic with a focus on muscle stimulation), Yin is a style of yoga that focuses on connective tissues. Yin Yoga aims to stimulate and balance the free flow of Prana between the body's chakras (to heal the meridians and organs) while calming ones mood and promoting a state of well-being and tranquility.

Goals of Yin Yoga

Yin Yoga focuses its attention on the present moment, accentuating the importance of self observation and self listening. Concentration is entirely oriented on the correct execution of posture and on the introspective rediscovery of one's sensations and perceptions.

The ligaments, tendons, tissues and bones are regenerated from the inside, strengthen by the energies that will flow freely thanks to the asanas adopted and the associated breathing techniques.

The stretching and relaxation of muscles allow you to nourish every part of the body and in return the body will release the tensions and blocks that prevent free vibrational expression.

The state of meditation induced by the asanas allows you to tune into every inner movement. The breath, alignment of head and heart, letting the authentic ego emerge being freed from negative influences.

Positions and benefits of Yin Yoga

In the practice of Yin Yoga, three fundamental steps can be distinguished for the correct practice of each single position:

1. Adopt the position gradually. The asanas must not be achieved with physical effort, rather it is necessary to ensure that the body opens up and relaxes spontaneously, until the correct attitude is adopted.
2. Stand still. Once you have found the right balance between tension and relaxation, you need to stay still, putting your body in a position to adapt and possibly increase the range of the position.
3. Maintain the asana for the right amount of time. Each position is held for three to five minutes, however, in the beginning the initial foal is closer to 60 seconds.

Psychophysical benefits of this style make for an ideal practice for those who wish to reach a state of inner calm, together with elasticity and physical health.

More About Yin Yoga

Yin Yoga, due to its regenerating qualities, is particularly suitable: before bedtime, during seasonal changes, during times of stress. It can also be practiced cold (without warmup, when your muscles are at rest) as this state allows you to work better on the connective tissues and act effectively on the joint capsules.

Yin Yoga is a simple and intense practice that teaches one to deeply relax the body while calming the mind and emotions. It is inspired by the Taoist concept of yin and yang. Finding the right balance between warm & cold, light & dark, active & passive.

Inside out bodies our muscles tend to be warm and elastic, yang, while our tissue joints are hard and rigid, yin. Therefore when practicing "yang" activities such as running, tennis, biking, etc. we need to find the appropriate balance yin and Yin Yoga is a great option!

Until next week!

~Bernie