There are many different forms and stylisations of yoga available for study in the eternal pursuit of physical and mental health and fitness - Hatha, Ashtanga, Sivananda to name but a few.
Set apart from those systems is the unusual practice of Yin Yoga.
Combining traditional Hatha postures, Taoist philosophy and meridian theory, Yin Yoga is a beautiful form of yogic practice.
It works well as a counter-balance to the harder yang forms of exercise e.g. power yoga, Ashtanga yoga, running, swimming, etc., or a fast-paced stressful lifestyle and would, therefore, be a perfect addition to any classes in which you already participate.
The three main principles of Yin Yoga are:
(1) come to the appropriate depth of the pose, the place where the body naturally stops, where you begin to feel sensation and unfolding in the body, free from any muscular tension and pain, where your breath remains natural soft and gentle;
(2) achieve stillness, permitting passivity within the tissues around the targeted area as the body surrenders into the shape;
(3) hold the posture for a long period of time. Each posture is held on the floor for about 5 minutes.
Yin Yoga focuses on strengthening and lengthening the connective tissue (ligaments, tendons, and fascia), reaching down and stimulating the flow of chi through the energy conduits of the body.
Connective tissue responds best to long passive holds, rather than rhythmic movement, which is better suited to the muscles. This is why it is often referred to as yoga for the joints.
Yin Yoga brings yoga back to its internal meditative roots and has profound physical, emotional and energetic benefits:
Physically, Yin Yoga helps maintain the agility and mobility of the joints below the navel and above the knee, finding more comfort in the body in stillness and more grace in movement.
Energetically, Yin Yoga is essentially needle-less acupuncture, enabling your energy system to find its own natural equilibrium, balance and harmony.
Emotionally, Yin creates a space to breathe, to remain still and simply observe in a non-attached way the array of emotions that ebb and flow, cultivating acceptance of what is, breeding an emotional resilience and maturity.
Psychologically, this practice can help develop the capacity to concentrate, to focus our attention, to cultivate awareness of what is arising within.
If you're looking to expand your yoga repertoire, accessing the body's inherent wisdom in a way not normally reached in other forms of yoga, the beautiful and unique practice of Yin Yoga is an ideal direction to consider.
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