What is Yin Yoga and Its Benefits
Jul 19, 2024
Hi there,
I'm currently writing my yin yoga and myofascial release cause. I've had some questions. So here are the answers to some:
So what is Yin yoga and how is it different to other styles of Hatha yoga?
Yin yoga is a relaxed, passive style of yoga. It involves holding poses, for longer durations than most other styles. Restorative yoga being the other practice that holds poses for a long duration. Please note yin yoga is not restorative yoga. The intention is different. It's not intended for students who have serious injuries. This is due to the stress it has on the connective tissues. Restorative yoga uses a lot of props. There shouldn't be any stress on any tissues. Hence why a lot of props are required. Its intention is to relax and renew. It does help restore the flow of energy like other styles. But out of any style of yoga it is the most suitable for students with injuries and the elderly.
Yin got this name from the polar opposites of yin and yang. Neither is better as we need both. It's more that they compliment each other. It is unique to other styles in that it has both Indian and Chinese roots. One of the myths is that it is a new style of yoga which is also incorrect. Many of these poses are part of the ancient text called the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Where poses like downward facing dog weren't.
Yin yoga shares the same purpose and objectives as other yoga practices. But it targets deeper tissues beyond the superficial muscles. Other styles work the yang tissues. Meaning, muscles (superficial tissues). Yin yoga targets the yin tissues. The connective tissues—ligaments, bones, and joints—often overlooked in active yoga practices.
People who are new to yin yoga think it is an easy, gentle and boring practice. It can a very challenging practice for those who are not used to being still. Most of us aren't due this fast paced world we are in. It is very challenging on the mind. In the way meditation can be.
Maintaining stillness with tolerable discomfort. Many advanced yang yoga practitioners struggle.
The poses are often held for 3 - 5 minutes. Sometimes even longer. Experiencing yin yoga even once can reveal that you have only been practicing half of what yoga can offer.
Benefits
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It can release physical tension and unblock stagnant energy in the body. Referred to as Chi (in Chinese medicine) or Prana (in yoga.
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It's a connective tissue workout. It lubricates and lengthens ligaments, tendons, and fascia. Which promotes joint health.
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It's a complement to Yang activity. It balances dynamic, heat-building activities with a slow, meditative practice.
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It encourages introspection and emotional processing.
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It helps build resilience and perseverance. It teaches leaning into discomfort and building mental and emotional resilience.
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It can help reduce stress and anxiety. It can activate the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). This is our rest and digest system. By promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Which helps create a healthier nervous system. Most of us are sympathetic nervous system (SNS) dominant.
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It can reduce Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS). Which we often people get from some yang activities. Like exercising at the gym.
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It can improve flexibility. Long holds improve fascia elasticity and joint mobility.
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It can enhance the energy flow (prana or chi).
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Supports relaxation and better sleep. Other than many yang styles that can cause insomnia if practiced too late in the day.
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It can enhance mental focus by fostering concentration and mindfulness. Which allows practitioners to become aware of their breath. Then learn to create more efficient breathing patterns.
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It can provide a space to experience and process a range of emotions.
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It can aid the body to sit in meditation for longer periods. Many people struggle with seated meditation due to the stillness. As well as their physical body being too uncomfortable.
